Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy in San Diego, CA & nearby areas

Postpartum isn’t just the first six weeks after birth — it’s the long, messy, and beautiful process of becoming someone new. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights, toddler chaos, or the emotional shifts of early motherhood, this season can bring both joy and deep exhaustion. At Johanna Lee Therapy, I help new moms move through postpartum and early motherhood with compassion , cultural understanding, and tools that honor both your story and your capacity.

What is postpartum & early motherhood therapy?

Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy focuses on the emotional, mental, and relational changes that unfold after becoming a mom not just right after birth, but in the years that follow. Together, we explore how motherhood has reshaped your identity, relationships, body, and expectations of yourself. This therapy gives you space to process your emotions, rebuild your sense of self, and learn how to nurture you while nurturing everyone else.

Common challenges addressed

  • Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained
  • Guilt about not “enjoying every moment”
  • Losing your sense of identity or purpose outside of motherhood
  • Changes in relationships and communication with your partner or family
  • Difficulty balancing self-care and caregiving
  • Pressure to be “the strong one” despite needing help yourself

How to know if this therapy is right for you

Ask yourself:

  • Do I feel unseen or misunderstood in my motherhood journey?
  • Am I carrying guilt for resting or asking for help?
  • Do I feel pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, mine or others’?
  • Have I noticed changes in my mood, energy, or sense of self?

If these resonate, therapy can help you feel more grounded, supported, and confident as you navigate this season.

How we treat postpartum & early motherhood

  • Culturally affirming, trauma-informed talk therapy
  • Mindfulness and grounding practices to regulate your nervous system
  • Self-compassion exercises for managing guilt and perfectionism
  • Support for boundary-setting with family and community
  • Space for language, traditions, and faith that matter to you

What topics can we talk about in perinatal therapy?

  • Rebuilding identity after becoming a mom
  • Healing from difficult postpartum experiences
  • Restoring intimacy and connection in relationships
  • Managing family expectations and cultural traditions
  • Coping with sleep deprivation and emotional fatigue

Ready to get started

Intake Session


We start with a gentle intake session where you can share your experiences and goals. This is where we begin to understand what you’ve been holding and what you truly need,emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Follow Up Sessions


Through ongoing therapy sessions, we’ll dig into your individual needs. I’ll offer tools rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural validation,so healing feels like it fits your life, not someone else’s version of self-care.

Integration & Reflection Session-


We revisit how far you’ve come, name what’s changed, and create a rhythm of support for what’s next,so you leave feeling steady, not dropped.

(# of sessions will vary based on individual needs)

Perinatal therapy specialists in Bonita, CA

I’m Johanna Lee, a licensed therapist (LPCC), educator, and first-gen Latina mom. I understand that early motherhood is layered — it’s not just about caring for your child, but about navigating the cultural, generational, and personal shifts that come with this life-changing season. Here, you don’t have to minimize your emotions or translate your experience. This is your space to be held, seen, and supported in your own language and pace.

Tips & resources

  • Allow yourself to ask for help before burnout
  • Create one daily ritual that’s just for you
  • Stay connected to supportive community spaces
  • Acknowledge the changes you’ve survived so far small wins matter

Hi, I´m Johanna Lee

A licensed therapist (LPCC), mental health educator & speaker who helps first-gen, Latina, women of color & new mamas feel seen, supported, and grounded in postpartum and beyond.

Investment: $150 per 55-minute session


Includes:


  • One 55-minute virtual therapy session
  • A copy of your individualized mental health care plan
  • Culturally grounded, trauma-informed support tailored to postpartum and madrehood

Book your first session

FAQ

How long does postpartum last?

Postpartum isn’t a six-week phase, it’s a season of ongoing change. The emotional and identity shifts of motherhood can last months or even years, and that’s completely normal. Healing happens at your pace, not on a timeline.

Can therapy help if I didn’t have postpartum depression but still feel “off”?

Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve care. Therapy supports the emotional ups and downs of early motherhood from feeling disconnected to simply wanting to feel like yourself again.

Do you work with moms who are pregnant but want to prepare for postpartum?

Absolutely. Therapy can help you prepare emotionally and mentally for the transition into motherhood. Building tools before baby arrives can make the postpartum season feel smoother and more supported.

What if I feel guilty asking for help?

You’re not alone many moms feel that way. In therapy, we explore where that guilt comes from and help you create space for rest, support, and self-compassion without shame.

How do I know if what I’m feeling is normal?

Motherhood brings a full range of emotions  joy, grief, exhaustion, and everything in between. Therapy helps you make sense of those feelings and find balance, so you can stop surviving and start feeling like yourself again.

Good faith estimate

In accordance with the No Surprises Act and ethical standards for California-licensed therapists, I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all clients who are not using insurance for services.


This estimate outlines the expected cost of services, including session fees and potential length of treatment, so you have full clarity before starting care. While therapy is individualized and timelines may vary, this estimate helps you plan with transparency and trust.


You’ll receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing before your first session. You can always request a new one if your needs or frequency of care change.


For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises


Disclaimer

This website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical or mental health advice. Therapy services are available only to individuals physically located in California and provided by Johanna Lee, LPCC (#13089). Participation in community offerings, digital resources, or workshops does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.


Privacy Notice: Do not submit personal health information (PHI) through this site.

Therapy vs education disclaimer

Participation in workshops, classes, memberships, or educational resources does not establish a therapeutic relationship. These services are for support, education, and community and are not a substitute for clinical therapy. Therapy services are only available to clients residing in California, provided through a separate intake and consent process.