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Counseling for Dads and Non-Birthing Partners

Parenthood is hard for you too. You are experiencing the same unbelievable, seismic changes as your partner, and you owe it to yourself and your family to put the mask on yourself.
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"I can't be weak. My partner needs me to stay strong. To hold on.."

Even if it breaks me.

No matter what anyone says, remember that it's your life too.

Just because you’re not the one who gave birth doesn’t mean you got off easy. Parenthood changes everything. It changes your identity, your relationships with your partner and your friends. It seriously impacts your stress levels. It even causes physiological changes to your body.

Research shows that non-birthing parents experience hormonal and neurological shifts. Your testosterone levels take a hit. You form new neural pathways and your brain chemistry changes. That’s right, science proves that your brain is rewiring itself for parenthood, just like your partner’s.

And then there’s the cultural minefield. You’re expected to step up and support your partner, but not talk about your own struggles. You’re told you should feel instant, overwhelming love for your child, and if you don’t, something must be wrong with you.

And If you need help? You should “man up” and deal with it quietly. It’s not fair, it’s not true, and it’s really not helpful.

 

  • “I don’t want to admit this, but I don’t feel connected to my baby yet. Am I broken?”
  • “My partner and I don’t even look at each other anymore. It feels like we’re just trying to survive.”
  • “I get so frustrated, but I don’t feel like I have the right to be stressed.”
  • “I feel like I’m failing at everything – parenting, supporting my partner, keeping up with work. There’s no way to win.”

 

You deserve support. You deserve a space where you can be honest about how you’re feeling. Parenthood is an adjustment for you too, and learning how to balance it all requires you to firing on all cylinders. And so you must prioritize your mental wellbeing.

Start today and feel better soon.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Does it feel like you need to bring your partner in? Learn more about Couples Counseling →.

Here's what we'll accomplish together

Couples counseling offers a path forward. Whether you’re struggling to adjust or simply want to strengthen your bond, we’re here to help.

  • Find Your  Unique Parenting Identity 

    You're rewriting your own story. Sometimes you just need a second set of eyes.

  • Manage the Streses and Isolation

    You can't manage stress the same way you did before kids. Learn how to do it.

  • Make Space for Yourself Without Guilt

    Discover different strategies for taking your self-care seriously.

  • abc block

    Navigate the Emotional Rollercoaster

    The big feels hit different when more is on the line. Learn how to navigate them.

Ready to get started with Counseling?
Schedule a Free Consultation

Not sure which is right for you?

Ready to get started?

Book Appointment

    "Cincinnati families are fortunate to have Megan’s expertise in our community. Her clinical skills are changing lives. With honesty and compassion, she guides her clients step by step through the messy and confusing moments, helping them see challenges from a new perspective. As a doula and group facilitator in the postpartum space, I am often asked for referrals to therapists (for moms, their partners, or couples' counseling). Megan is always at the top of my list, especially for those navigating perinatal trauma, striving for equitable and fulfilling parenting partnerships, or working to heal from their own experiences with parents and caregivers. "

    -Amanda Laskowski, M.S.

    "I am forever grateful for the support and care I receive from Megan. We initially started working together during the absolute hardest time of my life - deeply struggling with postpartum OCD - I was completely lost with little faith that things were ever going to get better. Our sessions gave me hope. Through her empathy, expertise and dedication, she provided me with practical, effective tools that helped me regain control of my life. Years later, I still rely on those tools to guide me through challenging times. "

    -Margot Richey

    "After my trauma workshop with Megan, I have noticed a marked improvement in my ability to reflect on my birth experience and introduction to motherhood. It feels for the first time since Adler was born (Feb 2024), I am able to look at photos and videos of him as a fresh newborn and not feel sadness or heartbreak. I am now able to look at my experience and feel strong. I am able to articulate the experience much more confidently, and not feel I have to hide it from others when talking about my birth story."

    -Mikayla Trinkley