Timing

Is there a best time to start a family?

In this category we look at finances, age, housing, employment, other children, extended family support and where you are at with your overall goals.

We deal with whether or not both potential parents agree that this is the best time to start a family.

Agreement

Here we deal with getting the potential parents on the same page about about when, how, and if to get pregnant. I can help you sort it out in a calm, supportive atmosphere.

Expectations and How to Parent Together

Expectations are a big issue for Couples who are pregnant or starting the pregnancy process. As a therapist I can say that many unforeseen problems arise from unspoken and unexplored expectations. Everyone has expectations, usually we are only half aware of them. As an experienced Couples Therapist I will help you articulate them and get everything out into the open.

Here are a few examples. Your’s may be different, but whatever they are it’s wise and helpful to know them in advance.

Conflict Resolution and Communication

At no time in your relationship is conflict resolution more important than once children arrive. If you aren't great at this before children you will benefit mightily by learning those skills in counseling. I am happy to help you. If you think that learning better ways to communicate with each other would benefit you I can definitely help you with that.

Issues of Selfhood

Who am I now that I am a parent? Who are we as a family? How do I meet the needs of my family while keeping a sense of my individuality? These are areas that you may or may not want to explore, I leave that to you.

Difficulties in Conceiving

If you are facing challenges in trying to get pregnant and decide to add fertility treatments I highly recommend that you see a Couples Therapist who is experienced in supporting Couples going through this process.

The medical, emotional and financial stresses that come with fertility treatments will tax your coping reserves. I am experienced in supporting and counseling Couples going through this. Some compassionate, focused Couples Counseling at this time is a great gift to your relationship. Let me help you approach this challenge in a more confident, relaxed and united way.  

I can also provide Couples Counseling during these Fertility Treatments  

Donor Eggs, Donor Sperm, IVF, IUI, Fertility Drugs and Surrogates.

Email is the quickest way to reach me

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Laressa Desmond PhD

CPC CA LMFT

Parenthood-focused Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy, with a specific focus on planning for parenthood, is also an area where I may be able to help you.

It is my pleasure to emotionally and clinically support Couples going through the stages of pregnancy from decision to delivery. Including fertility issues and IVF support.

Who can deny the power of that unique longing for a child? For some it’s a longing that is always just below the surface, for other’s it is a sudden realization. However it arrives, it is a strong motivation to get the other aspects of your relationship organized and in alignment.

The decision to get pregnant is one of the most joyful, and yet sometimes stressful decision points in life

Couples Therapy can help you with the relationship challenges that surface around getting pregnant as well as provide you with support during fertility treatments should they become necessary.

Here are some of the types of issues that pregnancy-focused Couples Therapy with me can help you address and resolve.

Please note- I don’t work with custody issues or legal proceedings

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