Therapy for Moms in Houston, TX
Postpartum treatment can offer you a safe space to express your emotions
“I thought postpartum depression meant you were sobbing every single day and incapable of looking after a child. But there are different shades of it and depths of it, which is why I think it's so important for women to talk about. It was a trying time. I felt like a failure."
— Gwyneth Paltrow
Plan for your needs, not just the nursery.
Download this free Beyond the Birth Plan checklist to help you prepare emotionally, mentally, and practically for life after baby. Created by a postpartum therapist, this resource goes beyond hospital bags and nursery lists—offering support for mental health, feeding, sleep, and communication in early motherhood.
Not everyone’s journey is the same.
The moment you get the news that you are going to be a parent, everything changes. For some, the changes feel exciting and you feel a renewed sense of purpose. For others, the experience is anxiety provoking and you immediately think of all of the scary things that can happen. There are many transitions that you are going through all at once and a never-ending stream of decisions to be made. Epidural or natural delivery. Breastmilk vs formula. Following a schedule vs. winging it. Which sleep training method is the best for our family? Which car seat do I buy?
The decisions can seem endless. And once a decision is made, it can be difficult to feel confident in that decision. You may feel overwhelming guilt or you may feel judgement from others. You may also be experiencing changes in your relationship with your partner. How do I nurture the relationship with my partner, focus on my baby, and do things for myself? These are all valid concerns. The truth is that navigating this new transition is HARD and it takes time. You are probably doing it sleep deprived and haven’t finished a hot cup of coffee all week.
Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression
Many of you may be wondering, is what I am feeling normal? Most new moms experience some symptoms of “baby blues” between birth and about two weeks post birth. You might feel overwhelmed, tearful, and irritable. Usually these symptoms are short term and resolve themselves. If the symptoms are more severe or longer lasting, you may be experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.
Up to 20% of mothers develop postpartum mood disorders within the first year of giving birth. Make no mistake, mommas. This is a medical issue and there is no shame in admitting that you need some support.
What are common symptoms of postpartum mood disorders?
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Mental + Emotional Symptoms
Racing thoughts that are hard to turn off
Constant worry about your baby’s health, safety, or development
Feeling like something bad is going to happen, even without a clear reason
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling on edge, restless, or like you can’t relax
Intrusive thoughts (unwanted, scary thoughts that feel out of character)
Irritability or snapping easily
Trouble enjoying your baby or feeling emotionally distant
Physical Symptoms
Tight chest or shortness of breath
Headaches or muscle tension
Nausea or digestive issues
Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
Loss of appetite—or overeating to self-soothe
Fatigue that goes beyond normal sleep deprivation
Behavioral Symptoms
Avoiding certain places, situations, or people due to fear or overwhelm
Rechecking things repeatedly (monitoring baby’s breathing, Googling symptoms, checking locks)
Feeling unable to leave the baby with someone else, even briefly
Overplanning or over-controlling routines to reduce anxiety
Withdrawing from partner, friends, or support systems
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Mental + Emotional Symptoms
Feeling persistently sad, empty, or hopeless
Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Guilt, shame, or feeling like you're not a good mom
Frequent crying, or feeling like you want to cry but can’t
Irritability, anger, or feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Feeling like your family would be better off without you
Thoughts of death, escape, or self-harm (even if fleeting)
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest
Trouble sleeping, even when you have the chance
Sleeping too much or too little
Changes in appetite—either not eating at all or overeating
Slowed-down movements or restlessness
Unexplained aches, pains, or tension
Behavioral Symptoms
Withdrawing from loved ones or social situations
Avoiding responsibilities or feeling paralyzed by simple decisions
Feeling disconnected from your baby or like you're "going through the motions"
Neglecting personal care or hygiene
Using food, alcohol, or screens to numb out or escape
Difficulty asking for help or feeling like no one would understand
Pregnancy and childbirth affect our partners and relationships, too.
The transition into parenthood can be challenging for all parties involved. Partners, we did not forget about you! You are in the thick of it. You may be at a loss at how to support your partner. Or you may be feeling unsupported yourselves. Things are changing and it can be hard to cope. Counseling can be a safe place where you can discuss and adjust to this overwhelming transition in your family.
If pregnancy and childbirth is affecting both parents, it is only normal that it is affecting the relationship. Growing a family changes every aspect of your life together. Both of you are trying to navigate these changes. Many times, you are just trying to survive. You are avoiding conflicts because you are literally exhausted. Or you may be addressing them while your tank is on empty, which is never good for anyone. You may be feeling unsure of your role in the relationship or feeling like you cannot do anything right. This may lead to resentment or withdrawing from the relationship.
And then there’s the emotional labor—who’s keeping track of the appointments, restocking the diapers, managing the mental load? The resentment can creep in slowly, often unspoken but deeply felt. Add in mom guilt, perfectionism, and the pressure to keep it all together, and suddenly, your connection can feel distant, even though you’re in the same room.
Therapy can help you slow down, say the things you’ve been holding in, and reconnect—not just as co-parents, but as partners. You don’t have to keep running on fumes. Together, we’ll make space for each of your experiences, rebuild trust, and create a path forward that feels more sustainable—for both of you.
What does treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety look like?
It is hard to seek out treatment. Many parents feel that they “should” be able to get through this on their own. That is simply not the case. As humans, we are built for connection and are created to need support from one other. It is a strength to know you need help and ask for it. At Hello Therapy, we specialize in supporting moms through the challenges of motherhood.
Our primary treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety is much like our treatment for traditional depression and anxiety, however, it is modified for issues surrounding parenthood. I primarily incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and mindfulness into treatment for postpartum mood disorders. We spend much of our time evaluating the thoughts that are keeping you down and work together create more realistic expectations for you in your role as a parent. We also focus heavily on cultivating self-compassion and improving resilience skills. It is not all about the therapeutic modalities. We also explore the deeper layers of your experience, like the pressure to be the “perfect mom.” the guilt that surfaces when you need a break, and the burnout that comes from constantly putting others first. We talk about boundaries - not just how to set them, but how to deal with the discomfort or guilt that can come after. Treatment is collaborative, supportive, non-judgmental, and designed to meet you where you are in the motherhood journey.
The transition into parenthood is full of ups and downs. You do not have to continue to suffer alone. If you feel individual counseling may be helpful, please contact me for a complimentary consultation.
Meet Elaine Moreno, LCSW
Hi, I’m Elena—Postpartum Therapist and Mom.
I know firsthand how motherhood can be all the things at once—beautiful, overwhelming, isolating, joyful, guilt-ridden, and exhausting. When I had my first child, I expected to feel full. Fulfilled. Grateful. Instead, I felt anxious. Alone. Like I was doing everything wrong. I found myself questioning my choices, second-guessing my instincts, and carrying resentment in my relationship that I didn’t know how to name.
The truth is, parenthood changes everything—your body, your identity, your relationships, your sense of control. And no one really prepares you for the emotional load that comes with it.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to stay stuck in that place. It can get better. You can feel better.
In our work together, we’ll unpeel the layers—your story, your struggles, your expectations—and figure out what’s actually serving you and what’s not. Together, we’ll create a path forward that feels more grounded and more compassionate.
“In my case, I started having dark thoughts, obsessing about the dangers of the world and the vulnerability of my own children. All this was compounded by the severe sleep deprivation from having two babies just 16 months apart. It was excruciating and got better only once I became open to therapy."
— Bekah Martinez