Perinatal Counseling
in Phoenix, AZ
Perinatal Counseling
Perinatal counseling is focused on supporting women (and couples) through their journey into parenthood. Becoming a parent is one of the most significant changes in the human experience. New parents enter a torrent of new information and experiences. expectations, and emotions.
Accompanying these large changes are also significant physical changes for expectant and new mothers. All of this change and what may feel like the cruelest of mother nature’s actions is the lack of a proper instruction manual. However, no lack of suggestions from family, friends, and even perfect strangers.
Although the experience of parenthood can be one of the most joyful periods of a woman’s life, it, too, can be overwhelming.
If you are experiencing stress, overwhelmed, or any of the below, please know this is perfectly normal, and perinatal counseling can help.
Common Topics for Perinatal Counseling
Feelings of Guilt or Regret
Excessive Worry and Anxiety
Feeling Like a “Bad Mother” or Not “Good Enough”
Loss of Joy
Strained Romantic or Family Relationships
Desire to Run or Escape
Feelings of Despair, Sadness, or Hopelessness
Angry Outburst or Increased Irritability
Not Feeling Like a Person or Out of Body Experience
Fear of Being Alone with Your Baby
Obsessive/Ruminating Anxious Thoughts
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Meet Nicole Elliott, LPC, PMH-C
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Practice Areas: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Couple’s Therapy, Depression,
Disability Counseling, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy,
Faith-Based Counseling General Mental Health Counseling,
Gerontological Counseling, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling,
Women’s Counseling, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Perinatal Counseling, Postpartum Depression Counseling.
Meet Nicole Elliott, LPC, PMH-C
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Practice Areas: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Couple’s Therapy, Depression,
Disability Counseling, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy,
Faith-Based Counseling General Mental Health Counseling,
Gerontological Counseling, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling,
Women’s Counseling, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Perinatal Counseling, Postpartum Depression Counseling.
Begin your journey with confidence
In a free, no-obligation 10-min consultation we can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.
Our licensed clinicians apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation.
Start your journey with confidence
In a free, no-obligation 10-min consultation we can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.
Our licensed clinicians apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation.
Perinatal Counseling FAQ
Perinatal counseling is a specialized form of mental health support focused on the emotional and psychological experiences associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This includes support during conception, pregnancy, birth, and the months following delivery. Perinatal counselors are licensed mental health professionals trained to address the unique physical, hormonal, emotional, and life changes that occur during this time. Perinatal counseling provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to process complex emotions such as anxiety, depression, grief, fear, identity changes, and adjustment to parenthood, while also supporting overall emotional well-being during a highly sensitive life transition.
Perinatal counseling is for anyone who is pregnant, planning a pregnancy, has recently given birth, or has experienced pregnancy-related challenges or loss. This includes individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as postpartum depression or anxiety, as well as those navigating infertility, high-risk pregnancies, birth trauma, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or neonatal intensive care (NICU) experiences. Perinatal counseling can also be beneficial for partners, caregivers, and family members who may be impacted by these experiences and who are adjusting to new roles, stressors, or emotional challenges during the perinatal period.
Perinatal counseling can help by providing emotional support, coping strategies, and practical tools to manage stress, mood changes, and overwhelming emotions during pregnancy and after birth. Therapy may focus on reducing anxiety or depression, processing traumatic or unexpected birth experiences, strengthening attachment and confidence in parenting, and navigating relationship or identity changes. Perinatal counseling also supports individuals in making informed decisions, communicating effectively with medical providers, and developing self-compassion during a time when expectations can feel intense or unrealistic. Our perinatal counselors help support emotional resilience, mental health, and well-being for both the individual and their family during the perinatal journey.
Yes, perinatal counseling can be very effective in helping with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a very common biologically influenced mental health condition that can occur after childbirth, and is very treatable with postpartum therapy. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, our Perinatal counselors are trained to recognize and treat postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and assist you with the hormonal, physical, emotional, and life changes that can occur after birth.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Melissa Estavillo
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology,
Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology,
Arizona School of Professional Psychology
B.S. Psychology,
Grand Canyon University
Dr. Linda DeBiase
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Lake Forest College
B.A. Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology,
Clinical Psychology
Dr. Nikki Kemper
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology,
Midwestern University
Masters in Clinical Psychology,
Midwestern University
Nicole Elliott, LPC, PMH-C
M.C. Counseling,
Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature),
Arizona State University
Elizabeth Felix, LPC
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse,
Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology,
Ottawa University
Heather Wheeler, LCSW
Masters in Social Work,
Arizona State University
B.A. Psychology,
Arizona State University
Laura Reed, LPC
M.S. Professional Counseling,
Grand Canyon University
B.S. Psychology,
Grand Canyon University
Rebecca Fregoso, LPC
M.S. Counseling,
University of Phoenix
B.A. Psychology,
California State University
Kirsten Eby, LPC, ATR-BC
M.S. Art Therapy Counseling
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
M.A. Teaching, Elementary
American University
B.A. Psychology & Sociology
Tulane University
Dr. Melissa Estavillo
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University
Dr Linda DeBiase
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Lake Forest College, B.A. Psychology California School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
Dr Nikki Kemper
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University Masters in Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University
Nicole Elliott, LPC
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Elizabeth Felix, LPC
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University<
Heather Wheeler, LCSW
Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University
Laura Reed, LPC
M.S. Professional Counseling, Grand Canyon University B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University
Rebecca Fregoso, LPC
M.S. Counseling, University of Phoenix, B.A. Psychology, California State University
Kirsten Eby, LPC, ATR-BC
M.S. Art Therapy Counseling Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville M.A. Teaching, Elementary American University B.A. Psychology & Sociology Tulane University
Our Location in Phoenix, AZ
Address:
6245 N 24th Parkway, Suite #106 Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Phone: (480) 999-7070
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
