What is it like to feel like you don't belong? Or, to feel like everyone else makes friends so much easier than you do?

I talk to my clients all the time about how important it is to have a community--a tribe--a circle of other mom friends to support you, laugh with you, lift you up, or let you fall apart in their company. Moms who “get it” and don’t judge you for your struggles or imperfections.

I know when you're in school it's easy (or easier anyway) to meet and connect with people, but…

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Anna Osborn, a dear friend and colleague, on her podcast, Her Life Unscripted, all about new motherhood--its effects on our relationships with our partners, how our needs change even though our wants might stay the same, and the imperative of finding your tribe as a momma. 

Anna Osborn is a licensed psychotherapist for burnt-out women and stretched-thin mommas. She's a business owner, public speaker, and mother of twins in Sacramento, Californi…

“Your life is over after having a baby.”

“Say goodbye to your free time!”  

“If you think your wife nags now, just wait till the baby comes....”

Whoa! That sounds awful.

And yet, I hear statements like these from new and expecting parents all the time: These are the things they’re hearing from others. They tell me all about their fears that their lives--their relationships, their true selves--are effectively over after the baby arrives, and they feel their fears are validated by the hor…

Earlier this month, Catherine O'Brien, LMFT was interviewed by Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. for the "Mom & Mind Podcast".

In the interview, Catherine talks about how she found her true passion in her work, how she supports both moms and dads during the transition into parenthood, and her special affinity for all moms regardless of the differences in experience or technique. Catherine shares the importance of maintaining the connection to your partner during this transition and highlights that the…

The other day, I was so tired I just couldn’t get out of bed. I knew I really needed to get going because I had to wash my hair before work and get myself ready before getting my kids up to take my daughter to preschool. But I just couldn't move. And then, I heard those little footsteps coming down the hallway….  

Sh$t!!  

After spending several minutes cuddling, I hurried into the shower while my husband got breakfast ready. The rest of the morning was a rush and I tried to throw lunches …

Featured in PsychCentral.com

Let's face it:  We moms are all guilty of....well, feeling guilty. At least a little bit, at least once in a while. We all do it and we all know it's futile. It's time to let ourselves off the hook a little.  

In her latest feature on PsychCentral.com, Catherine O'Brien says, “Not every mom is going to be good at everything, but there are so many things that [moms] provide on a regular basis that only we can do so well.”  

Check out the full article for 5 tips…

Featured on PsychCentral.com

Catherine O'Brien, LMFT has once again been featured in an article on PsychCentral.com, this time discussing specifically how social media influences self-confidence, mental health, and choice as mothers. 

Do you use Facebook or other social media platforms as a little break, some socialization or support?  

Notice how you feel whenever you do log on to social media and whether it is actually serving you.  

It can often be a double-edged sword. There are some…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's Momma Interview comes from a woman who is no stranger to stress, at home or work but is able to use the smiles and hugs from her kiddos to pull her through those tough moments.  

Meet V…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week, we're hearing from a momma who turns to God when running her home and running after her sons gets overwhelming. When she feels unsure or uneasy, she listens to her inner voice and instinc…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week, we're hearing from a momma who lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis and manages to chase around two energetic boys. When she feels stress coming on or judgment from others, she reminds herself…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

THIS WEEK, AN EX-PAT LIVING IN AUSTRALIA SHARES WITH US HOW SHE CHECKS IN WITH HERSELF AND MAKES REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR WHAT SHE CAN ACCOMPLISH EACH DAY. SHE IS ONLY INTERESTED IN DOING WHAT SHE…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: Running on Empty

By Anna Osborn, LMFT

I don’t know about you, but I have yet to meet a momma that is not a working momma. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in the home or out, the unending balancing act is universal. And qui…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week we are chatting with a momma from the UK who saw motherhood as the perfect reason to seek some enlightenment in this world and realize what she truly believes in. Read on to find out more …

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: From Belly Bliss to Dark Depression

Guest Post by Brittni Fudge, MA, NCC, LPCC

Two minutes can feel like an hour when you’ve just taken a pregnancy test and are waiting for the results. When women see the two lines show up, th…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Lori Ann Code is so amazing. She founded Mama Bootcamp, a facility in Sacramento, CA that provides support and training for women to reach their wellness and bucket list goals. She's also the author of "[find your mojo] 52 Weeks…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

