A client came in with postpartum and lots of mom guilt as she had returned to work within 3 months of having her first child. She was feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood. She complained that her husband was intense and unyielding, though she also shared that she understood his behavior because he came from a chaotic childhood. He was unwilling to come to therapy, so she assumed the role of “it must be all my fault.”

Through unpacking her own childhood and her parent’s divorce, she was able to recognize the fear of rejection and failure that seemed to steer her within her relationship. These fears showed up as neediness and edginess with her husband, further pushing him away. Her willingness to focus on her Self and healing her own wounds has allowed her to be more compassionate with her husband. It has freed her to find and use her voice and to face the discomfort of conflict. Through therapy and hard work, she has managed to calmly yet firmly express her ideas and needs to her husband, which has allowed him to hear her and understand her better.

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