Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders 
Depression, Anxiety, or Obsessive/Compulsive disorders can affect pregnant or postpartum mothers and fathers as well as newly adoptive parents.  The development of a wide spectrum of symptoms is related to biology, personal history, and environmental factors that can increase the risk to new parents such as an unexpected pregnancy, marital/relationship conflict, lack of social support or isolation, financial stress, and an over-achieving personality to name a few.  Postpartum Mood Disorders has an impact on everyone in the family.  Follow the link to learn more about Postpartum Mood Disorders.

            
Parenting
Parenting is the single, most challenging task a person can face.  Conversely, it is also the single, most rewarding experience in one's life.  It is this dichotomy that creates the issues associated with parenting.  The balance of co-parenting and caring for the child versus caring for ourselves is a daily chore.  The pressure to know and practice "perfect" parenting can be overwhelming.    

Disabilities/Special Needs
Living with a disability is a unique experience.  It brings such special rewards, yet also recurrent feelings of grief, resentment, and despair.  It is difficult to acknowledge or share these sensitive feelings.  Living with a disability can challenge the most skilled parent and most patient person.  The relentless demands of such challenge can be overwhelming and requires a source of support.       

Early Childhood Development & Education
Children grow at a miraculous pace.  With the number of synaptic connections in their brains, they are able to learn at a capacity far beyond that of an adult.  This learning is not limited to academics, but includes physical and social/emotional development.  Healthy, holistic development is crucial for children. 
           
Children's Mental Health
The field of infant/children's mental health has grown with the extensive brain research in infants/toddlers.  There is tremendous power in positive relationships and quality learning opportunities for our children. 
Ms. Blackledge is trained in Infant Attachment and Bonding, Parent/Child Intervention Therapy, and children's mental health issues.  She completed a specialized certificate in Infant/Family Studies from the Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Institute. She specializes children affected by social/emotional disabilities including Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Juvenile Bipolar, and ADD/ADHD. 

Get help living life. 

Contact
 AZ Family Therapy & Coaching
at
602-402-9510 or
kris@azfamilytherapy.com

Located in Anthem, AZ