Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in Austin, TX
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist - Consultant, and Perinatal Mental Health Certified Clinician with over a decade of experience.
Sometimes our lives get to a point where we're just surviving, rather than thriving. In survival mode, we cope the best we can - this may mean using disordered eating behaviors, self-harm, substance use, self-criticizing inner talk, or self-destruction. I'm here to help guide you out of survival mode and into your best life. In therapy, we'll explore how you're surviving and how you can thrive. We'll identify changes you want and I will offer suggestions to help you create these changes. We will balance this change with lots of self-compassion.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist - Consultant, and Perinatal Mental Health Certified Clinician with over a decade of experience.
Sometimes our lives get to a point where we're just surviving, rather than thriving. In survival mode, we cope the best we can - this may mean using disordered eating behaviors, self-harm, substance use, self-criticizing inner talk, or self-destruction. I'm here to help guide you out of survival mode and into your best life. In therapy, we'll explore how you're surviving and how you can thrive. We'll identify changes you want and I will offer suggestions to help you create these changes. We will balance this change with lots of self-compassion.
When relationships feel strained, it can bring anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. As a wife and mother, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing connection, communication, and daily life. I help couples rebuild trust, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally and physically. For individuals, I support those navigating relationship trauma, attachment struggles, and family-of-origin wounds. Together, we’ll break stuck patterns and build the connection you deserve—with others and with yourself.
When relationships feel strained, it can bring anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. As a wife and mother, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing connection, communication, and daily life. I help couples rebuild trust, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally and physically. For individuals, I support those navigating relationship trauma, attachment struggles, and family-of-origin wounds. Together, we’ll break stuck patterns and build the connection you deserve—with others and with yourself.
If you have ended a wanted pregnancy, you are welcome & deserving of compassion, healing, & community.
I provide online individual therapy & support groups to guide you through the unique barriers & grief of ending a wanted pregnancy. I am passionate about building community, eliminating shame, & honoring grief for TFMR families. Together we can talk about your baby/ies, feel your grief, move through shame, & practice managing big emotions.
If you have ended a wanted pregnancy, you are welcome & deserving of compassion, healing, & community.
I provide online individual therapy & support groups to guide you through the unique barriers & grief of ending a wanted pregnancy. I am passionate about building community, eliminating shame, & honoring grief for TFMR families. Together we can talk about your baby/ies, feel your grief, move through shame, & practice managing big emotions.
My specialty areas include treatment of anxiety, OCD, trauma, depression, and perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns.
Starting to see a new therapist — or your very first therapist — can be a confusing, daunting process. I get how uncomfortable it feels to be vulnerable with someone you don’t know yet, and I’m committed to honoring the bravery it takes to do that. I’m all about approaching my clients from an accepting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental place. At the same time, I believe truly caring about my clients means helping them see where change is necessary to live more fulfilling, values-driven lives.
My specialty areas include treatment of anxiety, OCD, trauma, depression, and perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns.
Starting to see a new therapist — or your very first therapist — can be a confusing, daunting process. I get how uncomfortable it feels to be vulnerable with someone you don’t know yet, and I’m committed to honoring the bravery it takes to do that. I’m all about approaching my clients from an accepting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental place. At the same time, I believe truly caring about my clients means helping them see where change is necessary to live more fulfilling, values-driven lives.
Parenthood is one of THE most transformative times of life. Being a parent is the biggest love you've ever known and fills you up. Yet, it's exhausting! Moms - your mind races when you try to rest, you worry and are irritable with your partner and child(ren). And Dads - you wan tot support your partner, but feel isolated, lonely and meet challenges when you try to do is help. You might feel intense pressure to be a great parent and provide a different experience than you had. All of this normal but can keep you in your head. I will help you navigate this transition.
Parenthood is one of THE most transformative times of life. Being a parent is the biggest love you've ever known and fills you up. Yet, it's exhausting! Moms - your mind races when you try to rest, you worry and are irritable with your partner and child(ren). And Dads - you wan tot support your partner, but feel isolated, lonely and meet challenges when you try to do is help. You might feel intense pressure to be a great parent and provide a different experience than you had. All of this normal but can keep you in your head. I will help you navigate this transition.
From the uncertainty of trying to conceive, to the emotional weight of pregnancy, to the tender postpartum season—this journey asks so much of you.
