About Erin Cook
You love your baby, so why does this feel so hard?
Pregnancy and early motherhood are supposed to feel joyful.
Instead, you may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, flooded with emotion, and terrified that something is wrong with you. You might cry without knowing why, feel numb when you expected bonding, or panic at night when the house is quiet.
Sleep deprivation makes everything louder. Hormones shift constantly, and your identity changes faster than you can process it.
Many of the women who come to see me are scared to say what they’re really thinking. They worry they’re failing before they’ve even begun and feel alone in a season that everyone else insists should be beautiful.
If that’s you, you are not broken. Perinatal distress is common and deeply under-recognized.
What’s it like working with me?
Therapy with me is steady, validating, and collaborative. I move at your pace, as we normalize what can be normalized and differentiate between intrusive postpartum thoughts and something more concerning. We talk about sleep, support systems, identity shifts, and relationship strain.
You may notice relief early on just from having language for what’s happening. “This is common.” “This is treatable.” “You are not alone.”
Our work is also practical – helping you gain tools for emotional regulation, learn communication strategies with your partner, and develop realistic expectations for this season of life. If helpful, we bring your partner into sessions to strengthen the support around you.
Over weeks and months, clients describe feeling more grounded, stable, and connected to themselves and their baby. That’s not because motherhood becomes easy, but because it becomes supported.
Knowledge reduces shame.
A considerable part of my work is psychoeducation.
When you understand how hormones, sleep deprivation, and stress affect the nervous system, shame loosens. In addition, you begin to realize that intrusive postpartum thoughts are common and ego-dystonic, and fear decreases.
Support systems matter as much as coping skills. We build both.
The goal is not perfection. It’s stability. Confidence. The ability to navigate this chapter without constantly questioning your adequacy.
I care deeply about this season of life.
Perinatal mental health is under-recognized and under-supported. That matters to me. Too many women sit silently with anxiety or depression because they believe they should just be grateful. Unfortunately, partners don’t know how to help, causing many mothers to think they’re alone in their fear.
I trained as a clinical psychologist with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems work. My approach is research-informed but emotionally warm. I value collaboration and believe that education reduces shame, and relationship support increases resilience.
In sessions, I’m thoughtful and steady. I ask clear questions. I explain what’s happening in ways that make sense. Therapy works when you feel understood and equipped.
Whether during pregnancy or postpartum, you don’t have to navigate it alone.