Addressing Fears Around Parenthood: How Family Planning Therapy Can Help You
If you’re feeling anxious about becoming a parent, you’re not alone.
Research shows that Gen Z and Millennials are more concerned about having children due to financial instability, the change in the economy and the cost of childcare, and climate change. In short, we feel more uncertain about the future now more than ever and this has caused many people to pump the breaks on family planning.
The state of the world may not leave you feeling worried but if you’re considering expanding your family, you may be worried about losing your identity while raising children, missing out on career opportunities, or feeling limited because your life wouldn’t belong to just you anymore. Whatever the reason, your fear is valid. Whether you're contemplating having children, are in the midst of trying, or have started the journey to adoption, family planning therapy can be a powerful tool in helping you navigate the decision-making process with clarity, support, and confidence.
Understanding the Role of Family Planning Therapy
Family planning therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to help you (as an individual or couple) explore your thoughts, concerns, hopes, and fears around parenthood. Because the decision to start a family is intensely personal and multifaceted, touching on everything from finances and career to mental health, personal values, and lifestyle, family planning therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss these concerns openly.
Parenthood often comes with a range of fears, many of which are common and entirely normal. Some typical concerns include:
Financial stability: Many people worry if they can afford to provide for a child.
Career impact: People often wonder how becoming a parent might affect their professional goals.
Lifestyle changes: Some fear losing personal freedom or the spontaneity they currently enjoy.
Relationship strain: Concerns about how parenthood might alter dynamics with a partner are common.
Self-doubt and capability: There’s often a question of, “Will I be a good parent?”
Family planning therapy can help by not only validating these concerns but also offering perspectives and practical skills to enable you to unpack and confront each fear as an individual and within your relationship.
Building Emotional Preparedness
Having children is an emotional journey, one that can bring up unanticipated feelings. By working with a therapist, such as myself, you can develop a toolkit of emotional resources, such as resilience, emotion regulation, and effective communication strategies. Therapy can help you explore your past, including how your own upbringing might influence your approach to parenting. This reflective process is invaluable, as it can lead to a clearer understanding of what kind of parent you want to be while giving you practical tools to help you parent differently.
Strengthening Relationships Before Starting a Family
The transition to parenthood can put a strain on relationships, even the healthiest ones. In fact, research shows that relationship satisfaction decreases within the first year after family expansion, regardless of if the baby /child is biological or adopted. Family planning therapy can help you (and your partner) improve communication, manage conflicts, and address unresolved issues before children enter the picture. Many couples find that discussing their visions and expectations for parenting before starting a family strengthens their bond, helping to align their goals and values as future parents.
Addressing Concerns Around Identity and Personal Growth
Many people fear that parenthood will overshadow their personal identities. Family planning therapy can help address these fears, supporting you in finding ways to maintain a sense of self while embracing your role as a parent. For example, if hobbies, friendships, or self-care practices are important to you, therapy can help you plan ways to continue nurturing these aspects of your life.
Society often has expectations around who “should” become a parent and when. For those facing external pressures from family or friends, family planning therapy can be especially beneficial. A therapist can help you work through these pressures, ensuring that your decision to have children (or not) aligns with your personal values rather than external influences.
Exploring Alternative Paths to Parenthood
For some, the path to parenthood might not be straightforward. Family planning therapy can offer guidance and support for those considering adoption, surrogacy/gestational carriers, or fertility treatments. Therapy allows you to explore these options with an open mind, helping you weigh the emotional, financial, and logistical factors that each path entails.
Start Therapy for Family Planning in New York
If you’re contemplating parenthood and find yourself grappling with fears or uncertainties, family planning therapy can be a transformative resource. Through thoughtful exploration of your concerns, hopes, and questions, therapy can provide you with the tools to make choices that align with your values and goals. Parenthood is a unique and personal journey, and family planning therapy ensures you’re supported and prepared every step of the way. Start your therapy journey with The Lavender Therapy by following these simple steps:
Schedule a consultation today to start your journey out of burnout and into balance.
Learn more about family planning by reading my blogs here.
Start finding your path to parenthood!
Other Services I Offer Anywhere in New York
Along with helping partners with family planning, I provide a variety of specialized services to support you through different stages of life. Whether you're seeking help with postpartum and pregnancy challenges, women’s therapy, or infertility support, I’m here to offer guidance and care every step of the way. Together, we can work toward creating balance and fostering well-being in your life.
