Prenatal Counseling for Women in Seattle
PREGNANCY IS about more than growing YOUR baby. it's about you, too. 
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These are examples of feelings and experiences some moms face during pregnancy. This list isn’t exhaustive — every pregnancy is different, and your feelings are valid no matter what. What’s important is to recognize that these things are impacting your emotional health during pregnancy:
You’re constantly worried about your birth plan, and watching birth classes only makes the anxiety worse.
You’re constantly worried about pregnancy loss or something happening to your baby.
You find yourself feeling tearful or irritable over things that didn’t bother you before.
You’re having trouble sleeping, even when you’re exhausted, and it’s affecting your mood.
You feel disconnected from your baby or unsure how to bond before birth.
You struggle to focus on everyday tasks because your mind is racing or overwhelmed.
Physical symptoms like a pounding heart, nausea, or restlessness come on without a clear cause.
You have fears about labor and delivery, including worries about your safety during birth.
You’ve experienced postpartum anxiety or depression before and worry it might happen again.
You’ve had anxiety or depression at other times in your life, and pregnancy feels triggering.
You feel alone with your feelings, because friends and family don’t understand what you’re going through (or you feel too embarrassed to tell them).
Maybe you’re experiencing all of these things. Maybe you’re experiencing one. Recognizing these signs can help you get the prenatal emotional support you need.
Therapy is a safe and nonjudgmental space to find the emotional support and reassurance you need to improve your pregnancy mental health and feel better.
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Pregnancy anxiety is one of the main experiences that I treat + the #1 reason I see pregnant women in my practice. If it’s happening to you, you aren’t alone.
Pregnancy anxiety is when fear, worry, and/or “what if” thoughts take over and make it hard to feel present and balanced. You might be anxious about your baby’s health, your changing body, the upcoming birth, or whether you’ll be a “good enough” mom.
Pregnancy anxiety is one of the main experiences that I treat and the #1 reason I see pregnant women in my practice. If you’re experiencing prenatal anxiety, you aren’t alone.
Pregnancy anxiety is when fear, worry, and “what if” thoughts take over and make it hard to feel present and balanced. You might be anxious about your baby’s health, your changing body, the upcoming birth, or whether you’ll be a “good enough” mom.
Many people don’t talk openly about these feelings because pregnancy anxiety is still somewhat taboo. Stigma, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing that they don’t have to suffer through this stops many women from seeking prenatal mental health support. However, these feelings are incredibly common, and they don’t mean anything is wrong with you — just that you need and deserve a space where these challenges can be talked about openly. Therapy is a nonjudgmental space to do just that.
My Approach to Prenatal Counseling in Seattle
I specialize in therapy for pregnant women. Many women face intense emotions during this time, including worry, overwhelm, and sadness. This can be especially true if you experienced birth trauma in the past, are experiencing a high risk pregnancy, or you’re worried about developing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. To sum it up: Pregnancy is truly difficult for any woman, but for pregnant women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or are facing extra risk, it can feel especially hard.
When you work with me for prenatal therapy, you’ll have a space to say the things you don’t otherwise feel able to say out loud (without being judged), you can ask questions about pregnancy and birth, learn to advocate for your medical and emotional needs during pregnancy, and create a personalized and evidence-based postpartum plan to manage visitors and support you and your partner as you transition into the role of parent (or parent again!).
We’ll continue to work together after you give birth. Postpartum therapy includes active problem solving of the many challenges that come up as you transition into the role of mom, assessment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, and learning skills and tools to support your wellbeing. Many women find therapy helpful during the first 12 to 24 months postpartum.
Being pregnant is hard.
Maybe you’re feeling sad or guilty because you wanted this baby and you aren’t enjoying this pregnancy as much as you thought you would be. Or you’re really, really worried about giving birth (like way more worried than you thought you’d be). You know that you’re comparing yourself to the “picture perfect” pregnancies on social media, and it’s making you feel even more alone. You might be even be wondering if you made a mistake by getting pregnant, because it’s that hard. These types of thoughts are common for women experiencing emotional stress during pregnancy, and therapy can help.
I have the tools to support you.
