Counseling for Women

As a woman, are you struggling with confidence and want to feel more secure again?
Have the stress and anxiety of being a modern-day woman in America become exhausting?
Have you been the victim of sexual assault or domestic violence and find yourself trying to rediscover your confidence?

Women today face more challenges, unrealistic expectations, and responsibilities than they ever have in history. Females are pressured with societal expectations surrounding their looks, body weight, and becoming the perfect parent or spouse. All of these expectations, in addition to facing gender discrimination can be extremely taxing to a woman’s physical and mental health.

Counseling for women addresses any and all concerns you may be struggling with during the 21st century. Together we will identify your specific emotions, and focus on self-empowerment to liberate and inspire you as a powerful female. Counseling for women’s issues can range from general mental health, to challenges specifically related to the female gender.

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Gender-Specific Mental Health Issues

Women often face challenges that are unique to their gender, such as sexism, stereotyping, motherhood and infertility struggles. The truth is, while we like to believe we have developed gender equality, women still face challenges different than men. 

Many women struggle with gender roles, or feeling pressured to balance a career and family. It is still common for women to carry the brunt of the housework, while trying to pursue their own careers and passions. Whatever your specific emotions and stressors may be, know that you are not alone. Many women of the St. Petersburg community trust our team with their emotional, maritol or lifestyle concerns.

 

Gender-Specific Mental Health Issues

Women often face challenges that are unique to their gender, such as sexism, stereotyping, motherhood and infertility struggles. The truth is, while we like to believe we have developed gender equality, women still face challenges different than men. 

Many women struggle with gender roles, or feeling pressured to balance a career and family. It is still common for women to carry the brunt of the housework, while trying to pursue their own careers and passions. Whatever your specific emotions and stressors may be, know that you are not alone. Many women of the St. Petersburg community trust our team with their emotional, maritol or lifestyle concerns.

 

Mental Health Treatment

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are more prone to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression than men.  The truth is, all humans are vulnerable to mental health concerns. We see men, women, and individuals of other genders in our St. Petersburg counseling clinic for emotional, social and mental health concerns.

Some common reasons women seek out counseling include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Body Image or Dysmorphia
  • Postpartum depression and/or anxiety
  • Stress
  • Infertility
  • Eating disorders
  • Mood-related challenges
  • Low self-esteem
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Infertility
  • Role Conflicts or feeling inadequate as a wife/mother/friend/daughter
  • Gender identity issues

Therapy for Self-Esteem Issues

“On the outside I was perfect to everyone who saw me on social media or in person, but on the inside I was battling against myself to be truly happy every day. It wasn’t until I told someone about what I experienced that I felt I could live a normal life again. I wish I had gone to therapy earlier because I feel like I lost so many valuable memories to my depression and may have hurt relationships with people I love.”

This is the statement of a 31-year-old woman reflecting on her years as a college student. She was the brightest girl in her friend group and no one would have guessed she struggled with depression and anxiety. She, like many others, felt the pressure to appear perfect on the outside. She didn’t want to be pitied, and often felt no one would understand her circumstance.

After opening up to friends about her personal struggles, she soon realized that many of her peers had felt the same way. The pressure to be perceived as happy and flawless was even more common than she realized. 

Powerful things happen when women open up and share their stories. Through voicing these thoughts and emotions, women flourish into their ultimate, unique self. Our main goal within women’s counseling is to establish comfort and stability. Counseling is a powerful way for women to combat these misconceptions, so that they can live a happier, fearless life.

 

Therapy for Self-Esteem Issues

“On the outside I was perfect to everyone who saw me on social media or in person, but on the inside I was battling against myself to be truly happy every day. It wasn’t until I told someone about what I experienced that I felt I could live a normal life again. I wish I had gone to therapy earlier because I feel like I lost so many valuable memories to my depression and may have hurt relationships with people I love.”

This is the statement of a 31-year-old woman reflecting on her years as a college student. She was the brightest girl in her friend group and no one would have guessed she struggled with depression and anxiety. She, like many others, felt the pressure to appear perfect on the outside. She didn’t want to be pitied, and often felt no one would understand her circumstance.

After opening up to friends about her personal struggles, she soon realized that many of her peers had felt the same way. The pressure to be perceived as happy and flawless was even more common than she realized. 

Powerful things happen when women open up and share their stories. Through voicing these thoughts and emotions, women flourish into their ultimate, unique self. Our main goal within women’s counseling is to establish comfort and stability. Counseling is a powerful way for women to combat these misconceptions, so that they can live a happier, fearless life.

