Amy Braun  LCPC

Drawing from over 15 years of experience supporting mothers, my true expertise comes from having walked in your shoes. As a mother of four, I've personally grappled with overwhelming anxiety during pregnancy and battled through the depths of postpartum depression. I've also navigated the intricate journey of adoption, complete with its own rollercoaster of emotions. Much like you, I yearned for a brighter experience, not just for my own sake but for the well-being of my family too. I sought a space where I could openly discuss my fears without judgment. My passion lies in creating that safe haven for you. It's perfectly okay to acknowledge that you're not feeling your best right now and could use some extra support. As a certified maternal mental health therapist, I possess the expertise required to guide you in reshaping your perspective, developing effective coping strategies, and empowering you to embrace your role as the remarkable mother you already are. My approach is firmly grounded in neuropsychology and proven strategies that can help rewire your thought patterns. Together, we can embark on a journey to build a more peaceful and joy-filled motherhood experience—one that nurtures your emotional well-being while fortifying your connection with your family. Remember, you don't have to walk this path alone or suffer in silence; I'm here to stand with you every step of the way.

Therapy with me is like hitting the 'factory reset' button for your mind, a process where we collaboratively rewire negative and anxious thought patterns. Together, we'll embark on a journey to explore the anxious voice within your thoughts, unraveling her true intentions (hint: they're not as malicious as they may seem). Think of it as solving a mystery, delving deep into the core of your struggles. Once we uncover the root causes, I'll equip you with proven strategies to transform your mindset. You'll acquire practical tools, coping mechanisms, and mindfulness techniques that soothe your nervous system, offering much-needed relief from irritability, anxiety, overwhelm, and exhaustion. We'll silence those anxious thoughts that plague your nights once and for all. My ultimate goal is for you to emerge from therapy feeling self-assured, tranquil, and in command of your emotions. You'll leave with the ability to confront new challenges with confidence, knowing you possess the tools to navigate whatever life throws your way.

In our initial session, we begin by getting to know eacho ther and discussing your counseling objectives. Together, we lay the groundwork to chart your path toward your desired destination. I take a relaxed and informal approach to ensure you feel at ease, minimizing the feeling of being inundated with questions and striving to create a comfortable environment. Feeling nervous is completely normal; often, the anticipation leading up to the first session is more anxiety-inducing than the session itself. My personal aim is for you to leave our first meeting feeling empowered, valued, acknowledged, and optimistic about your journey toward making positive and healthy changes in your life.

• Illinois, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, 180.007764

With over 15 years of experience, I've provided unwavering support to determined and driven moms like you. It's truly courageous that you're seeking help for your well-being for the sake of your family. My expertise spans a wide range of motherhood experiences, including working with teenage mothers, adoptive parents, biological moms, foster caregivers, and every other facet of motherhood. I hold a deep passion for maternal mental health, and my commitment to continuously acquiring new and effective methods to help mothers remains steadfast.