A support group for mothers experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety.
We understand that the postpartum period can be a challenging time for new mothers. With changes in sleep, hormones, and overall lifestyle, it's not uncommon for women to experience feelings of postpartum depression and anxiety. That's why Long Island EMDR has created a safe and supportive space for new moms to come together and share their experiences.
We welcome all new moms to join our group, regardless of the severity of your symptoms or the length of time you have been experiencing them. Our group meetings provide a judgement-free zone where you can feel comfortable sharing your story and receiving support from others who are experiencing similar challenges.
If you are a new mom struggling with postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or just adjusting to the many changes that come with motherhood, we are here to support you. Contact us today to learn more about our program and take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.
This Group is For Mothers Experiencing:
- Sadness, mood swings, anger, irritability, and/or feeling overwhelmed.
- Intense anxiety.
- Feeling like a "bad mom" inadequate, worthless, guilty, useless, ashamed, etc.
- Identity loss --"who am l?"
- Difficulty bonding with the baby.
- Relationship problems with partner.
- The need to meet other moms!
Benefits of Joining Brighter Beginnings:
- Join other mothers with PPA/PPD in a loving, friendly setting for mutual help.Feel supported, validated, and heard.
- Learn coping skills to overcome PPA/PPD, feel happier, and embrace your new change in life.
- Talk about the challenges and milestones of being a mother with PPA/PPD, compounded with the other difficulties in motherhood, without judgment!
About the Brighter Beginnings Group Leader
Valerie Smith, LMSW, CFTG, is a therapist, social worker, new mom and certified forest therapy guide at
Long Island EMDR under the supervision of our clinical director, Alexandria Baxter, LCSW.
Valerie possesses a bachelor and master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University and
Fordham University, both from which she graduated summa cum laude. Valerie is also a
certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT),
where she trained in the Rocky Mountains to master sensory-based, mindful activities through
a biophilic perspective. Valerie is passionate about the health benefits of a plant-based diet as
well as holistic wellness. Valerie is trained in EMDR and TF-CBT, with experience in DBT-
informed skills. She focuses her treatment on adolescent girls and young women with C-PTSD
and PTSD. Additionally, she helps people with life-threatening disease and their caregivers.
Finally, she works alongside those experiencing grief and bereavement, especially young adults
who lost one or both of their parents/guardians.