 

Counseling Can Help With Self Esteem

Counseling can help rebuild your self esteem. We’ve worked with countless clients who struggle with self image and confidence.  In counseling sessions, we may use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) techniques to take a closer look at your negative self talk.  You and your therapist will explore where these negative thoughts come from.  As you become more mindful of these thoughts, you’ll be able to replace them with a healthier, more helpful mindset. Our goal is that you gain the confidence to fully accept and appreciate yourself as a woman.

Infertility in Women Affects Our Mental Health

According to Womenshealth.gov, infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older). There are also cases in which some women get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant. About 6.1 million (10% of all women) in the US have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. 

Infertility can mean monotonous doctors visits, ovulation monitoring, uncomfortable IVF procedures and timing of sex. This alone can take a significant toll on your physical and mental health. To make matters worse, most women find themselves afraid of getting their hopes up or even isolated. It’s hard to watch your friends and family almost effortlessly become pregnant, while you are still battling infertility. These emotions can make you feel disconnected from friends, or stress the relationship between you and your partner. 

Through this cyclone of sadness and obsession, it’s not uncommon to become anxious or depressed. It’s important to remain in good mental health so that the stress does not inhibit your ability to become pregnant.

 

Infertility in Women Affects Our Mental Health

According to Womenshealth.gov, infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older). There are also cases in which some women get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant. About 6.1 million (10% of all women) in the US have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. 

Infertility can mean monotonous doctors visits, ovulation monitoring, uncomfortable IVF procedures and timing of sex. This alone can take a significant toll on your physical and mental health. To make matters worse, most women find themselves afraid of getting their hopes up or even isolated. It’s hard to watch your friends and family almost effortlessly become pregnant, while you are still battling infertility. These emotions can make you feel disconnected from friends, or stress the relationship between you and your partner. 

Through this cyclone of sadness and obsession, it’s not uncommon to become anxious or depressed. It’s important to remain in good mental health so that the stress does not inhibit your ability to become pregnant.

 

Counseling for Infertility Can Help

While you may feel alone, infertility itself is common. Our expert counselors have seen many women exhausted and losing hope as they battle infertility. More importantly, we’ve seen women regain their life, while redefining hope in their journey. We’ve helped women begin to live in the moment and find joy again. Pregnancy doesn’t define you!

Meeting with a therapist can help you:

  • Manage your life and expectations for yourself, your relationship, and the pregnancy itself
  • Form a healthy relationship with the two week wait
  • Teach you coping skills that keep you optimistic while boosting your endurance
  • Make peace with what is out of your control
  • Reclaim your love for life outside of pregnancy
  • Add romance to your relationship
  • Increase ability to handle and acknowledge difficult feelings
  • Guide decision-making from a place of non-reactive and non-emotional logic
  • Make you the expert in managing your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors around one of hte most difficult times of your life

Body Image and Mental Health

How you view yourself is often impacted by family, peer groups and society as a whole. Now more than ever, women are exposed to social media and advertisements that insist you look a certain way.A recent study showed that only 1 in 5 women were happy with their bodies. In fact, nearly half of all normal weight women overestimate their size and shape. A distorted body image can lead to self-destructive behavior, like dieting or binge eating, as well as severe mental health issues.

When we have negative thoughts about our body over time, eventually the thoughts become core beliefs that change our perception. These beliefs can be extremely difficult to change and overcome without the help of a therapist. If you or a loved one is feeling depressed and anxious about body image, it’s important to seek counseling. When left untreated, this can look lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders or unwanted mental health issues.

 

Body Image and Mental Health

How you view yourself is often impacted by family, peer groups and society as a whole. Now more than ever, women are exposed to social media and advertisements that insist you look a certain way.A recent study showed that only 1 in 5 women were happy with their bodies. In fact, nearly half of all normal weight women overestimate their size and shape. A distorted body image can lead to self-destructive behavior, like dieting or binge eating, as well as severe mental health issues.

When we have negative thoughts about our body over time, eventually the thoughts become core beliefs that change our perception. These beliefs can be extremely difficult to change and overcome without the help of a therapist. If you or a loved one is feeling depressed and anxious about body image, it’s important to seek counseling. When left untreated, this can look lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders or unwanted mental health issues.

 

Counseling Can Help with Body Image Issues

At McNulty Counseling and Wellness, we have counselors who understand body image issues. Through counseling, we can guide you in changing these negative beliefs and behaviors. Taking the initiative to change this negative mindset can help regain the life you once had – No longer fixated on what you eat, how much exercise you get, or what you look like. We believe every woman can love their body and feel themselves again!

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Having a baby is one of the most exciting milestones a woman can experience. Most of us feel excited through pregnancy, only to feel extremely overwhelmed with the range of emotions after childbirth. 