Using trauma-informed lens with cognitive behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness techniques, I can help you learn how to calm your nervous system so you can feel grounded, supported, and more present through every stage of the perinatal journey.
From the uncertainty of trying to conceive, to the emotional weight of pregnancy, to the tender postpartum season—this journey asks so much of you.
Using trauma-informed lens with cognitive behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness techniques, I can help you learn how to calm your nervous system so you can feel grounded, supported, and more present through every stage of the perinatal journey.
Motherhood is the creation of a new identity, whether experiencing postpartum depressions, anxiety, rage or simply navigating the new landscape as a mom.
With a special focus on assisting parents who are experiencing challenges with their children as well as postpartum moms navigating the new landscape of motherhood, I work with clients using a warm, gentle, and supportive approach. . With a diverse clinical background I am able to help those going through anxiety, depression, and life changes.
Motherhood is the creation of a new identity, whether experiencing postpartum depressions, anxiety, rage or simply navigating the new landscape as a mom.
With a special focus on assisting parents who are experiencing challenges with their children as well as postpartum moms navigating the new landscape of motherhood, I work with clients using a warm, gentle, and supportive approach. . With a diverse clinical background I am able to help those going through anxiety, depression, and life changes.
I enjoy working with parents during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and beyond, addressing anxiety, depression, birth-related trauma, parenting challenges, and adjustment.
If you're reading this, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. Perhaps your important relationships are suffering, or you’re a parent noticing that you’re more reactive to your child’s behavior than you want to be. Maybe you know exactly what is causing your distress, or maybe something just feels off. These could be new feelings or feelings you've experienced your entire life. Often, the work I do involves exploring how earlier experiences may be impacting current symptoms, building an understanding of what is happening in the brain, and learning strategies to help regulate the nervous system.
I enjoy working with parents during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and beyond, addressing anxiety, depression, birth-related trauma, parenting challenges, and adjustment.
If you're reading this, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. Perhaps your important relationships are suffering, or you’re a parent noticing that you’re more reactive to your child’s behavior than you want to be. Maybe you know exactly what is causing your distress, or maybe something just feels off. These could be new feelings or feelings you've experienced your entire life. Often, the work I do involves exploring how earlier experiences may be impacting current symptoms, building an understanding of what is happening in the brain, and learning strategies to help regulate the nervous system.
The goal is for my clients to walk away with the same curiosity and unconditional positive regard for themselves that I cultivate with them in our sessions. Through the gentle untying of the knots of trauma along with reinforcement of strengths and resources, the internal compass can once again be recalibrated toward joy, with intention and self-compassion. Sessions with me involve curiosity, education, and concrete practices that will help shift your perspective on your internal and external experiences, and give you the knowledge necessary to get you back in the driver's seat of your life.
The goal is for my clients to walk away with the same curiosity and unconditional positive regard for themselves that I cultivate with them in our sessions. Through the gentle untying of the knots of trauma along with reinforcement of strengths and resources, the internal compass can once again be recalibrated toward joy, with intention and self-compassion. Sessions with me involve curiosity, education, and concrete practices that will help shift your perspective on your internal and external experiences, and give you the knowledge necessary to get you back in the driver's seat of your life.
Many of my clients are women in their 20s–40s who are navigating life transitions such as adjusting to parenthood, fertility or pregnancy-related stress, relationship challenges, or ongoing anxiety or low mood that feels manageable—but draining.
Therapy with me is a supportive, collaborative space to pause, gain clarity, and create meaningful change. Together, we’ll focus on understanding your emotional patterns, strengthening coping skills that fit your real life, and helping you move into the year feeling more grounded, confident, and emotionally connected.
Many of my clients are women in their 20s–40s who are navigating life transitions such as adjusting to parenthood, fertility or pregnancy-related stress, relationship challenges, or ongoing anxiety or low mood that feels manageable—but draining.
Therapy with me is a supportive, collaborative space to pause, gain clarity, and create meaningful change. Together, we’ll focus on understanding your emotional patterns, strengthening coping skills that fit your real life, and helping you move into the year feeling more grounded, confident, and emotionally connected.
