Psychotherapy

for Individuals, Couples, New Parents

Margaret Bergmann-Ness, MA, LICSW 

2025 First Ave, Suite 750 

Seattle, WA 98121 

(206) 551-4824

The real experience of being a parent feels different and more challenging than many of us are able to imagine ahead of time.

Individualized psychotherapy can assist in working through these challenges, and thus enhance the experience of parenthood and adult life in general.

When imagining ourselves as parents, we anticipate emotional growth and rewards from this new role. Yet, many new parents find that the experience of pregnancy and the intense demands of caring for an infant stir up surprisingly intense and uncomfortable emotions.

In addition, "Listening to Mothers," the First National U.S. Survey of Women's Childbearing Experiences, indicates that nearly twenty percent of mothers are affected by postpartum mood disorders. We know that, if left untreated, these disorders can have devastating effects. Medications can be helpful in addressing the biochemical aspects of depression and anxiety; however, research suggests that people recover faster when therapy is also part of their treatment.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in private practice. I specialize in issues around pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy loss, and the adjustment to parenthood, including postpartum mood disorders. In addition, I offer individual or couple's consultation on these issues. 

I have over fifteen years of experience working with new families as a social worker, a support group facilitator, a childbirth educator, and as a birth and postpartum doula. My understanding of new families comes from many perspectives and direct experiences. 

My psychological orientation is psychodynamic, which works from the assumption that our earliest relationships are crucial in our lives. I believe that many adults can benefit immensely from deepening their understanding of how these early relationships and patterns currently affect day-to-day challenges. 

I welcome your call to discuss your experiences and hopes during a time of change and development. 

Margaret Bergmann-Ness, MA, LICSW 

(206) 551-4824

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Click here for my resume