Hi, I’m Shana
Specializing in Maternal Mental Health and Parenting, in addition to being trained by Postpartum Support International, this therapist-in-training has a deep-rooted passion for understanding the intricacies of pregnancy, the postpartum, and parenthood.
How to Know It’s the Right Time to Start Trying
Before having children of my own, I was captivated by pregnancy and birth. I was curious about the journey families went through, and I knew I wanted to be a part of supporting it in some way. But my desire to have my own children felt like a cerebral choice. After getting married, my husband and I moved overseas, and I was focused on my career.
While my husband was eager to start a family, I wasn’t ready. I was content with our current family unit, prioritizing my career and personal interests. Looking back, it was as if somewhere deep inside, I knew that having children would change my life in ways I couldn’t fully anticipate, and I wasn’t ready for that. When the time came, my readiness for motherhood arrived in a surprisingly simple way: I wanted a life change. I wanted to become a mother.
Not everyone feels a deep, passionate longing for children; for some, it’s more of a practical decision, a journey they choose to embark on—one that comes with the knowledge of sacrifices ahead. Despite knowing this, I was still unprepared for the magnitude of change the transition would bring.
Motherhood in Isolation
When I had my first child, I was in a foreign county, far from familiar supports. The learning curve to being a new mom was steep, with challenges many new parents experience yet without the ability to access recognizable resources to address my needs. During this time, I was supported by a group of mothers who were also going through or had gone through a similar experience, and their care was invaluable.
When I welcomed my second child in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was isolated in a new way and was blindsided by mom rage. Beneath the surface of endless self-sacrifice, an emotion I didn’t recognize began to surface. Isolated by the global pandemic and adjusting to life as a mother of two young children, I found myself having intense reactions to small things. Without my usual community of friends or access to social spaces, I felt disconnected and overwhelmed. The life I had chosen no longer seemed manageable, and I began to lose my sense of individuality to the constant needs of my children. I no longer recognized the person or parent I once envisioned myself to be, and I needed support to reconnect with who I was.
Finding Strength in Support: My Journey to Finding Myself in Motherhood
I’m still deep in my parenting and mothering journey, and finding support along the way has been invaluable. A few years ago, I found a support group for moms where I could share real experiences and navigate complex emotions. It became a safe space for me to acknowledge and accept when my best wasn’t enough and to be reminded that I could—and would—find my way again. This community of mothers is a constant source of encouragement and hope for me, a place where I can reconnect with who I am and what I’m capable of.
Who Shana Works
Best With?
Every mom deserves the experience of feeling supported and understood. When I reflect back on my journey, I realize how valuable it would have been to have a therapist and a support group from the very beginning. Having that support could have made a world of difference. It would have helped me process my experiences, given me a space to share my hopes and concerns, and strengthened my bond with my babies. It would have also provided the validation and understanding I needed while helping me address and decrease my mom rage.
Realizing how beneficial that would have been for me is what has made me passionate about working with women and supporting parenthood.
We all have a vision of what parenting will be like or how it will feel to become a parent, but the reality doesn’t always align with these hopes and expectations. That disconnect can be disorienting, disheartening, and lead to feelings of failure. Have you ever felt that way? Having a compassionate space to process those emotions, to acknowledge that our best right now may not feel like enough, and to be reminded of our strengths can make a world of difference in how we show up as parents and as individuals. I am passionate about supporting women and families as they navigate their unique journeys to parenthood. If you’re reading this, you likely know that becoming a parent is often not what we envision, and it’s crucial to have spaces where our stories are heard, validated, and held with understanding and acceptance.
This is what I strive to offer, and if any of this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to navigate these feelings alone anymore. So whether you are an expecting parent trying to prepare for baby, a new mother, or dealing with ups and downs of being a parent at any stage, or simply looking for support, I would love to connect and see if we might be a good fit.
What Is It Like Working With Shana?
This is Shana’s Approach She Takes With Women Who Are Struggling With Postpartum Anxiety or Depression and the journey into motherhood
Compassionate
Shana’s deep-rooted passion for understanding the intricacies of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood showcases her compassionate nature. Her approach is not just clinical but also deeply empathetic, recognizing the challenges and emotions each individual might face. With Shana, clients can expect a warm environment where their feelings and experiences are validated and understood.
Insightful
Shana’s keen interest in debunking societal norms around motherhood highlight her insightful perspective. She delves deep into the systemic influences on one's worldview, ensuring a holistic understanding of her clients' experiences. Working with Shana means benefiting from her profound insights into the complexities of relationships, parenthood, and personal growth.
Supportive
At every stage, from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond, Shana offers unwavering support to her clients. Her dedication to providing tools for individuals to feel safe and secure is evident in her work at Well Roots. Clients can trust in Shana’s commitment to guiding them through life's challenges, ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.
Take Our Free Anxiety Quiz
This free quiz is designed to help you identify and understand the depth of your emotions, providing clarity even if you're not fully conscious of them.
How To Start Online Therapy
Your virtual comfort zone, just a click away... because self-care knows no boundaries.
Schedule Your Free Session
Taking the first step is vital. This initial session lets you connect with a therapist, gauge their approach, and decide if it aligns with your needs. It's your chance to set the foundation for healing.
Commit To The Process
Healing requires dedication. By fully engaging in therapy, you invest in your well-being. Trust the journey, your therapist, and yourself.
Find Joy…and yourself
Beyond addressing pain, therapy helps you rediscover joy and self-awareness. Embrace moments of happiness and celebrate your growth, leading to a more authentic you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Depression
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Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect parents after childbirth. It's characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can make it challenging for the new parent to complete daily care activities for themselves or for their baby.
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While many new parents experience mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping, often referred to as the "baby blues," these symptoms typically subside within a week or two. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is more intense and lasts longer, potentially interfering with a parent's ability to care for their baby and handle other daily tasks. It requires medical attention and often benefits from therapy or counseling.
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Yes, while PPD is most commonly associated with birthing mothers, fathers or non-birthing parents can also experience symptoms of postpartum depression. The challenges of parenting, coupled with potential hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and lifestyle adjustments, can contribute to PPD in any new parent.
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Treatment for PPD can vary based on the severity of the symptoms and individual needs. Common treatments include therapy or counseling, medication, and support groups. It's essential for anyone experiencing symptoms of PPD to seek medical advice and discuss potential treatment options with a healthcare professional.
Shana Sobhani Is Able To Work With Clients in Colorado, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Vermont.
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