|
 ABOUT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
The "Baby Blues" is a term used to characterize the first few days following the birth of a baby when new moms often experience mood swings, sleep disruption, and feelings of anxiety, loneliness and/or restlessness.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) has been estimated to impact between 10-20% of mothers. This full-blown depression can last from two weeks to a year and sometimes does not occur until weeks or months after the baby’s birth.
Some of the most common symptoms include frequent crying, irritability, anxiety, appetite changes, poor concentration, excessive concern with the baby or lack of concern for the baby, hopelessness, insomnia, memory loss, guilt, fear of harming the baby or harming yourself. Women suffering from PPD usually experience several of these symptoms ranging in severity from mild to very intense.
GETTING HELP 
It is often difficult for mothers and/or their partners to determine whether or not postpartum depression is present. A woman suffering from postpartum depression may be reluctant or fearful to discuss her symptoms. But getting help is critical and you need not suffer alone.
Short-term therapy can often help alleviate the pain and stress associated with postpartum depression. While working with a therapist you will acquire the tools necessary to better arm yourself against the harmful impact of PPD. Further, you will be offered practical coping skills, guidance and support.
A therapist may also discuss with you a variety of options to compliment your treatment including self-care techniques, psychotropic medications, and holistic health considerations.
Parenting Techniques
and Challenges |
| |
|
|
Parenting can be an incredibly rewarding and challenging journey. Could we have ever guessed the depths of adoration we would feel for our young or the magical joy we could experience in some of our simplest moments with them? 
Yet how many of us have remarked to other parents, "This is so hard! " or "No one could have prepared me! " or "I wish I could just take a long break from parenthood! "? Most likely, we all have.
Raising children is delightful. It is also extremely strenuous in a culture that is toxic to families. Many families are unable to access the kind of support they need to flourish. The media teaches us that, to be good parents, we must always act lovingly, be happy, and respond "perfectly". Further, that we should be well-rested and refreshed while doing it! After all, the parents on magazine covers sure are!
These expectations are simply not realistic considering the additional burdens that families today are facing. Many of us live far from our extended families and work long hours. Many of us feel depleted. And even thriving families with lots of resources need additional support from time to time.
It is often difficult for parents to acknowledge that their family life is strained. Parents may be reluctant or even fearful to discuss their struggles. But getting support is critical to the health of the whole family unit.
Short-term counseling can help alleviate some of the stress associated with parenting, while providing you with the practical skills and tools necessary to better manage your day to day hurdles. A therapist with family-life expertise can help parents incorporate nourishing self-care techniques and explore holistic health considerations, all while providing guidance and support.
|
Energy Healing Techniques
~healing using ancient wisdom~
|
|
|
|
Energy Medicine encompasses a variety of ancient traditions that, for centuries, have been successfully used to expedite our body's natural healing process. Due to the multidimensional nature of our difficulties, and to provide the quickest and most holistic relief possible, various energy methods (including acupressure point stimulation, breath and body work, and mindfulness practices) may be incorporated into sessions, should you so desire.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) & Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAPAS) both involve the placement of the client’s own fingers on various acupressure points. While certain postures are being stimulated, the client is asked to place her or his attention on a series of thoughts. The techniques are very gentle and non-invasive.
As an attuned Reiki practioner, Valerie is also able to use her energetic skills to gently assist in releasing toxic energy.
Reiki is a Japanese technique for promoting healing through stress reduction and relaxation. When broken into its root words, the direct translation is as follows; Rei which means "Higher/Wisest Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". The complete meaning, therefore, is "spiritually guided life force energy."
Reiki is partly
based upon the scientific ideology of physics which holds that all living beings, in their simplest forms, are, in fact, vibrating components of energy. In other words, a "life force energy" flows through all living beings.
Using a simple and gentle hands-on technique, Reiki treats the body,
emotions, mind and spirit. Reiki is anatural and safe method of
spiritual healing and self-improvement that is universally applicable. It has
been known to positively a wide variety of illnesses and malady. It also works in conjunction with
all other medical or therapeutic techniques to
promote healing and recovery.
In order to best help you meet your goals, you will be offered additional resources for use outside the counseling session. Such tools may be used for improved overall health while empowering you to move through life’s challenges with a greater sense of personal confidence and inner peace.
|
Products & Presentations
~ to meet your needs~
|
|
|
Body Awareness; A Meditation CD
Valerie's premier CD is now available for purchase!
To order or for more information:
please call 410-730-9899 or email orders to: healingtherapiesonline@yahoo.com
Once
your order is received, a paypal bill will be sent to your email
address. After payment is completed, shipping will be expedited within
24 hours. You may also order via regular mail by sending a check to our
office address (in our contact information section).
In your ordering information, please include: 
- name
- mailing addresses
- email address
- phone number
- quantity being ordered
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
With the inception of her first workshop entitled, "A Look in the Mirror" in 2002, Valerie has been an event presenter across the East Coast. Valerie is available to speak on a variety of topics and is happy to work with you to meet the needs of your specific audience. Some topic examples are as follows: |
* Body Image Development in Girls
* New Parenting Challenges
* Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting
* Postpartum Depression; Diagnosis & Treatment
* Sibling Connections in Foster Care
* Moms Without Masks; Dispelling the Myths of Suburban Motherhood
* Energy work in the Counseling Setting
* Radiant Living
Call our office or email to explore how I might serve your organization or venue with a tailored presentation at 410-730-9899 or <healingtherapiesonline@yahoo.com>.
|
Healing Therapies