Building Beyond Therapy Inc.

Happy 6th Anniversary to ME! I have officially been in private practice full time for 6 years and I still cannot believe it! This journey has been more than what I could have ever imagined, and I continue to be so grateful for the ability to create safe spaces for those that look like me. Thank you all for an amazing 6 years, I can't wait to see what else is in store!

“Mothering” can present itself in so many ways, from so many different sources. We often equate mothering with biology, but mothering can come from those that are related to us by love, not just blood. Who in your life is not biologically related to you, but has a “mothering attitude?” Tag them and show them some love!

Whew, isn't this the TRUTH! When you became a mother, a new version of you was born right along with that baby. No matter if you have one, three or six children, you are a new version of yourself every time. Give yourself space to grow in that new identity because motherhood changes EVERYTHING about a person.

Anyone else feel like they got thrown into motherhood with no life jacket and no direction? This journey comes with no instructions and varies from person to person, and even from child to child. Give yourself grace and understand that you are doing the very best that you can in this moment!

This has been on my mind and heart for a while and I felt compelled to share. Can anyone relate??

Join us tomorrow for our FREE bi0weekly postpartum support group! Visit our website, buildingbeyondtherapy.com/events for group dates and the link to join! See you tomorrow at 11am!

It is so easy to lose yourself in motherhood. We are often expected to be everything for our families, but what is left for us? Remember, your individuality and humanity exist outside of your role in motherhood. What will you do for yourself to maintain your identity? How will you remain a "full person?"

Happy Mother’s Day! Make time to celebrate, rest and relax!

Approximately 60% of parents experiencing perinatal loss present with depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Perinatal loss is often a silent experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Seeking help to process the loss and validate your experiences can help. Remember to be gentle with yourself and seek safe spaces to create support. a few wonderful resources to follow if you’ve experienced Perinatal Loss.

What do you wish you knew about the postpartum period? If you could go back, what would you have done differently? I’ll go first—I wish I had known that most parents experience intrusive thoughts and I was not alone. Up to 100% of individuals (and their partners) have “intrusive” thoughts surrounding childbirth/the postpartum period.

It was an honor to speak at the MD Maternal Mortality Summit today! Over 450 individuals came together for power presentations and conversations about to improve maternal health outcomes in the state of Maryland. It was truly a pleasure to connect with some amazing people! Thank you for inviting me!

Take a moment to tag 5 mamas that could use a little extra love! Let’s pour into each other because it takes a village!

Sometimes we just need to take a moment and celebrate ourselves! This journey is HARD and every little win counts! Whether it was being able to get baby down without too much of a fuss, being able to take a shower or eat lunch, celebrate the small wins!

Did you know that up to 85% of individuals will experience the “baby blues” after giving birth, due to sudden shifts in hormones?



Learn more:

What are MMH Disorders — TheBlueDotProject Maternal Mental Health Maternal Mental Health (MMH) disorders include a range of disorders and symptoms, including but not limited to depression, anxiety and psychosis. These disorders and symptoms can occur during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period (together often referred to as the perinatal period).

disorders like postpartum depression are the #1 complication of childbearing and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Screening and awareness go a long way in identifying and treating PMADs. Did you know pregnant and postpartum individuals should be screened repeatedly during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period up to at least the 1st year?

As with many in this field, I was led into this work after my own experience with PMADs. At the time, I was already a clinician, but I had ZERO idea what was going on with me. It was my second pregnancy and I was completely blindsided by everything that was going on. In hindsight, I was struggling and didn't know where to turn for help. This doesn't have to be anyone's story. PMADs can impact ANYONE, but there is help available. If you or someone you know is experiencing a PMAD, GET HELP! You don't have to suffer, you are not alone and you are NOT to blame!

Two weeks from today I will be a panelist at the Maryland Maternal Mortality Summit hosted by the and ! Registration is FREE and there is an in person & virtual option!! Come learn more about the state of maternal mortality in Maryland see my lovely face!!

Tonight’s panel on S*x & Intimacy During Pregnancy and Postpartum was PHENOMENAL! dropped some gems and I can’t wait to use it in my work with clients!

Every now and then, I have unplanned time open up in my schedule. The old me would use that time doing something for someone else (the kids, spouse, friends, etc.). Lately, I have been finding peace in using unexpected free time JUST for me. Whether it's reading, taking a nap, or using my time to plan for a smooth week, I have let go of the guilt associated with doing for me FIRST. What ways can you use unexpected free time for YOU this week?

Black Maternal Health Week 2024 begins in just 2 days! There will be TONS of events highlighting the importance of reducing health disparities in Black Birthing people—will you be attending any?! We will! Stay tuned for info on where you can catch Building Beyond Therapy founder and Clinical Director, Kristen, during BMHW 2024!

In an effort to get us Mama’s going (me included!) I wanted to start Motivation Mondays: Mommy Edition! Let’s share some motivation to get each other through the week. I’ll start—this weekend, my oldest baby turned 10! At first, I struggled with that but after pouring into her all weekend with friends and family, I realized that I have managed to raise her into a pretty AMAZING human being for 10 WHOLE YEARS! They don’t lie when they say the days are long but the years are short so I am committing to being as present and available as I can for this next 10 because young adulthood is right around the corner. What’s your mama motivation for the week?

Happy Social Work Month!

This month, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of the worlds social workers! As a social worker, I am honored to be among some of the hardest working individuals there are! Be sure to thank a social worker this month (and maybe buy them lunch 😉!) Tag a few of your favorite social workers!!

Had the pleasure of attending panel on Black Maternal Health today. Excited to see this topic being highlighted in the county!

I don’t even have the words to express the joy today has brought me. I had the pleasure of speaking at the MD Black Perinatal Health & Reproductive Justice Summit in Baltimore and it was PHENOMENAL yall! The number of providers that came into the room to hear about Perinatal Mental Health was so unexpected (we ran out of seats and people chose to sit on the floor!) just to hear little ole me speak 🥹. It was an honor to connect with Perinatal providers dedicated to this work while we radically imagine a better, brighter world for Black birthing people! My heart is overflowing!

Only 14 Days until the Maryland Black Perinatal Health & Reproductive Justice Summit! Time is fast approaching and tickets are selling. Don't delay and get registered today! We look forward to seeing you there! Click the link in my bio to register!

Today we had the honor of speaking at the conference! Such a beautiful space of fellowship for mothers!

We’re only 11 days away from the Nü Momish: The Nü You Conference!! Get your tickets now, you don’t want to miss this celebration of motherhood and support!

Monday work from home vibes