When you work with me, you’re met with compassion and understanding. From the moment we talk, you know you’re not alone in your pregnancy journey. You’ll receive specialized therapy for pregnancy-related anxiety and emotional stress, informed by my training in perinatal mental health, women’s mental health, and evidence-based anxiety treatment, with a focus on whole-person support and collaboration with your existing perinatal care team. Together, we’ll explore your symptoms and create a plan that helps you find connection, confidence, and relief as you prepare for birth and transition into postpartum.
And I want you to know that I see you.
I want you to know that pregnancy stress and anxiety are much more common than they seem. It’s not your fault; I’ve faced these challenges myself, and I truly believe that having more emotional support during pregnancy would have eased my transition into postpartum. These feelings are valid, and it’s okay to ask for support.
You don’t have to keep feeling this way. It’s possible to find the emotional support you’ve been looking for. With the help of a therapist offering pregnancy therapy in Seattle, Bellevue, or Kitsap County, you can begin to feel like yourself again. Please connect with me today so we can get started.
Prenatal Counseling:
Most Asked FAQs
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It’s scary to wonder if your stress and anxiety during pregnancy might be hurting your baby. First, I want you to know that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or that you’re harming your little one. Your body is incredible and does its best to protect your baby, even under stress. So many pregnant women experience this kind of anxiety, and what truly matters is that you reach out for support and take care of yourself. That care can make a real difference—for both you and your baby.
When you start working with me, we’ll talk about the specifics of what you’re experiencing. Together, we’ll find ways to lower your stress levels and help you feel more reassured throughout your pregnancy. You’re not alone in this—I’m here to help.
When you start working with me, we will discuss the specifics of what’s happening for you. Together we find ways to lower the temperature and feel more reassured. You’re not alone in this. I’m here to help.
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Many women express being afraid of labor and delivery, and you are definitely not alone. I remember having major anxiety about childbirth, too. This kind of fear is common, although it doesn’t feel good.
We’ll approach this fear together with a combination of childbirth education, birth plan creation, and skill-building so you’ll know exactly what to expect. You’ll gain tools to manage pain and anxiety, helping you feel more confident and prepared for labor and delivery. With this support, you’ll feel reassured and ready to face labor and delivery with confidence.
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I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’ve experienced pregnancy loss myself—more than once—and I am heartbroken with you. You don’t have to face this alone.
Yes, I offer emotional support and counseling for miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and early pregnancy grief. I’m here to hold space for your experience with care, compassion, and expertise.
Please visit this page to learn more about how I support women through pregnancy loss therapy and grief after miscarriage.
NURTURING THE SISTERHOOD: PRENATAL COUNSELING FOR SEATTLE WOMEN
Hi! I’m Dr. Julie Franks, your Seattle Therapist for Prenatal Counseling and Postpartum Support
but you can just call me dr. julieFirst, I’m so glad you’re here. I know how hard it is to admit that you’re struggling emotionally when you’re expecting a baby. I’m really glad you’re checking this out, because the strongest women are the ones who ask for this kind of support.
You’re not alone, and I’m here to help.
I am a perinatal mental health therapist, which means I specialize in supporting women during pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of motherhood.
Therapy is a safe place to talk about the parts of becoming a mom that aren’t openly discussed or acknowledged without feeling judged. I understand that motherhood changes the way you respond to stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, and I can help you find ways to get back to yourself.
And I’m not just a therapist for moms. I’m also mom who is right there with you in experiencing the social pressures and demands related to motherhood… and all the stress it creates. I experienced a high risk pregnancy and difficult start to motherhood, so I truly get why this is hard and why you need support.
My physical office is located on Bainbridge Island, and I offer virtual prenatal counseling and postpartum therapy for women in Seattle, Bellevue, and the Greater Seattle-Tacoma area.
Get Help from a Prenatal Counselor in Seattle, Washington
Even though pregnancy anxiety is more common than most people realize, many expecting women don’t get the emotional support they need. Having a kind and reassuring voice to listen and walk alongside you can make all the difference. You don’t have to do this alone; we can do it together. I’m here when you’re ready.