Mental Health Therapy for New Dads

New Parent Therapist in Chicago, Illinois

New dad holding a newborn baby wrapped in a striped blanket, sitting in a hospital room.
New dad lifting a young boy into the air outdoors surrounded by trees.

“I feel so much pressure and stress since the baby was born. I really want to be a good dad.”

Being a new dad is joyful and terrifying experience. Suddenly, a tiny baby is relying on you to provide and care for them. Your partner is also expecting a lot of you and you want to live up to those expectations.

New dads are at a higher risk of anxiety, stress, and depression and need support during the transition to fatherhood just like new moms. If you are feeling stressed or down while figuring out how to be a good dad, I can help.

“Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything right with the baby. I want to feel more confident in my parenting.”

It can be really discouraging to try your best but feel like you are letting others down–especially when taking care of your family. On top of that, many new parents fall into a pattern of the mom being the primary caretaker and dad feeling like an outsider. This often results in the mom feeling resentful and the dad feeling unappreciated or unwanted.

If this sounds like you, I can help you disrupt these patterns to build your confidence in parenting and improve communication and togetherness in your relationship.

New dad carries a smiling baby on his shoulders against a blue garage door.

“Our relationship is different now. How do we find time to connect as partners?”

Relationship changes can be an especially hard part of the transition to parenthood. Suddenly, everything takes a back seat to caring for the new baby–including time together. Therapy can help you understand and adapt to these changes in your relationship. It is possible to be both strong co-parents and partners.

A family of three, including a little boy, sitting outside a modern glass building. The mother and father are smiling at each other, with the mother holding the boy's face, creating a warm, happy scene.

“How can Therapy Help Me?”

All new parents need support. Seeking support is a sign of strength and important part of providing for your family. Therapy can help you manage stress, improve communication, and strengthen your connection with your baby and partner.

If you would like to discuss how therapy can support you while you grow your family, reach out to schedule an introductory consultation call.

Signs you may benefit from therapy as a new dad:

  • You feel disconnected or numb

  • You feel angry or stressed more than you used to

  • Your partner has expressed concerns about your wellbeing

  • You and your partner can’t communicate without arguing

  • You can never relax

  • It is hard to focus

  • Stress is impacting your daily routines, work, or relationships