Laura Duncan, LICSW

MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

Having a baby is one of the greatest physical and emotional adjustments you will ever go through in your life, and sometimes it can be overwhelming.  You’re experiencing something you never expected, and you have no energy to deal with it, but postpartum depression and anxiety is not your fault, and with support, you will feel better.    Postpartum anxiety and depression are extremely common (about 1 in 6 women will be affected).  It is temporary and treatable, but alone, recovery can feel like an impossible task. Together, we’ll identify your symptoms, explore contributing factors whether it’s not having had the birth you imagined, difficulties with feeding, or unexpected changes in your relationships.  I will provide you with tools and a plan to help you feeling more like yourself again.  I’ll be present with you every step of the way.

I graduated from Boston University School of Social Work in 2001.   Since that time I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, opening a solo private practice in Nashua, NH in 2013.  In 2016 I attended a post-graduate course in treating postpartum mood disorders taught personally by Karen Kleiman, MSW, who is most widely known for her best selling book “This Isn’t What I Expected – Overcoming Postpartum Depression.”  I am is also a member of Postpartum Support International (PSI) and has completed their certification course in treating perinatal mood disorders.  In 2017 I attended a 16-month post-graduate course in treating infertility taught by Drs. Applegarth and Covington, both world-renowned educators in the field of mental health and infertility.

I live in Westford, MA with my husband, daughter, and dog Henry.