251: No More Shame: Therapists Need Help, Too

Talking about your own mental health can be even more difficult if you work in the mental health field. There is shame and stigma attached to a therapist who admits that they need help because the assumption is that therapists don’t need help with mental health. My guest shares her story of postpartum struggles and the effect on her relationships and life as she experienced stress, anxiety, and isolation when her second child was born during the pandemic. Join us to hear her perspective. Laura Galindo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, New York, and Connecticut, where she currently resides. She has been in the field for over a decade, providing therapy for individuals who have chronic mental illness, and she works with those who are actively serving in the US military. She runs her private practice in Connecticut, where she is certified in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), EMDR, and perinatal mental health.  Show Highlights: How Laura’s second daughter arrived just days before the world entered the COVID shutdown How Laura’s maternity leave ended up not going according to the plan, along with feeding problems with her newborn  How the pandemic shutdown prevented Laura from receiving the help she needed and left her feeling very isolated How Laura felt “mom guilt” very deeply and still feels resentment about the pandemic Why it was hard for Laura, the therapist, to admit that something was wrong with her How seeing a therapist for EMDR and using “movement as medicine” began to help Laura in many ways Why Laura was torn and conflicted about returning to work and felt guilty about cutting her maternity leave short How Laura finally realized that she had to “fill her own cup” before trying to be a good wife, mom, and therapist How Laura faced the questions from coworkers about shortening her maternity leave– and handled the additional anxiety of learning the new telehealth system  Why Laura questioned her therapy skills and knowledge because of her unrealistic expectations for herself Why Laura became certified in perinatal mental health as a result of her experiences How Laura first realized that it was time for her to seek help What Laura would say to struggling parents Resources: Connect with Laura: Website and Instagram https://www.thrivecounselingandwellnessgroup.com   Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you! Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!