Simple Joy Counseling, PLLC

"I remember feeling deeply embarrassed the first few times I confessed that we were having trouble starting a family. My confession meant that I had failed in some way....My embarrassment quickly gave way to exasperation. People treated me as if I was at fault. Throughout it all, I still resisted the idea of attending a support group. I was scared of what I might find behind those doors. Would this be a touchy-feely group with hand holding and trust falls? Who were these people? Why would I trust strangers with my darkest fears and my saddest and most tearful moments? What I found behind those doors was a unique group of men and women."

Read more about Anna's story and how a RESOLVE support group was a place to find strength and friendship ➡️ https://resolve.org/support-groups-a-personal-story/

Infertility is something that is rarely discussed, even by those going through it, and as a result people end up suffering in silence.

That isolation exacerbates the already difficult challenges of the journey through infertility. Community can make all of the difference in the world!

Please help me get the word out about this FREE event to anyone in Washington who has been unsuccessful in their attempts to start a family.

Sign up here: https://www.simplejoycounseling.com/join-us
or comment "I'm interested!" to learn more!

My Infertility group 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 and pregnancy after infertility groups🤰 are both up and running! Still room for more so let me know if you are interested.

Looking for more people for my postpartum👩‍🍼 (birth-1year) and transition to parenting 👩‍👦(toddler years 1-5) groups.

If I get enough guys 👨‍🍼👨‍👧 I can start my men’s groups as well (one for fertility and one for new Dads).

Please help me spread the word so people can get this much needed support!! 🫶

Super excited to launch a *community* for
THRIVING Through Infertility and Beyond 😃

If you live in 🌲WA state🌲and have been on this journey so far without support….

Please know that IT DOESN’THAVE TO BE THIS HARD! I got you! 💛

Click to learn more: www.simplejoycounseling.com

You're 50, And Your Body Is Changing: Time For The Talk : Short Wave Perimenopause, the period of transition to menopause, is still a largely misunderstood chapter of reproductive life. It brings about both physical and mental health changes that patients might not hear about from their doctors. Emily talks with health correspondent Rhitu Chatterjee about perimenopau...

Hey, y’all. Due to technical difficulties, I had to create a new business page on Facebook and will be closing out this one. 🤦‍♀️😩

Please help a girl out and follow me there!!!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091323173159&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Simple Joy Counseling Clinical Coaching for Infertility through the Toddler Years

Super excited to launch the *community* feature in my clinical coaching program:

THRIVING Through Infertility and Beyond 😃

If you live in 🌲WA state🌲and have been on this journey so far without support….

Please know that IT DOESN’THAVE TO BE THIS HARD! I got you! 💛

Check out my website to learn more or schedule a free 📞 consultation.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqMVbo9jGiZ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC on Instagram: "There needs to be a brochure or book on all the things that happen to your body AFTER pregnancy! (Side note that I’m actually working on one for mamas-to-be!) Postpartum can put you through the ringer and... 0 Likes, 0 Comments - Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC () on Instagram: "There needs to be a brochure or book on all the things that happen to your body AFTER pregnancy! ..."

MGH Postpartum Psychosis Project (MGHP3) The Massachusetts General Hospital Postpartum Psychosis Project includes a research study and supportive resources for women and families affected by postpartum psychosis.

Many women who have had a miscarriage find relief in talking about it, writes Edmonds-based clinical psychologist Terri Buysse: “The grip of shame and guilt and isolation is loosened once the burden is shared with a caring other.” Learn more about miscarriage here:
https://perinatalsupport.org/seven-common-myths-about-miscarriage/.

Know anyone who is struggling through infertility? Maybe a friend or family member who couldn’t attend your baby shower because it was too painful? I hear from clients in my counseling practice all the time about how isolating and painful the journey is.

I was thinking it would be great to have a way for loved ones to show their support. To that end, I decided to open up an Etsy shop of gifts you could give to someone going through this to give them hope and help them feel supported.

Check it out: simplejoydesignshop.etsy.com

In absolute awe of Rihanna tonight, 6 months pregnant and 8 months postpartum, rubbing her belly on the dizzying heights of one of the biggest stages in the world. 😍🔥🤰

We need more of this. More authentic sharing of the experiences of pregnancy and motherhood. These types of posts are what help us feel seen and give us the ability to open up to self-compassion. 💛

"They told you to make a birth plan and they showed you how to breathe through contractions
But did anyone show you how to breathe through the rage you would feel
When your husband goes out for drinks with his friends
2 weeks after birth
While you swaddle and bounce and bite your lip through the pain of latching and sob inexplicably and try to p*e and pull up your maternity leggings with one hand because this precious babe of yours refuses to be put down
And you wonder how you can feel so overwhelmingly in love
And so unbearably resentful at the same time

In those cute birthing classes, did anyone tell you how you would passively-agressively compete
for the prize of "most exhausted"
As though your week-old unwashed hair and milk stained tshirt was a trophy
won by sheer resilience
And how you would hold it over his head
And punish him in your mind for every moment he snored in well-rested bliss

Did anyone show you how to cut your meals one handed
While precariously balanced over the kitchen counter
In that one magic position that keeps the baby asleep
Shoveling a half-defrosted casserole into your mouth
Because food is purely fuel at that point
And your body is running on cold tea and cereal bars
Trying to keep up with the demands of nourishing tiny human

They told you how grow the baby and birth the baby and tend to the baby
But did anyone tell you how to tend to
this new you? To this new version of your partnership?
Two raw, tender humans
Thrown into the deep end
Trying to find their footing
In the deepest well of exhaustion and stress

Just keep breathing.
Even when the air catches in your throat.
Even when it feels to heavy to inhale.
Just keep breathing.
You'll find your way."

words and art by ❤️❤️

Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC on Instagram: "Holidays seem great in theory but can be overwhelming for parents and sometimes lead to anxiety and irritability when all you want is some stinkin’ JOY! There are therapeutic tools that can really help like... Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC shared a post on Instagram: "Holidays seem great in theory but can be overwhelming for parents and sometimes lead to anxiety and irritability when all you want is some stinkin’ JOY! There are therapeutic tools that can really help like cognitive behavior therapy for the mor...

Loving this audio book, Knocking Myself Up, by Michelle Tea. So many laugh out loud moments in the hilarious account of her non-conventional LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 journey to being a ( )

Fertility journeys take so many different forms. But all can be difficult and trying in ways we can never anticipate. Everyone can benefit from the support and tools that counseling can give to help you thrive and not just survive this season of your life.

www.simplejoycounseling.com

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkoCDk1pYeS/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC on Instagram: "This was not how I imagined I would have children but I am immeasurably grateful for the chance to create life despite my infertility. My two little miracles, both created through embryo donation, give my 10... Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC shared a post on Instagram: "This was not how I imagined I would have children but I am immeasurably grateful for the chance to create life despite my infertility. My two little miracles, both created through embryo donation, give my 10 year-long journey to become a Mama a ve...

October 15th is the . We light a candle at 7 pm no matter the time zone, as we share in the wave of light that spreads across the world, in remembrance. Tonight, we remember their names, their stories, and the mark on the hearts they've left behind.