Women's Mental Health

Being a woman is hard!

We received constant messaging throughout our lives about what it means to be a woman and a mom. As a result, we internalize these unrealistic and patriarchal standards and can be left feeling like a failure when we inevitability do not measure up.

No wonder so many women and moms feel stressed, burnt out, inadequate, and worthless!

I hold a special sensitivity to what it means to be a woman in today's world, and I have a deep passion for empowering women.

As a Psychologist specializing in women's mental health, we can work together to explore what is holding you back, heal from pain and trauma, challenge social norms and expectations, develop coping tools, live a meaningful life according to your values, and ultimately feel worthy and empowered in yourself.

It takes years as a woman to unlearn what you have been taught to feel sorry for.    -Amy Poehler

Specialized Therapy for Women's Mental Health Concerns

Explore some of the many women's mental health concerns I work with. Click the links to learn more about what therapy for these concerns might look like.

Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health

Conception, pregnancy, and postpartum can be vulnerable periods for mental health. Reproduction does not always go as planned, and even when it does, EVERYTHING changes. Emotions are at an all-time high. You might be crying constantly, experiencing disturbing or intrusive thoughts, and experiencing so much worry. Therapy can help you to get through the day and feel more like yourself again.

Body Image

Many women learn that the most important thing about them is their bodies. Women also learn that their body needs to look like the cultural ideal to be worthy. No wonder so many women struggle with Body Image. Therapy can help you to stop hating your body and instead embrace it with love and compassion.

Learn More about therapy for Body Image

Self-Esteem

You might have been thought that your worth is conditional. You will be worthy when you get the promotion, get married, have children, lose weight, etc. and this have meant that you can never fully feel good about yourself. You might be really hard on yourself. Therapy can help you become less of a bully to yourself and more of a friend.

Learn More about therapy for self-esteem

Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

You think about food and weight quite frequently and this causes stress and impacts quality of life. You engage in unhealthy eating behaviors and have an unhealthy relationship with food. Therapy can help you to find peace with food and your body.

Learn More about therapy for Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

Anxiety, Stress, and Burnout

There is so much on your plate -arguably, too much.  You struggle with keeping up. On top of that, your mind might be constantly racing.  You worry about "what ifs" and "worst case scenarios". You spend so much time worrying about the future that you don't enjoy the present moment. Therapy can help you manage your stress and anxiety and heal from or prevent burnout.

Learn More about therapy for anxiety, stress, and burnout

Depression

You have low energy and little interest in things. Things that used to be easy are now a struggle. You find yourself having a low mood or you feel numb. You might not see a way out. Therapy can help you feel more like yourself again and find some enjoyment in life

Learn More about therapy for Depression

Ashley Bishop Lapierre Registered Psychologist Calgary Alberta
Perfectionism Counselling Calgary. Perfectionism Alberta, Edmonton,

Perfectionism

You have really high standards for yourself. Perhaps this was learned and reinforced in childhood, or it is more of a newer challenge. Your perfectionism might have helped you reach certain goals in your life but it can also create problems. You find yourself never feeling fully satisfied with yourself and life. Therapy can help you learn what is behind your perfectionism and explore what loosening standards might look like.

Learn More about therapy for Perfectionism

Trauma

You went through some difficult experiences in the past, and you are feeling it is still with you in your present. You find yourself getting triggered easily. Therapy can help you to understand, cope and ultimately heal this deep hurt from the past so you can focus on your present.

Learn More about therapy for Trauma

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Sexuality

Many women do not understand their sexual experience. What you were taught was primarily based on men's bodies and experiences.  But it's different for women. You were also exposed to lots of conflicting information about what it means to be a sexual woman. Therapy can help you become more sexually empowered.

Learn More about therapy for women's sexuality

And More!

There are so many women's mental health concerns, that it is not possible to list everything here. If you do not see your concern listed, reach out and we will book a phone consultation!

Hopeful Horizons

Holding Hope for a Better Tomorrow

Your Mental Health Matters

Schedule an appointment or a free, 20-minute phone consultation today!