Navigating Parenthood Together
$175 50-minute sessions
You want to stop feeling alone next to each other.
You expected things to change when you decided to become parents, but you weren't prepared for this. Your partner opened up and shared that they were scared. Maybe scared about what becoming parents means for both of you, scared they'll let you down. Hearing that from someone you see as strong really catches you off guard. Maybe you hadn't said it out loud yet, but you're a bit scared too.
You're both trying to become someone you can't fully picture yet. They're afraid they'll lose themself in the process. Worse, they're not sure they'll change fast enough to show up the way they'd like to. You're carrying your own version of this. You might be asking yourself if you're ready, if you have what it takes, or if you'll be good at this parenting thing. The fear is in the room now and it's loud. You're standing right next to each other, but you've never felt more alone.
How Does Couples Therapy Work at Stanza?
You've likely heard it before: "Communication is key". It's true – that's how many couples get through challenging times. However, it's more about how you talk about issues and conflict and how you build understanding that makes the difference. It's not uncommon for clients to experience a light bulb moment as they hear their partner share an experience in the relationship in just the right way for the information to snap into place like the final puzzle piece. Expressive arts therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy tend to work together that way. Both frameworks offer partners novel ways to communicate their needs, leading to more opportunities to find the nuances in meaning that spark understanding between partners.
As a therapist, I strive to show up as a full human in the room with clients. When everyone shows up as themselves, the work can get pretty deep. I view authenticity as a central part of the work in couples therapy. It’s much more challenging to get to the core of issues when you’re clinging to your masks. Don’t get me wrong - I know that the masks have served a purpose in other spaces and other stages in your lives, but one of the goals of therapy is to learn how to set them aside and genuinely connect with your loved ones.
The Benefits of Virtual Therapy
If there's any group of people I think online therapy can be supportive for it's new parents and couples at the latter stage of pregnancy. I know it can be challenging to find care for your children and the logistics of travelling with infants and fighting your fellow citizens for parking is a time-consuming hassle. At Stanza, therapy sessions are virtual, meaning you can get privacy-centered (HIPAA-compliant) care from the comfort of your home.
Is It Too Late To Start Therapy?
It's incredibly common for couples to struggle with disconnection and conflict for years before they decide to get help. I find that the couples who set aside to address their issues at the outset, when issues are more manageable, fair well in therapy. However, sometimes that's not the way it goes. If you were having trouble before, and now things are worse since the baby arrived, meeting with a therapist can still be helpful. Seeking support as a couple navigating the perinatal and early post-partum stages can help partners ease into the transition to parenthood and reorient their relationship to their new family life.
Hi, I’m Jasmine McMeeking, LMFT
I help couples who are scared they’ll lose themselves or lose each other as they move toward parenthood. I work with partners who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to get everything right and the fear of getting it wrong. My couples learn how to stop hiding their fears and start sharing them. They learn how to fight in ways that bring clarity instead of damage. They remember how to have fun again, even when things feel heavy.
My style is casual and unpolished. I take the work seriously, but I also believe there’s healing in a space where you can breathe, stumble, laugh a little, and tell the truth. I hold a space where you don’t have to perform. You get to be real about how scared you are and how much you want this to work. I’m patient, and I’m also persistent. When you hit a stuck point, I don’t let you give up on each other. We walk through it together.
Therapy can become the place where you both stop pretending you’re fine. It’s a space for honesty, relief, and rebuilding trust in each other. You can talk openly about the fears you’ve been keeping quiet. You can learn how to stay connected instead of getting lost in separate spirals. You can start to feel like a team again.
FAQs
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Absolutely! I work with polycules, open relationships, and partnerships that don't fit traditional scripts. You don't need to explain or justify your relationship structure here—just bring what you're actually working through.
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Most couples begin weekly for consistency. As things stabilize, we adjust the pace.
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Hesitation is normal. We take time to build trust and make sure the process feels safe for both people. -
My full fee is $200. I believe in accessible mental health care so I do offer sliding scale rates. The sliding scale range goes from $120 a session to $150 a session. I’m always happy to discuss reduced rates during the consultation.