Motherhood can be beautiful and unbearable at the same time.
You don't have to pretend otherwise.
Virtual perinatal therapy for women and couples navigating pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and infertility throughout Illinois.
About Braving Motherhood
Becoming a mother changes everything. Your body, your relationships, your sense of self. And while that can be beautiful, it can also be overwhelming, grief-filled, and hard in ways nobody warned you about.
At Braving Motherhood, you'll find a therapist who specializes specifically in this season of life. Not general talk therapy. Perinatal mental health care, from a clinician with a PMH-C certification and real experience supporting women through infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
Every part of your journey is welcome here. The hope and the heartbreak. The version of you that's still figuring out who she is now.
Our Approach
Therapy here isn't about following a script or checking boxes. It's informed by your story, your history, and where you are right now.
Sessions are a place to slow down, be honest, and figure out what you actually need — without having to perform okay.
Using a trauma-informed, relational framework, we work together to process what you're carrying, understand your patterns, and find more solid ground.
Postpartum anxiety. Pregnancy after loss. Birth trauma. Infertility grief. The identity shifts nobody warned you about. All of it belongs here.
From the Comfort of Home
All sessions are held virtually, which means you can access support from home — during nap time, between feeds, without finding a sitter or getting in the car.
Everything is secure and HIPAA-compliant. Just you, a private space, and a stable internet connection.
How We Can Help
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Individual Therapy
For women navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, pregnancy loss, or birth trauma.
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Couples Therapy
For partners finding that the perinatal season is putting strain on their relationship — and wanting support to navigate it together.
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Child Life Specialist Support
Specialized support for families navigating medical experiences, hospitalization, or childhood illness.
Meet Danielle
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Danielle Callaghan, MA, LCPC, ALMFT, PMH-C, CLS
Danielle knows that the perinatal journey can be beautiful, terrifying, and everything in between. She built this practice because she believes every woman deserves a therapist who actually understands that.
She is a licensed therapist, PMH-C certified, and a former NICU Child Life Specialist with over ten years of experience supporting families through vulnerable moments.
From the Blog
Honest writing about the perinatal journey — because you deserve more than "it gets better."
You Can Be Grateful and Struggling: Making Space for Both in Motherhood
Why Therapy During Pregnancy Isn’t “Extra” — It’s Proactive
You’re Not Just Tired—You’re Becoming: The Emotional Labor of New Motherhood
Navigating Relationship Changes After Baby: Why It’s Normal and How Therapy Can Help
FAQs
What is perinatal psychotherapy?
Perinatal psychotherapy focuses on supporting mental health during infertility, loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. It addresses common challenges such as anxiety, depression, birth trauma, identity shifts, and relational changes through evidence-based approaches tailored to where you are right now.
Who can benefit from therapy at Braving Motherhood ?
Our services are designed for individuals at any stage of the perinatal journey- including infertility, loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting- as well as couples and families navigating changes during this time. If you’re experiencing emotional distress, feeling overwhelmed, or simply want support, therapy can be a valuable resource.
Does Braving Motherhood only work with moms?
Not at all. While perinatal mental health is our specialty, we warmly welcome partners, fathers, and non-birthing parents navigating this season too. Couples are also welcome.
If your journey touches pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, or loss — in any form — there's a place for you here.
What qualifications does the therapist have?
Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT), and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C) — a specialized certification held by clinicians with advanced training in supporting women and families through infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and loss.
She also brings over a decade of experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CLS) in the NICU and pediatric emergency department, giving her a uniquely informed perspective on supporting families through some of life's most vulnerable moments.
How do remote therapy sessions work?
All sessions are conducted securely via a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You’ll receive a private link before your appointment and can join from anywhere with a stable internet connection. This allows you to access support conveniently and confidentially from home.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your initial session is a chance to share your story, goals, and concerns. We’ll discuss how therapy can best support you and create a personalized plan for your care. There’s no pressure or judgment- just a compassionate space to begin your journey.
How often are sessions scheduled?
Frequency varies based on your needs, preferences, and availability. Many clients start with weekly sessions and adjust as progress is made. We’ll collaborate to find a schedule that fits your life and supports your healing.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Braving Motherhood accepts private insurance and offers self-pay options. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO plans. For clients with out-of-network insurance plans, we can provide a superbill to assist with reimbursement.
How do I get started?
Reaching out is simple. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation through the Contact page — it's just a conversation, no commitment required. I'm here to answer any questions before you decide if this feels like the right fit.