therapy services
Susannah Long
online services are also available to non-local residents statewide in South Carolina
Maybe you've been to therapy before and it went something like this: you learned some coping skills, learned a little bit about yourself, and overall the experience was fine.
The highs of postpartum have been so high, and the lows have been so low.
You notice a constant battle within you: trying stay engaged and present for your baby, while the other part of you is fighting what's going on in your mind.
I know what you're thinking: "Okay, but HOW do I release stored emotion?"
I'm so glad you asked. By asking this simple question, you're already on your way to letting it go.
You feel ready to experience the freedom that my method can help you access. You don't want feel like you're wasting any more time.
You want out of your current emotional express - repress cycle.
The motherhood experience that you want and that you know is FOR YOU is available and waiting on you.
what you
find here
how you will
through working with me
How many times did you imagine yourself glowing, being grateful every second of your pregnancy, cradling your bump lovingly or holding your precious baby, being able to accomplish everything on your to-do list, clean your house, do your hair and makeup with baby in tow? Breastfeeding easily, lovingly connecting with your partner, your body "bouncing back" to pre-baby shape? Flawlessly and seamlessly going back to work, resuming your social life, and exhibiting a motherly sense of peacefulness 24/7?
It feels painful when we realize that reality doesn't match our expectations. We might feel angry, let down, and disappointed. Sometimes this can feel like grief and loss.
Motherhood: it's the transition of all transitions. Our society tends to minimize the magnitude of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual shifts that take place for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The expectation tends to look like this: have your baby, and look like nothing happened. Go back to work, and perform like nothing happened - actually, everything has happened and life is different now. You're different now. On top of that, you're feeling the heavy weight of responsibility on your shoulders. The worst part? No one really talks about this stuff.
During times of major transition, its normal to struggle when you're trying to adjust to all of the changes taking place. Pregnancy and postpartum are times of rapid change. Sometimes, old wounds resurface, or anxiety and depression rear their ugly heads. Trying to balance and cope with the emotional complexity and responsibilities of motherhood can feel lonely. You're longing for a sense of stability, peace, and confidence as you're taking on your new role. No matter how you are feeling in this moment, I want you to know that you are not alone. You can read more about common concerns that pop up during pregnancy and postpartum on my services page.
Now, on to the customary stuff you were probably expecting in this section: I'm a licensed marriage & family therapist with advanced training in perinatal mental health, I have a B.S. in Psychology from Wofford College, and a Master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Converse College. I'm a wife and a mother too - and you can always bring your baby to our sessions.
You're here because you've finally decided that something needs to change. You've been riding the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood. Maybe it's been weeks or months since you found out about your pregnancy. Maybe you're 6 months or more postpartum and you're experiencing emotional changes so forcefully and rapidly that it scares you. Maybe you just brought your baby home from the hospital and you're finding that life is unfolding faster than you can handle. You're feeling depths of emotion that you've never experienced before. You don't feel like yourself. In fact, you feel so distant from the person you know yourself to be - asking yourself, "who am I? How did I get here?" It's hard to recognize yourself in the mirror.
I love helping pregnant and postpartum women during this unique time in their lives.
You're still not sure how your family got to this place. You don't remember the last time everyone actually had a conversation with one another. It seems like everyone is leading separate lives, even though you're all under the same roof. The thought of talking about your family's junk to someone else seems daunting.
+ 75 minute sessions to allow for some real work
+ I don't take sides - the family's health and success is my goal
+ Big families don't scare me (I come from a big one)
+ Together we'll figure out what the issues are - and what can be done to get your relationships back
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of rapid change. You're experiencing deeper emotions that are difficult to cope with. Therapy can be helpful to process experiences, changes, and trapped emotions that keep you feeling stuck :
+ 55 minute sessions where we keep your goals our main focus because your time is valuable
+ I'm easily accessible, and my client portal makes it convenient and fast to manage appointments with me. Your baby is always welcome!
+ Out of office sessions: On a client by client basis, we may determine that in home sessions or walking sessions may be appropriate or desired given a client's health status or circumstance during pregnancy or postpartum. Please inquire about this service if interested.
Group therapy can be a great way to receive support in a setting where other women get what you're going through.
+ Pregnancy Group - appropriate for any stage of pregnancy
+ Postpartum Group - appropriate for women 0-1 year postpartum (babies 1 year and under welcome!)
+ Groups are intentionally small - 5-8 people maximum and run for 8 weeks
+ Groups will be open for enrollment seasonally (fall, winter, spring, and summer) and are an 8 week commitment