Specialized Therapy For Pregnancy, Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression For Women in Palo Alto, CA
“I Should Be Fine… So Why Do I Feel Like I’m Drowning?”
Support for High-Functioning Pregnant and Postpartum Moms in Palo Alto
On paper, everything looks okay.
You’re capable.
You love your kids.
You’re keeping up with work, school drop-offs, and the never-ending mental load.
And yet — you feel exhausted in a way sleep doesn’t fix.
Irritable in a way that doesn’t feel like “you.”
Overwhelmed by things that shouldn’t feel this hard.
If part of you keeps thinking,
“Other moms have it worse — why am I struggling so much?”
this is for you.
When You’re Functioning… But Not Okay
Many of the moms I work with in Palo Alto don’t feel “bad enough” for therapy.
They’re:
managing demanding careers
parenting thoughtfully and intentionally
holding everything together on the outside
But internally, they feel:
constantly on edge
emotionally flat or numb
resentful toward their partner (and guilty about it)
overstimulated and depleted
like they’re barely holding it together
This is incredibly common with postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression — even years after giving birth.
And because you’re high-functioning, no one flags it.
Including you.
The Invisible Load Palo Alto Moms Carry
Motherhood doesn’t happen in a vacuum — especially not here.
In Palo Alto, many moms are navigating:
high-pressure careers or partners with demanding roles
intense expectations around parenting, achievement, and “doing it right”
little room for rest without guilt
constant comparison (even when no one is saying it out loud)
Many moms tell me:
“I feel like I’m failing at things I used to be good at.”
That’s not a personal flaw.
That’s burnout layered on top of postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression — in an environment that quietly expects you to keep excelling.
“Is This Normal… Or Is Something Actually Wrong?”
Here’s the honest answer:
It can be common and still be something you don’t have to live with.
You don’t need:
a breakdown
a crisis
or to stop functioning
to deserve support.
If you’re constantly bracing, pushing through, or telling yourself “once this phase passes, I’ll feel better,” your nervous system is asking for help.
What Therapy Looks Like for High-Achieving Palo Alto Moms
If you’re imagining endless venting with no direction — that’s not this.
Therapy with me is:
grounded and practical
emotionally containing
structured enough to feel safe
flexible enough for real life
We focus on:
calming postpartum anxiety
addressing lingering postpartum depression
reducing mental load and chronic overwhelm
unpacking resentment and identity loss
helping your nervous system actually settle
This isn’t about fixing you.
It’s about helping you feel like yourself again.
Nice To Meet You!
I’m Alexa, a licensed therapist, mom of two and founder of Therapy For California Moms.
I work almost exclusively with high-achieving mothers across California — including Palo Alto — who are navigating pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and the long-term emotional impact of modern motherhood.
My practice is fully virtual and designed for moms who want support that is:
honest
non-judgmental
and aligned with full, demanding lives
You don’t have to convince me that you’re struggling “enough.”
If you’re here, that already tells me a lot.
Signs It Might Be Time to Reach Out
You don’t need to check every box.
You feel constantly on edge or overstimulated
You’re more irritable than you want to be
You feel numb, flat, or disconnected
You keep thinking “I should be fine, but I’m not”
You suspect postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression — even if it’s been years
If something in you feels seen reading this, trust that.
What Happens Next
You don’t need to overthink the next step.
If therapy feels like the right support:
👉 Book your first session directly through my website
👉 We’ll talk through what’s going on and what support looks like
👉 You’ll leave with clarity — not pressure
You don’t have to keep pushing just because you can.
You’re allowed to want more and your allowed to feel better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Moms in Palo Alto
Do I really need therapy if I’m still functioning?
Yes — and this is one of the most common reasons moms reach out.
Many women experiencing postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression are still showing up to work, parenting, and managing daily life. Functioning doesn’t mean you’re okay — it often means you’re running on adrenaline.
Therapy isn’t about waiting until things fall apart. It’s about getting support before burnout, resentment, or anxiety become your baseline.
What if I’m not sure this is “bad enough” to reach out?
If you’re asking that question, it’s usually a sign that something inside you is asking for support.
You don’t need:
a diagnosis
a crisis
or a breaking point
If motherhood feels heavier than it should, if anxiety is constant, or if low-grade postpartum depression has been lingering longer than you expected — that’s enough.
I had my baby a while ago. Can this still be postpartum anxiety or depression?
Absolutely.
Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression don’t always show up right away — and they don’t always resolve on their own. Many moms in Palo Alto reach out months or even years after having a child, once the pace slows enough for symptoms to surface.
You’re not “late.” You’re right on time.
What makes your approach different from other therapists?
I specialize almost exclusively in working with mothers — especially high-functioning, high-achieving women who are used to managing everything themselves.
Our work is:
practical and grounded
emotionally supportive without being overwhelming
structured enough to feel safe
flexible enough to fit real life
This isn’t endless venting. It’s focused support that helps your nervous system calm and your life feel more manageable.
Do you offer virtual therapy for Palo Alto moms?
Yes. My practice is fully virtual, and I work with moms across California, including Palo Alto.
Virtual therapy allows you to:
fit sessions into a full schedule
avoid commuting or childcare logistics
receive consistent support from home
Many clients find it easier to show up fully when therapy meets them where they are.
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
You don’t need to have the perfect words.
If you felt relief reading this page — even a small amount — that’s often a sign the fit is there. We’ll talk through what you’re experiencing and what support would actually be helpful for you.
You’re not expected to have it all figured out before reaching out.
What’s the next step if I want to get started?
If you’re ready, the next step is simple:
👉 Book your first session directly through my website.
👉 We’ll talk through what’s going on and what support looks like.
👉 You’ll leave with more clarity — emotionally and practically.
You don’t have to keep pushing through, you deserve to enjoy this season of Motherhood.