Clients often come to therapy during seasons of deep suffering—whether through crisis, trauma, depression, or loss. These experiences can feel overwhelming and even debilitating, yet they are also a part of what connects us as human beings. I hold the belief that suffering can become a doorway to healing, depth, and transformation. Sometimes, what feels like the source of our greatest pain can be the seed of our greatest growth. While this can be hard to trust in the midst of struggle, it is the lens through which I view the therapeutic journey. It is my honor and joy to walk alongside clients as they find their way toward healing.
Clients often come to therapy during seasons of deep suffering—whether through crisis, trauma, depression, or loss. These experiences can feel overwhelming and even debilitating, yet they are also a part of what connects us as human beings. I hold the belief that suffering can become a doorway to healing, depth, and transformation. Sometimes, what feels like the source of our greatest pain can be the seed of our greatest growth. While this can be hard to trust in the midst of struggle, it is the lens through which I view the therapeutic journey. It is my honor and joy to walk alongside clients as they find their way toward healing.
From pregnancy decisions and infertility, to miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, and the everyday realities of parenting, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and steadiness.
My approach is grounded in mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), relational connection, and a feminist lens. I believe in honoring each person’s autonomy, validating the complexity of their experiences, and challenging the cultural messages that can leave people feeling isolated or inadequate.
From pregnancy decisions and infertility, to miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, and the everyday realities of parenting, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and steadiness.
My approach is grounded in mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), relational connection, and a feminist lens. I believe in honoring each person’s autonomy, validating the complexity of their experiences, and challenging the cultural messages that can leave people feeling isolated or inadequate.
I specialize in helping fellow moms work through trauma, postpartum struggles, infertility/ pregnancy loss, relational issues, anxiety, and body image.
Are you a mom that feels like you are just surviving? Running on empty, pushing yourself to get through another week, and fighting the anxious thoughts. Do you find yourself wanting something more, hoping that life could be more? There is hope! Through therapy, I empower my clients to a life of more as we walk towards: feeling calm in the chaos, lasting joy vs. mood swings, fulfillment, margin, and even embracing our inner desire for fun/laughter.
I specialize in helping fellow moms work through trauma, postpartum struggles, infertility/ pregnancy loss, relational issues, anxiety, and body image.
Are you a mom that feels like you are just surviving? Running on empty, pushing yourself to get through another week, and fighting the anxious thoughts. Do you find yourself wanting something more, hoping that life could be more? There is hope! Through therapy, I empower my clients to a life of more as we walk towards: feeling calm in the chaos, lasting joy vs. mood swings, fulfillment, margin, and even embracing our inner desire for fun/laughter.
Marcela Hernandez Shoemaker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PMH-C
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78749
Navigating through transitions and deepening understanding of patterns and circumstances by accompanying people in a therapeutic way is my goal.
Navigating through transitions and deepening understanding of patterns and circumstances by accompanying people in a therapeutic way is my goal.
Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of fertility treatment, pregnancy, or parenthood?
I specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating fertility, perinatal transitions, and parenting through a cultural-relational lens — one that acknowledges the emotional, systemic, and relational forces that shape your experience.
Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of fertility treatment, pregnancy, or parenthood?
I specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating fertility, perinatal transitions, and parenting through a cultural-relational lens — one that acknowledges the emotional, systemic, and relational forces that shape your experience.
I also provide perinatal counseling and clinical supervision for LPC-Associates seeking ethical, supportive mentorship as they grow their clinical and professional confidence.
My clients are helpers, parents, and professionals who feel exhausted from holding everything together. Many are healing from trauma, managing anxiety, or adjusting to parenthood and new life roles. They want clarity, calm, and confidence while staying true to themselves. Together, we work toward balance and lasting emotional relief.
I also provide perinatal counseling and clinical supervision for LPC-Associates seeking ethical, supportive mentorship as they grow their clinical and professional confidence.
My clients are helpers, parents, and professionals who feel exhausted from holding everything together. Many are healing from trauma, managing anxiety, or adjusting to parenthood and new life roles. They want clarity, calm, and confidence while staying true to themselves. Together, we work toward balance and lasting emotional relief.
Rachel is also a certified perinatal mental health counselor, and is passionate about supporting parents through their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Rachel also specializes in trauma treatment. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Rachel will support you in your trauma recovery journey.
Rachel is also a certified perinatal mental health counselor, and is passionate about supporting parents through their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Rachel also specializes in trauma treatment. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Rachel will support you in your trauma recovery journey.