When this gets to be too much, depression can slowly creep it’s way in, making this joyous occasion a nightmare. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re feeling any of the following:

  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, or anger
  • Excessive crying, worrying, or sleeping
  • Not being able to sleep when the baby sleeps
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Difficulty bonding with or forming an emotional attachment with the new baby
  • Doubting one’s ability to parent a baby
  • Thoughts of self-harm or harming the new baby

Check out our blog on Postpartum Depression for more info.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Having a baby is one of the most exciting milestones a woman can experience. Most of us feel excited through pregnancy, only to feel extremely overwhelmed with the range of emotions after childbirth. 

When this gets to be too much, depression can slowly creep it’s way in, making this joyous occasion a nightmare. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re feeling any of the following:

  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, or anger
  • Excessive crying, worrying, or sleeping
  • Not being able to sleep when the baby sleeps
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Difficulty bonding with or forming an emotional attachment with the new baby
  • Doubting one’s ability to parent a baby
  • Thoughts of self-harm or harming the new baby

Check out our blog on Postpartum Depression for more info.

Domestic Violence

UN Global report recently found that Domestic Violence was the number one killer of women across the globe. In fact, the home is considered to be the most dangerous place for a woman. When people think of the word Domestic Violence, they often think of what they see in the movies – an angry husband beating his wife or even worse, killing her. While these exist, we must remember that physical harm is only one of the things abusers use against their victims. There can be psychological, emotional, sexual and even financial abuse that is considered domestic violence. Oftentimes, women go to great lengths to cover up this abuse. When this happens, it becomes more difficult as a therapist to convince the victim to leave their abuser. 

As therapists, we encourage freedom from the abuse, making victims stronger than ever before. Seeking help is one of the most difficult decisions a victim can make but it doesn’t have to be done alone.

 

Counseling Helps Survivors Take Back Control

No one should have to go through domestic violence alone. It’s normal to need support as you recover. We are here to help you heal, find strength and regain your voice. We’ve helped women find healing, meaning and move forward with their lives. Our team of St. Petersburg mental health counselors can help. Contact McNulty Counseling today.

 

 

Counseling Helps Survivors Take Back Control

No one should have to go through domestic violence alone. It’s normal to need support as you recover. We are here to help you heal, find strength and regain your voice. We’ve helped women find healing, meaning and move forward with their lives. Our team of St. Petersburg mental health counselors can help. Contact McNulty Counseling today.

Get Counseling for Women’s Issues

Whether you need help navigating relationships or coping with life’s challenges, we are here to help you live a rewarding and joyous life.

While male counselors can be a good fit, we understand that there are sensitive topics best discussed between women. Finding someone who you can relate to is an important step in the process. McNulty Counseling and Wellness has many female counselors who are ready to meet you.

If you’re feeling, anxious, or experiencing relationship problems, we are here to help. Our goal is to meet the mental health needs of individuals & families in the St. Petersburg, FL community. We understand the ongoing list of female challenges, and we are prepared to face them head on with you. 

Blog Posts Related to Women’s Mental Health

We keep a mental health blog where we discuss various mental health topics that we frequently address in our counseling clinic.  Many of our blog posts relate to issues women commonly face. You are encouraged to check out our blog on a regular basis for tips and information related to mental health topics. A few of our blog posts you may find interested are about:

Begin Women’s Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL

You don’t have to suffer alone – If you are struggling with postpartum depression, infertility, negative body image, or low self-esteem, we can help regain your confidence. For those that have experienced domestic or sexual violence, we are here to help find your voice and strength. If you have questions or would like to start counseling for women, please contact our St. Petersburg, Florida clinic.

Begin Women’s Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL

You don’t have to suffer alone – If you are struggling with postpartum depression, infertility, negative body image, or low self-esteem, we can help regain your confidence. For those that have experienced domestic or sexual violence, we are here to help find your voice and strength. If you have questions or would like to start counseling for women, please contact our St. Petersburg, Florida clinic.

Soula mental health counselor biopic

Meet Soula: A Female Counselor Specializing in Women’s Issues

Soula Hareas is one of our expert therapists, specializing in women’s issues. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and mother of three, Soula began her career working with victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape. Soula continues to help women who have experienced difficulty in their lives due to trauma. She is passionate about helping women who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other more severe issues. Soula proudly partners with the charity Hands Across The Bay to help victims and families of domestic violence.

Other Services Offered at McNulty Counseling & Wellness in St. Petersburg, FL

Other Services Offered at McNulty Counseling & Wellness in St. Petersburg, FL

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