The Arrival of a New Baby Can Bring a Whirlwind of Emotions
The postpartum period can be a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences. While the arrival of a new baby can be such a happy time, it is also a time of significant transition. We may have certain expectations of what life with baby will be like, only to find it is nothing like we expected. Some women find themselves struggling with guilt if they feel tired, overwhelmed, or even sad after the arrival of their new baby. This can be confusing and difficult to articulate to others, which can feel lonely.

Many Women Experience the Baby Blues
Because the arrival of a new baby is such a significant transition, many women experience the “baby blues.” The baby blues can occur within the first couple of weeks of delivery and affect 70%-80% of women, according to AmericanPregnancy.org. During this time, women may be weepy and feel irritable, as well as feel anxious and sad. It is unclear what exactly causes the baby blues, but it is likely due to hormonal fluctuations. Lack of sleep may also be a significant factor in the experience of baby blues.

For Some Women, the Baby Blues Can Lead to Postpartum Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 15% of women experience postpartum depression. Hormonal shifts, as well a lack of sleep can contribute to the symptoms of postpartum depression. Sadness and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbance (unrelated to the baby’s sleep schedule), are symptoms of postpartum depression. It is also possible women with postpartum depression may experience anger, may withdraw from friends and family, and may doubt her ability to care for the baby. It is important to keep in mind that postpartum depression may also range in severity, so some women may also have thoughts of harming herself or the baby. These symptoms can make it difficult to form a bond with the baby.

Things Can Get Better! Therapy is an Effective Treatment for Postpartum Depression
The postpartum period already feels busy and tiring at times, so any of the above experiences can certainly complicate the experience of a new baby for the mother. Feelings of shame and guilt for experiencing any of the above symptoms may prevent some women from sharing their experience with a loved one or seeking help from a healthcare professional. Talk therapy has shown to be beneficial in helping mothers to understand the thoughts and feelings they are experiencing, as well as to learn methods of coping in order to lessen the symptoms discussed above.

How Do We Regain Control from an Eating Disorder?
Eating Disorders are a vicious cycle that provides you with a false sense of control only when you are engaging in the specific acts of the eating disorder itself. But, once you realize that you can gain control via understanding your personal patterned behaviors, you become more in tune with what you are missing that triggers the impulsive acts of eating disorders, to begin with. The goal is to help you learn how to take control in ways that will make you feel a sense of success in all aspects of life that aid you to grow into a healthier version of you both mentally and physically.

Understanding the Underlying Dynamics of What Causes an Eating Disorder
It is difficult to work on addressing a problematic thought process and affiliated behaviors if we don’t understand why it exists in the first place. The fact that you are seeking help for your eating disorder is the first step in the right direction to taking back the control that you feel you have lost in relation to this ongoing self-destructive cycle. Once you gain the skill set to recognizing and understanding the triggers of this you will be able to learn how to interrupt the undesired behavior which can be taught to you through your therapy sessions.

Seeking Treatment for an Eating Disorder is a Very Effective Approach
According to the Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders Organization, the recovery rates from such disorders is at least 60% and they maintain healthy eating habits and develop overall better relationships with food which clearly impacts both their physical and mental health. Many say they feel they are stronger people and more insightful about life in general and themselves in particular than they would have been without the disorder and treatment of such.

Healing from Eating Disorders Requires a Holistic Approach
When you are suffering from an eating disorder it affects your family, loved ones, and your world as a whole. In receiving treatment you will not only learn how to manage your relationship with food but, you will also feel empowered to see yourself in a positive light thus allowing you to improve your relationships with others and obtain the necessary control to take steps to be more successful in all facets of your life. You will be taught how to ask for help when needed and not feel that this attributes to a loss of control in something.

This is a question that is often asked by first-time couples counseling clients. Coming to couples counseling with a positive attitude and a willingness to discuss the problem at hand will significantly increase the likelihood that couples counseling will be helpful to you and your partner. The fact that you are reading this means you have the desire to improve your relationship in some way. That desire can be a powerful catalyst for increasing your relationship satisfaction.

The Statistics are in Your Favor

Recent research from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists demonstrates that over 98% of participants surveyed indicated that they received the help they needed from couples counseling. Does this mean that 98% of people who get couples counseling succeed? The answer to this question is not always so simple. First, you must determine what defines success. Is success staying together even if you are not a match or staying with an abusive partner? Some clients describe succeeding as learning they have the strength to move on from a negative relationship, others describe it as preserving the relationship in the face of doubt or uncertainty. Coming to couples counseling with an open mind will help you determine what success looks like to you.

Being Proactive

Most couples think that there is no need to seek couples counseling if they are not having any problems in their relationship. Couples counseling does not always have to be used as a method to help a strained relationship. It is equally as effective at preventing relationship issues. Most problems that arise in a relationship can be prevented by learning how to properly communicate with each other. Often, couples that seek couples counseling find it easier to communicate with each other and to express their true feelings. This openness is a great tool for combating trust and other relationship issues.

Time is of the Essence

It is never too late for couples counseling, but the sooner you start, the better chance you have of finding success in your relationship. Letting issues in your relationship fester make them harder to overcome. It is believed among most respected couples counselors that the earlier you start working on your relationship, the more likely you are to experience a positive outcome.