I'm thrilled to bring to you a special interview I did with Julie Hurst, Founder & Owner of "Herself Moms," which is an incredible resource for both physical and emotional support for prenatal and postpartum moms in the Sacramen…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: The Black Coat

By Jo Muirhead

My son is just about to turn 16. It’s been a long time since I was in the moment of him being a 2 year old, or a new born. I love him dearly and I know without any doubt that I am the best mum fo…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: What You Should Know About Pregnancy Loss

By Rachel Rabinor, LCSW

When a woman loses a pregnancy, her baby, life changes forever in ways most will thankfully never understand. She’s joined a club that no one wants to be in and…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

This was such a fun opportunity! In this interview, I chat with Elly Taylor, an incredible relationship counselor, researcher and author of the book, Becoming Us, which I recommend to clients all the time. Such an honor to have …

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: Transformation

BY Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D.

My pregnancy went well and I was excited to meet my baby girl. I made a birth vision board, set up my birth plan, had my awesome doula and very supportive husband. The labor and deliver…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

If you asked this momma what she wants, she will probably break out in song, just like her own momma used to... R-E-S-P-E-C-T! And, that is exactly what she gives to other mom's too. Meet Christy…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: The Tribe

By Krysta Dancy, MFT

Here is my fantasy:

A woman gives birth surrounded by fellow women wiping her brow, getting her water, fanning her face. After, she rests tucked into bed. Daily work all fades from the new ma…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Today, I'm so excited to bring to you a special interview I did with Dr. Christina Hibbert, Clinical Psychologist and best-selling author of This Is How We Grow, Who Am I Without You, and 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: We Must Prevent Tragedies Surrounding Postpartum Psychosis

BY Jennifer Hentz Moyer

Why do tragedies continue to happen when postpartum psychosis is a preventable and treatable illness that can strike any mother after the birth…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

Like most moms, Katie plays many roles-- wife, businesswoman, and mom to name a few. Rather than trying to balance these roles, she considers it more of a not-always-so-smooth, transition from one t…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: What to Expect When You Become a Parent After Infertility

BY Erika Labuzan-Lopez, LMFT, LPC

During your infertility journey, all you dreamed of is the day that you’d become a parent. You worked so hard, read everything you co…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION.  IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: How to Capture More of Those Magical Parenting Moments

BY Amanda J. Zaidman, LCSW

A few years ago when my children were smaller I remember reading an amazing blog post about how sometimes in the middle of all the chaos and th…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This momma doesn't worry about any balancing acts. She simply dives into each of her roles with her whole heart... one day at a time. With help from her fiancé, Kaitlin is able to handle the 'imposs…

May is maternal mental health awareness month and Wednesday, May 4th is World Maternal Mental Health Day. As many as 1 in 5 women will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum.

After having a baby, moms and their partners need to have support. I had the opportunity to speak on the local television station here in Sacramento, California Fox40 News about the importance of self-care for every mom. Watch now.

In the interview, we t…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: Dads Who Survive Pregnancy Do These 5 Things!

BY SHAMYRA HOWARD, LCSW-Therapist

Pregnancy can cause a lot of feelings for the expectant mom, but it can be equally stressful for the dad-to-be. If you’re an expectant dad who’s w…

In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we will be featuring guest bloggers, each of whom brings their own unique expertise and perspective to the discussion. It is my hope to help educate and normalize the experiences of ALL moms.

Guest Blog Post: Understanding Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

By Staci Lee Schnell, M.S., C.S., LMFT

Any woman can develop a perinatal mood disorder; however, here are some risk factors to be aware of:

• Personal or Family history of Depr…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week we are hearing from a first-time momma, who is seven months in and struggling with a feeling of yearning for her "old life" again. Postpartum depression is very real and she is certainly n…

By now, you’re used to seeing my weekly interviews with moms of all sorts from all over the country on my blog and in your inbox.  

But recently, PsychCentral turned the tables and asked to interview ME! So, if you’d like to know more about why I do what I do, what I’m most passionate about, and what I want ALL moms to know.

Clinicians on the Couch:  10 Questions with Catherine O’Brien

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The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's interview comes from a momma who is blocking out the haters! First-time mothers get lots of advice and Nakita is figuring out how to handle the constant comments from the peanut gallery!…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's interview comes from a momma who knows, "it takes a village to raise a child." Kim is fortunate enough to have family close and friends who are in the same stages of parenthood and they'…

I recently had a conversation with another mom and, because we both have daughters about the same age, we began sharing stories about when we were expecting.  

