Question 1

What is generational trauma therapy?

Accepted Answer

Generational trauma therapy helps individuals understand how family history, cultural expectations, and early relational patterns influence current emotions, beliefs, and relationships.

Question 2

Is this therapy only for postpartum clients?

Accepted Answer

No. This service is open to adults navigating identity and generational trauma at any life stage.

Question 3

Do I have to identify as BIPOC to benefit from this therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. While this work is culturally informed and inclusive, it is open to anyone exploring identity, family systems, or generational patterns.

Question 4

What therapy approaches do you use for generational trauma?

Accepted Answer

Smart Talk Therapy may use attachment-based therapy, trauma informed, and CBT to support insight, healing, and change.

Question 5

Is virtual therapy effective for this kind of work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Virtual therapy can be very effective for identity and trauma-focused work, offering flexibility and accessibility.

Question 6

Do you offer identity and generational trauma therapy in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All sessions are conducted virtually and available to clients located in California.

Question 7

What can couples expect to get out of postpartum couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

Couples often experience improved communication, reduced resentment, clearer expectations, and a stronger emotional connection. Therapy helps couples feel more like a team again rather than adversaries.

Question 8

Is couples therapy helpful after having a baby?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many couples experience increased conflict and disconnection after a baby arrives. Research consistently shows that relationship satisfaction often drops during major life transitions, especially when couples become parents and again later when children leave home.

Couples therapy can help normalize these changes, support you in understanding what is happening beneath the surface, and address patterns early before they turn into long-term resentment.

Question 9

Do both partners need to attend every session?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Couples therapy works best when both partners are actively involved, though individual check-ins may be used when clinically appropriate.

Question 10

Is couples therapy about deciding who is right or wrong?

Accepted Answer

No. Postpartum couples therapy focuses on understanding patterns, improving communication, and helping both partners feel supported rather than assigning blame.

Question 11

Is this therapy only for married couples?

Accepted Answer

No. We work with married and unmarried couples in committed relationships.

Question 12

What if one partner is hesitant about therapy?

Accepted Answer

This is common. A free consultation can help answer questions and reduce anxiety about starting.

Question 13

Is couples therapy only for heterosexual couples?

Accepted Answer

No. We work with couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Many LGBTQ+ couples experience the same postpartum challenges as heterosexual couples, including changes in intimacy, communication, and emotional connection. Couples therapy offers a supportive space to navigate these transitions in a way that honors your relationship and family structure.

Question 14

What is postpartum therapy for high-achieving mothers?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum therapy for high-achieving mothers supports goal-oriented women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unlike themselves after having a baby. It focuses on reducing perfectionism, managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts, navigating identity shifts, and building sustainable routines and support.

Question 15

Is postpartum therapy only for the first year after birth?

Accepted Answer

No. Many people start postpartum therapy months or years after giving birth, especially during transitions like returning to work, changes in identity, relationship stress, or preparing for another baby.

Question 16

Can therapy help if I am high-functioning but overwhelmed postpartum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. High-functioning mothers often carry stress silently and feel pressure to keep performing. Therapy can help you slow down, reduce anxiety spirals, set realistic expectations, and build skills and support so you feel steadier and more like yourself again.

Question 17

Do I need a diagnosis to start postpartum therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, resentful, or not like yourself after having a baby, postpartum therapy can help.

Question 18

What therapy approaches do you use for postpartum anxiety and overwhelm?

Accepted Answer

Smart Talk Therapy may use attachment-based therapy, and CBT when appropriate. We also use Gottman-informed relationship support to address communication, division of labor, and relationship stress that can impact mental health after a baby.

Question 19

Is virtual postpartum therapy effective?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Research shows that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, with comparable patient outcomes. It also offers flexibility for new parents, allowing you to access evidence-based support from home during a season when getting out the door can feel overwhelming.

Question 20

How do I get started with Smart Talk Therapy?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or call our office. We will help you choose the best next step based on what you are experiencing and the kind of support you are looking for.

Postpartum Couples Therapy in California

You loved each other before the baby.
You probably still do.

When Parenthood Exposes the Cracks

You Feel Like You Are Doing More and Getting Less

Emotional and Physical Intimacy Has Changed

You Argue About Things That Are Not Really "the Thing"

Our Therapeutic Approach

What Starts to Shift Over Time

Who This Therapy Is For

Ready to Talk?