Thrive Postpartum, Couples and Family

Do you and your partner fall into these communication traps? The Gottman Method identifies the Four Horsemen that predict relationship breakdown: ?? Criticism – Attacking your partner’s character ?? Contempt – Disrespect, sarcasm, or mocking ?? Defensiveness – Playing the victim instead of taking responsibility ?? Stonewalling – Shutting down and avoiding discussion ?? The good news? These patterns can be changed! Therapy can help couples replace destructive habits with healthier communication. #CouplesTherapy #GottmanMethod #HealthyRelationships #CommunicationMatters ??thegottmaninstitute

Postpartum mental health challenges are more than just "baby blues." Recognizing the difference between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression can help you seek the right support. It is important to also know that research shows that about 50-70% of women who experience Postpartum Depression (PPD) also show signs of Postpartum Anxiety (PPA). ?? Postpartum Anxiety?? Excessive Worry: Constantly worrying about your baby's health, safety, or your ability to care for them, trouble falling or staying asleep, often due to racing thoughts or fear of something happening to your baby. Irritability or Restlessness: Feeling easily agitated or unable to sit still. This can also include difficulty relaxing or calming your mind. Racing thoughts: Where the mind constantly shifts between worries and concerns, often about the baby’s health or the challenges of motherhood ?? Postpartum Depression ?? Persistent Sadness or Depressed Mood: Feeling down, hopeless, or tearful for an extended period, even when there is no apparent reason for the sadness. Hopelessness: A sense of feeling that things will never get better, or that there is no way out of the current situation. This can lead to a sense of despair. Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, including bonding with your baby or taking care of yourself. ?? Both are treatable, and you’re not alone! If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out. ?? #PostpartumSupport #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #PPD #PPA

Grief is not something to be “moved on” from—it’s something we learn to live with. By turning toward our grief with self-awareness and self-compassion, we create space for healing. ?? Here are 5 gentle ways to support yourself in your grief: 1?? Embrace solitude – Use quiet moments to reflect and process your emotions. 2?? Practice self-compassion – Be kind to yourself; there’s no “right” way to grieve. 3?? Set boundaries – Advocate for what you need and allow grief to follow its own timeline. 4?? Educate & support others – Help shift the narrative around grief and create space for genuine connection. 5?? Live with intention – Find ways to honor your loved one in your daily life and future moments. Grief is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, and know that you are never alone. ?? #GriefSupport #HealingWithCompassion #YouAreNotAlone #SelfCompassion #GriefJourney #BereavementSupport #HonoringLovedOnes

??? Infertility can feel like an endless storm, filled with uncertainty, loss, and heartbreak. The weight of treatments, grief, and unmet hopes can take a toll on both partners—sometimes making it hard to see the light ahead. But even in the darkest moments, you are not alone. ?? Seeking support, making space for connection, and allowing yourself to grieve in your own way can help you and your partner navigate this journey together. Healing takes time, but the sun will shine again. ?? #InfertilityJourney #YouAreNotAlone #CouplesSupport #InfertilityAwareness #HealingThroughGrief #EmotionalWellness #ThriveTogether

Our next free BIPOC support group is Wednesday March 5th from 8-9pm CST, please share this flyer with anyone you think would benefit.????

Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to ground yourself in the moment. Here are 5 techniques to help you regain control: 1?? Ground Yourself with 5-4-3-2-1 – Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. 2?? Control Your Breathing – Try box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4. 3?? Use Cold Sensations – Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube to shift focus and regulate your nervous system. 4?? Positive Self-Talk – Remind yourself, “This will pass. I am safe.” Speak to yourself with kindness. 5?? Move Your Body – Walk, stretch, or shake out tension to release built-up adrenaline. You are not alone. ?? Save this for when you need it and share with someone who might find it helpful. #PanicAttackRelief #AnxietyCopingSkills #MentalHealthMatters #Mindfulness #GroundingTechniques #YouAreNotAlone #Breathe

?? Life will always bring waves—challenges, stress, and uncertainty. But through mindfulness, resilience, and support, we can learn to ride them rather than be swept away. ?? What helps you navigate life’s waves? Share below! ?? #MentalHealthMatters #Mindfulness #Resilience #SelfCare #ThriveWithTherapy

Reminder! The National Lotus Consultation Group meets TOMORROW! ?? Join us for a supportive space dedicated to perinatal loss care providers. This quarterly consultation group is a chance to engage in case discussions, research review, networking, and self-care with fellow professionals. There’s still time to register—scan the QR code on the flyer. We’d love to have you join us! #PerinatalLossSupport #ConsultationGroup #PerinatalMentalHealth #Therapists #Doulas #OBGYN #SocialWorkers

A Night of Remembrance: Honoring and Holding Space This evening, we gathered for our Night of Remembrance, a heartfelt space to honor and remember the precious babies gone too soon. Through candlelight, shared stories, and quiet reflection, we held space for grief, love, and connection. Each person had the opportunity to speak their child’s name, light a candle in their memory, and express what was in their heart. We wrote down emotions, allowing ourselves to process the many feelings that come with loss. Together, we decorated leaves for our Memory Tree, a lasting tribute to the little lives who continue to shape our hearts. We are deeply grateful to be able to offer this space—a place of comfort, remembrance, and shared understanding. To all who joined us, thank you for trusting us with your stories. Your love endures, and your babies will never be forgotten. If you or someone you know has experienced perinatal loss, stillbirth, or infant loss, you are not alone. We are here, always. ??????? #NightOfRemembrance #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringOurBabies

?? Welcome, Crystal Marin! ?? We’re excited to introduce Crystal Marin as our new Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Thrive! Passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families, Crystal is committed to making therapy accessible and inclusive, especially for Spanish-speaking communities. ?? Currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Capella University, she integrates CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Gottman-based techniques to help clients foster resilience and strengthen relationships. ?? Fluent in English & Spanish, Crystal creates a safe, empathetic space for healing and growth. Join us in welcoming her to the Thrive family! #ThrivePostpartum #MeetTheTeam #MentalHealthMatters #BilingualTherapist #GottmanTherapy