"With love, with patience, and with faith
she’ll make her way...” – Natalie Merchant
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Society has a way of teaching women that there is nothing better than having a new baby. This is supposed to be a time for joy and elation, the celebration of life and it’s
possibilities. The photos we see on social media send messages that life is grand with an infant. As mothers, we are supposed to be happier than we’ve ever been. Or are we?
For many, having a new baby isn’t the experience that was expected. Perhaps the joy you anticipated hasn’t accompanied the birth of your baby. Having negative thoughts or feelings around motherhood are often accompanied by shame and guilt.
Discussing these emotions can be incredibly difficult, even with those to which we are closest, like family members, best friends, or even our partner. Having a professional therapist to speak with can help sort out these feelings and collaborating together on specific things can get you feeling like yourself again.
It wasn’t until I became a mother, suffering from postpartum anxiety and depression myself, that I realized just how serious and prevalent this issue has become in our society. My own journey through motherhood has opened my eyes to the inner strength of all mothers and I am passionate and determined to deliver quality care and support to a very deserving and, at many times, forgotten population.
ABOUT ME / EDUCATION
SHAWN PORTNER
LCSW
You may notice, when searching for a therapist, various letters following names: PhD, PsyD, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, etc. I am a LCSW. What does that mean anyway? LCSW stands for “Licensed Clinical Social Worker”. The journey toward clinical licensure begins in graduate school. To earn a Masters in Social Work (MSW), one must complete a two-year program at an accredited University. I obtained mine in 2005 from The University of Michigan.
I began my career in New York City, which requires 3 years of full-time clinical work as a LMSW (“Licensed Master Social Worker”) under strict supervision. After this time, all supervisory notes are submitted to the state licensing board and the LMSW may sit for a national exam that focuses on mental health. I have been a LCSW since 2009. To maintain my clinical licensure in the state of
New Jersey, I must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Member, Postpartum Support International
Member, National Association of Social Workers
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"We don't have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to." - Brené Brown