Become the Parent You Want to Be
Parenting Stress & Emotional Overwhelm
Parenting can be emotionally demanding in ways that are hard to anticipate—especially for mothers carrying the mental, emotional, and relational weight of caregiving. Partners and co-parents may have difficulty adjusting to shifting roles and new expectations. You may feel constantly “on,” stretched thin, irritable, or overwhelmed—snapping more easily than you’d like, feeling resentful or depleted, or struggling to recover once emotions run high. Even when you care deeply about your family, the combination of responsibility, pressure, and lack of space can make it difficult to feel calm and in-control, reacting in a way that you may be able to in other areas of your life.
I work with mothers, parents, and co-parents navigating parenting stress, emotional overwhelm, anger and irritability, anxiety, burnout, and relationship strain. Many mothers I see feel emotionally overloaded, pulled in multiple directions, and unsure where their own needs fit. Partners and co-parents often come in feeling disconnected, frustrated, or left out. Therapy offers a place to slow down, understand what’s driving these reactions, and develop more sustainable ways of responding—both individually and within your family.
When parenting feels overwhelming
Emotional overwhelm in parenting is rarely about a single moment or problem. It’s usually shaped by many layers—sleep deprivation, invisible labor, unequal caregiving dynamics, unmet needs, relationship stress, old emotional patterns, and the ongoing demands of raising children. For many mothers, this can show up as chronic guilt, irritability, anger, or feeling emotionally spent. For partners or co-parents, it may look like withdrawal, resentment, or conflict avoidance.
In therapy, we may explore:
Chronic stress, irritability, or emotional overload
Anger or reactivity in parenting or close relationships
Feelings of resentment, guilt, or emotional shutdown
Unequal emotional or caregiving labor
Difficulty setting boundaries or asking for support
Shifts in identity, intimacy, or connection since becoming parents
Understanding these patterns often helps emotions feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Co-Parenting & Relationship Strain
The transition into parenthood often places significant strain on relationships. Changes in roles, expectations, intimacy, and emotional availability—combined with exhaustion and pressure—can leave partners feeling disconnected or stuck in recurring conflict. Many mothers notice they’re carrying more of the emotional and logistical load, while partners or co-parents may feel shut out, defensive, or unsure how to re-engage without escalating tension.
In therapy, we can explore how stress, unspoken expectations, and long-standing relational patterns shape the way you relate as parents and partners. This work supports clearer communication, more intentional boundaries, and a deeper understanding of how each person is coping during a demanding stage of life.
My work focuses on helping parents understand the emotional and relational patterns that shape how they respond under stress. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult emotions, therapy creates space to make sense of them—what they’re signaling, where they come from, and how they’re connected to your relationships and life.
As therapy progresses, many parents find they’re better able to:
Pause and respond with more intention rather than reactivity
Set clearer boundaries at home and at work
Communicate needs and limits more directly
Tolerate strong emotions
Feel more present and connected in their parenting and relationships
Location and availability
I offer in-person therapy in Chappaqua and provide telehealth sessions throughout Westchester County and New York State, making it easier for parents and co-parents to access consistent support.
Getting started
Finding the right therapist matters, especially when family life already feels demanding. I aim to create a thoughtful, supportive therapeutic relationship where you feel understood rather than judged. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is the most important aspect of therapy. If after our first session it doesn’t feel like the right fit, I’ll waive the fee so you can continue your search.
If you’re looking for therapy to support parenting stress, emotional overwhelm, or relationship strain during parenthood in New York, I invite you to reach out.
Let’s Talk
To book your free 15 minute consultation, click the button below to complete a short form. Call me at 212-287-7816 or email me at lani@lanipawar.com. I will respond to all messages within 1 business day.