Dr. Alex Gard, DMFT, LMFT, PMH-c 
"Helping Teens & Women Strengthen Their Relationships, Reconnect with Themselves & Claim their Joy."

Therapy for Women:

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In my individual work with women, treatment goals often revolve around improving relationships, improving emotional regulation skills, setting and maintaining boundaries, alleviating anxiety/depression, and overall improving one’s emotional well-being. 

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My therapy with women is empowering as we tackle specific issues that women face throughout their lives, and identify current obstacles that are getting in the way of living a life that is fulfilling, purposeful and courageous. 

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Counseling for Teen Girls:

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Are you a parent who is concerned about your teen daughter? Do you feel that she is wrestling with an issue, and yet has difficulty talking to you about it? Do you want to make sure that she is okay and on the right track?

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I hear you... It’s often hard for teens to express themselves freely to parents. If you think that she may benefit from having an outlet, then you’re probably right. My goal in my work with teens is to help them tackle whatever issue they are currently wrestling with, so that they can more confidently navigate all the ups and downs that accompany adolescence. Family therapy is often a great supplement to my work with teens. 

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Family Therapy: 

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Oftentimes on one’s path to wellness, it is beneficial to involve other members of the family. It is not uncommon in my practice to facilitate mother-daughter sessions, couples sessions, or sessions involving the whole family unit. 

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Family therapy can be extremely beneficial in resolving conflict, and addressing systemic issues that may span generations. Family therapy can be utilized as a supplement to individual work, or can be the main focus of our work together. 

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Therapy for Moms:

As a mom of three young girls, my work with moms is the heart and soul of my practice. Motherhood is tough, relentless, all consuming, and crazy beautiful all at the same time. It is the greatest paradox and the greatest gift. 

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Often, my work with moms involves mothering intentionally, and in a way that allows you to enjoy motherhood more fully. Usually, this involves becoming the kind of mom you truly want to be, and understanding what is stopping you from doing so. 

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There is so much pressure on moms. Thanks to social media, even more pressure than ever before. Addressing this is important, so that you’re able to create your own definition of what makes you a good mom, rather than comparing yourself to the “perfect” moms on Instagram.

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Together, we look at how your own upbringing influences your mothering, how societal/cultural norms and expectations impact your mothering, why your child’s behavior impacts you so profoundly, and we focus on how healing ourselves heals the parent child relationship. 

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“The most profound thing we have to offer our children is our own healing.” -Anne Lamott

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Therapy During Pregnancy: 

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I love this aspect of therapy because there is a big emphasis on prevention. Working with pregnant women allows for preparation for the road ahead. We know based on research that incidences of postpartum mood disorders would significantly decrease if risk factors were addressed ahead of time. Counseling during pregnancy allows for this to happen. 

We also know that signs of postpartum mood disorders can often begin during pregnancy, but are often dismissed as “normal pregnancy symptoms”. This is why coming to therapy can be important if you’re experiencing elevated anxiety/depression, or if you have a history of any mental health issues. 

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When I work with pregnant women we discuss expectations about birth/delivery, expectations about postpartum, expectations around mothering, your own mothering, etc. These conversations allow for women to safeguard their emotional health as they prepare to face the biggest life transition there is; having a baby!

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Often my work with pregnant women involves the partner, as having explicit conversations with partners about the life changes that are ahead, and discussing things openly and honestly can prevent conflict down the road, and can assure a smoother transition to parenthood. 

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Postpartum Therapy: 

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They say that when a baby is born, a mother is also born. However, there is little to no warning of what happens when we step into this role. For many women, they find themselves lost, scared, alone, and missing their old life. Oftentimes new moms feel guilty, because “they should be” feeling happy and elated with their new baby. There is so much emphasis on the new baby, that the mother is sometimes forgotten. This can be a painful and isolating place for a lot of new moms. 

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I myself was there, after the birth of my first daughter. I grappled with crippling anxiety that left me feeling angry and unlike myself. I wish someone had warned me about the grief I would experience about my old life, I wish I knew how to ask for the help I desperately needed, and I wish I knew that everything I was experiencing was normal. With time, and the right help, I found myself again. 

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They say 1 in 5 women develop a postpartum mood disorder, in my opinion, the rates are probably much higher in reality. If you are reading this, and you are struggling, there is hope. With the right treatment, you will get better, and things will begin to turn around. 

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As a certified perinatal mental health counselor, I have specialized training and experience that has allowed me to successfully counsel countless women who hit rock bottom postpartum. If you are there, do not give up hope, with the right help, you will get well.  

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I offer in office, as well as in home visitation for my postpartum clients. Give us a call today at 954.391.5305 to speak with our care coordinator and set up your complimentary consultation today!