I work with Perinatal Mental Health (conception through 1st year postpartum), Neurodiversity (Autistic ADHD Individuals, Learning Difficulties, Life Transitions, Anxiety, C-PTSD, trauma, and Depression.
I may incorporate mindfulness coping strategies to reduce stress. In sessions, I have a more person-centered and collaborative approach. I will always be open to constructive feedback. I address harmful behavior patterns and self-defeating thoughts (DBT). I further focus on attachment theory by breaking old patterns and creating new healthy boundaries.
I work with Perinatal Mental Health (conception through 1st year postpartum), Neurodiversity (Autistic ADHD Individuals, Learning Difficulties, Life Transitions, Anxiety, C-PTSD, trauma, and Depression.
I may incorporate mindfulness coping strategies to reduce stress. In sessions, I have a more person-centered and collaborative approach. I will always be open to constructive feedback. I address harmful behavior patterns and self-defeating thoughts (DBT). I further focus on attachment theory by breaking old patterns and creating new healthy boundaries.
” These feelings of inadequacy often arise during life transitions like breakups, career changes, infertility, pregnancy, motherhood, or coping with grief and loss.
My role is to provide guidance and support that honors your unique story. Drawing on my diverse training and evidence-based approaches, I offer services tailored to your individual needs and identity. I have advanced expertise in trauma, reproductive mental health, and navigating the complexities of grief and loss, helping you find healing and resilience.
” These feelings of inadequacy often arise during life transitions like breakups, career changes, infertility, pregnancy, motherhood, or coping with grief and loss.
My role is to provide guidance and support that honors your unique story. Drawing on my diverse training and evidence-based approaches, I offer services tailored to your individual needs and identity. I have advanced expertise in trauma, reproductive mental health, and navigating the complexities of grief and loss, helping you find healing and resilience.
There are so many tools to help you feel better: such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive therapy, Mindfulness, EMDR, Postpartum Mood Disorder support and Resilience.
Life can feel hard, but it will get better! I’m trained to understand why you feel as you do and I can show you the way out of depression, anxiety and relationship problems. I can also show you how to stop being self-critical so you can love your life again. Clients can hope to walk away from our work together feeling more connected to themselves- understanding their thoughts and feelings and knowing how to confidently deal with them. I have over 30 years of experience helping people feel better and achieve their goals.
There are so many tools to help you feel better: such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive therapy, Mindfulness, EMDR, Postpartum Mood Disorder support and Resilience.
Life can feel hard, but it will get better! I’m trained to understand why you feel as you do and I can show you the way out of depression, anxiety and relationship problems. I can also show you how to stop being self-critical so you can love your life again. Clients can hope to walk away from our work together feeling more connected to themselves- understanding their thoughts and feelings and knowing how to confidently deal with them. I have over 30 years of experience helping people feel better and achieve their goals.
See more therapy options for Austin
Nearby Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists Searches for Austin
- Bee Cave
- Buda
- Cedar Park
- Del Valle
- Driftwood
- Lakeway
- Manor
- Pflugerville
- Round Rock
- Spicewood
- Sunset Valley
- West Lake Hills
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists
What are the most effective ways to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns?
The most effective way to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns is by finding a therapist who has prior experience helping other patients overcome the challenge being faced. For example, a marriage and family therapist may have experience helping couples adjust to their new relationship dynamic. An anxiety specialist may have experience helping with phobias or illness anxiety related to the child’s health. A depression specialist may have experience treating postpartum depression.
When should I seek treatment for prenatal or postpartum concerns?
Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve intense physical and mental changes; a degree of upset and instability is normal. However, if these changes impair daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. This distinction is pertinent for postpartum depression: A period of teariness, irritability, and distress is difficult but normal in the one to two weeks after childbirth (sometimes called the “baby blues.”) But if feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist beyond that period, the person should seek treatment.
How do I manage worries during pregnancy or the postnatal period?
A therapist can help patients develop the tools they need to manage anxieties during or after pregnancy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and reframe harmful patterns of thought, and change their behaviors. Other techniques and skills can allow people to develop acceptance, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, communication skills, and more.
Are there specific medications for postpartum depression?
In 2019, the FDA approved the first medication designed to treat postpartum depression. The medication is called brexanolone and is delivered intravenously by a medical professional over the course of a few days. However, typical antidepressants, which are more accessible, can also treat postpartum depression. The disorder is often best treated through a combination of medication and therapy.