She was telling about how obsessed she was with birth plans, natural births, and everything Ina May Gaskin had written about. She told me she watched The Business of Being Born three times on her own, on top of making her partner and all of her other pregnant friends watch it with her too.  

She said it wasn’t until she went on mate…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's interview is brought to you by military momma, Michelle Casey. Michelle does her best to split the parenting responsibilities with her hubs, a stay-home dad, 50/50. Cheers to this mom…

Are you the type of partner who likes to point out all the things that your partner isn’t doing just the same way you do them? Or are you the one that gets nit picked to death? 

Hi, I'm Catherine O'Brien at HappyWithBaby.com and today I’m going to talk about some ways that you can help fix this. 

So let me give you a scenario… this just happened to me this week: I tend to be the nitpicker. For instance, I pick up my son from school every single day. I know the fastest route. I know which r…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

WE ARE KICKING OFF APRIL WITH A MOMMA OF TWO NAMED BRYNN. BRYNN IS FINDING THE BEAUTY IN THE MOMENTS OF CHAOS THROUGHOUT MOTHERHOOD AND TRYING TO APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, BECAUSE IF YOU …

There is so much to be excited about when you're expecting a baby. All the new little outfits and room decorations. Who is this little creature going to be like? Will they have your laugh? Will they have your partner’s knack for numbers? Will they have blue eyes or brown? Will their hair be curly or straight?

And then, they arrive.  And it tends to be less exciting than we imagined. Oftentimes, I hate to say it, but it can even be boring and the tasks mundane.  

We feel like we are more …

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week we are hearing from a mother of three, who stopped trying to separate her life as a mom, as a wife, and as a professional and found out how all three can really complement each other!   

I'm Catherine O'Brien of HappyWithBaby.com and this is a common complaint or concern that I get when I'm working with couples in my practice here in Sacramento and in workshops and other classes and events that I do.  

The thing is: we all get crabby and we all get irritable and we get frustrated and we might say something that doesn't come out of our mouths the right way.  

The fact is, you n…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week we are hearing from a momma who is learning how to juggle her business with the joys of family in a culture very different from where she grew up! 

I'd like to introduce you to Katie Cl…

Do you ever get upset or frustrated that you then say or do something that you totally didn't mean to do and you feel really bad?  

Hi, I'm Catherine O'Brien at HappyWithBaby.com and today I'm going to share a couple of quick tips for what you should do when you mess up. Because we all do.  

We all have those moments when we're overly tired, or we're in a hurry and maybe we say something that comes out the wrong way and upsets our partner or maybe even our own child.  

First of all, the n…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences, and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

Each week, I've been bringing to you real stories from real mommas that are truly "in the thick of it" with their babies or young children. This week I'm excited because, for the first time in this…

Are you struggling to find time for your partner now that you have a baby?

I'm Catherine O'Brien at HappyWithBaby.com and I know this reality all too well, both personally and professionally. Today, I just have one quick tip.  

It seems really simple and you might ask yourself, "Why haven't I thought of that before?" 

Watch Here

Basically, it is to schedule a date night or a date afternoon or a date morning coffee--whatever it is--and have it set at a regular time every week, when you ha…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere.  

How do you balance the mom, work, and relationship roles?

I don't.

Just …

So much has changed in the last seven years.

I used to work a lot. In fact, seven years ago, I was working three jobs that were all part-time, but the hours equaled to having two full-time jobs. I was eagerly awaiting the arrival for maternity leave to start because I couldn’t wait to take a break!

Did you hear that? Yeah, I thought being on maternity leave meant I would be on an extended vacation. The sad thing is I know I’m not alone in that. 

Anyway, I had planned to have a week off be…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's momma, Amanda, has so many good nuggets of wisdom to offer. I love her trick for managing overwhelm. And her favorite quote? So perfect.  

How do you balance the mom, work, and relation…

OMG, moving with kids is not easy.

I remember a time when I could be moved and unpacked in one weekend….Oh, the good old college days!  

It is definitely not the same with a husband and two kids. The end of 2015 was exhausting. We sold our home and moved into our new place. And, of course, the holidays are always a busy time. But, I can finally say we are all sleeping happily in our new rooms.

So, what’s the point of my little story?  

Well, of course, it goes back to some of the same thi…