Perinatal & Postpartum Therapy in San Diego

Start embracing motherhood and let go of postpartum anxiety and worry with Dana Sockolov, a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional© in San Diego!

You thought becoming a mom would feel different.

More settled. More grounded. Like you had a bit more of a rhythm in your role as a new mother. Instead, your mind feels … louder than it used to.

You love your baby more than anything. But your thoughts just can’t seem to slow down for long enough to let you settle into your new identity or reconnect with who you were before the baby arrived. 

You might notice yourself:

  • Going over the same chronic “what if” worries again and again

  • Second-guessing every parenting decision you have to make

  • Constantly looking for external reassurance, even when you already kind of know the answer

  • Feeling this constant pressure to get being a mom “right” or “perfect”

And sometimes the thoughts themselves feel unsettling, like your brain is producing thoughts that don’t match how you actually feel. Yet the thoughts are still so hard to ignore. It can leave you wondering: Is any of this normal? Why is being a mom so much harder than I expected?

I’ve been there myself! I used to think struggling with motherhood meant that I was a “bad mom” but here is what I learned … 

… Struggling with postpartum anxiety or intrusive thoughts is so much more common than you think!

Becoming a new mom is a huge adjustment and it’s part of the experience to feel unsure, overwhelmed or like you’re caught between your old life and this new role as a mother. It’s 100% normal to need time, guidance and support as you find your footing. That’s why postpartum therapy can help you tremendously during this period. 

In a supportive, judgment-free space, you can learn practical strategies to manage anxious or intrusive thoughts, establish a connection with your maternal instincts and confidence as a parent as well as craft a space for yourself that allows you to feel calmer and more present with your baby.

WHERE I CAN HELP

Perinatal and postpartum therapy can help you  …

I’m Dana Sockolov, LMFT and I provide perinatal therapy in San Diego to support you as you navigate the postpartum period. I know that with the right support, this transition into motherhood can be a time of great self-discovery and connection. My goal is to help you make that a reality!

✔︎ Overcome postpartum anxiety and constant worry

✔︎ Reduce postpartum OCD, unwanted thoughts and compulsive behaviors

✔︎ Bounce back from feeling drained, overwhelmed or mentally “on edge”

✔︎ Adjust to your new identity as a mother

✔︎ Finally start trusting yourself or your parenting decisions

✔︎ Close the gap between what you expected and what you're experiencing

✔︎ Navigate and manage the mental load of caring for a new baby

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

How therapy can help with your postpartum symptoms

More space from anxious thoughts and mom worry

Being more present with your baby and in daily life

Increased self-trust & confidence in your parenting

Feeling steadier, even when things feels unpredictable

  • Wow! What a relief to find a therapist like Dana. Dana genuinely cares about you. She helped us so much. She was the perfect blend of soft and direct we were looking for. Dana is very communicative and really seems to love doing therapy. She's also a mom so it was easy to know she understood a little bit of our struggle too. We highly recommend Dana to anyone in the San Diego area who is seeking couple therapy. We've also referred individuals to her who have had similar experience with her. A+++

    — Former Client

  • Dana was such a light in a time of darkness for me… her transparency & honesty was exactly what I needed to get to the root of our work together. I have never once felt any judgement from her- only support. I’ve worked with other therapists in the past that left me unsure of wanting to try therapy again, but I’m so thankful Dana was referred to me because I wouldn’t be where I am now without her help.

    — Former Client

  • Dana is an amazing therapist that helped me work through anxiety that I have had most of my life. She listened, gave practical tips and strategies and most importantly was able to validate how I was feeling and encouraged me to accept this part of me that I have been struggling with for so long. Highly recommend her!!!

    — Former Client

ABOUT ME

Why choose me as your perinatal or postpartum therapist in San Diego?

Supporting new moms through postpartum anxiety, OCD and other mental health challenges isn’t just something I’m trained in, it’s something I understand on a deeply personal level. During my own postpartum experience, I navigated anxiety and OCD challenges that left me a real appreciation for how overwhelming, disorienting and isolating this period of life can feel for new mothers.


That lived experience, combined with my advanced training in perinatal mental health, allows me to offer care that is both evidence-based and deeply attuned to what you’re going through. My approach is tailored to your specific needs, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD – while always moving at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

FEES & FAQs

Everything you need to know about starting perinatal therapy with me

Head over to my FAQ page to find all the practical information about working with me, such as what to expect, costs, the insurance providers I accept, my working hours, etc.

Take your first step towards healing

Finding a therapist that really gets you can be tricky - I know! You never know if you’ll actually click with someone until you can speak to them. To help make that process easier for you, I offer a free 15-min online consultation so you can meet me, ask questions and decide for yourself if the vibe is right.