As a mom, you juggle work, kids, and endless responsibilities, often leaving little to no time for yourself. Between soccer practices, dinner prep, and professional demands, how can you possibly carve out time to focus on your own well-being? This is where online therapy comes in—a game-changing solution for busy, high-achieving moms looking to reclaim their mental health.
At Outside The Norm Counseling, we specialize in supporting women navigating the challenges of motherhood, relationships, and life transitions. Online therapy is a flexible and accessible way to get the help you need without adding more stress to your already packed schedule.
Being a mother and a business owner isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what truly matters. In the latest Empowered and Unapologeticpodcast, Veronica Cisneros chats with Jen Morris, founder of Renegade Motherhood, on balancing the chaos of motherhood with the demands of running a business. Listen on Apple. Listen on Spotify. Listen on YouTube.
Why Moms Avoid Therapy—and Why You Shouldn’t
Many moms hesitate to start therapy, believing they don’t have the time or thinking their struggles aren’t “serious enough.” But therapy isn’t about having a crisis—it’s about building resilience and addressing the daily stresses that can build up over time.
Moms often say things like:
- “I don’t have time for therapy.”
- “I should be able to handle this on my own.”
- “It’s selfish to spend money on myself.”
But here’s the truth: taking care of your mental health is one of the best ways to show up for your family. When you’re emotionally balanced and supported, everyone benefits.
Understanding the Unique Challenges Moms Face
Motherhood is fulfilling, but it’s also exhausting. For working moms and high-achievers, the pressure to be perfect can lead to burnout, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.
Common stressors for moms include:
- Balancing work and family life.
- Feeling like there’s never enough time in the day.
- Worrying about whether they’re doing enough for their kids.
- Managing financial stress or co-parenting challenges after divorce.
These stressors can take a toll on your mental health, impacting your mood, energy levels, and ability to cope with life’s demands. Online therapy provides a lifeline for moms who need support but can’t find time to visit an office.
How Online Therapy Works—and Why It’s Perfect for Busy Moms
Online therapy offers the same benefits as in-person therapy, with the added convenience of flexibility. Here’s how it works:
- Schedule Sessions That Fit Your Life: Log in during your lunch break, while the baby naps, or after the kids are in bed.
- Attend from Anywhere: No need to drive across town. All you need is a quiet space and a device with an internet connection.
- Confidential and Comfortable: Participate in sessions from the privacy of your own home, where you feel most at ease.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Online Therapy
1. Flexibility Without the Guilt
As a mom, it’s easy to feel guilty about prioritizing yourself. Online therapy eliminates the need for travel time, making it easier to fit into your busy schedule without disrupting your family’s routine.
2. Improved Mental Health
Therapy helps reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout—common challenges for moms. At Outside The Norm Counseling, we use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that keep you stuck.
3. Better Communication Skills
Online therapy equips you with tools to improve communication, whether with your spouse, co-parent, or kids. You’ll learn how to express your needs effectively and foster healthier relationships.
4. Support for Parenting Challenges
If you’re struggling with how to help teens with anxiety or manage your own emotions, therapy offers actionable strategies tailored to your unique situation.
A Story of Transformation: How Online Therapy Helped Sarah
Sarah, a divorced mom of two teenagers, felt overwhelmed by financial stress and parenting responsibilities. She avoided therapy for years, thinking she didn’t have the time or money to invest in herself.
After starting online therapy with Outside The Norm Counseling, Sarah learned to manage her anxiety, set boundaries with her ex-spouse, and reconnect with her kids. She says:
“Therapy didn’t just help me—it transformed how I approach life. I feel like I can finally breathe again, and my kids have noticed the difference too.”
Therapist Tips for Moms Managing Burnout
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that don’t serve you. This frees up energy for what truly matters.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Replace self-criticism with kindness. Remind yourself that it’s okay not to have it all together.
- Create Small Rituals: Even five minutes of mindfulness or journaling can help you reset.
- Delegate When Possible: Share responsibilities with your spouse, co-parent, or older kids. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Therapy for Moms: Addressing Burnout, Not Depression
One common misconception is that therapy is only for people with severe mental health issues. But burnout, a state of emotional exhaustion, is just as valid a reason to seek support.
Burnout vs. Depression:
- Burnout feels like constant overwhelm and emotional detachment.
- Depression includes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness.
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing burnout or something more, our therapists at Outside The Norm Counseling can help you figure it out and find the best path forward.
Clinical Techniques We Use at Outside The Norm Counseling
At Outside The Norm Counseling, we offer a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to support busy moms, parents, and families. Whether you’re managing the stress of motherhood, navigating co-parenting challenges, or supporting your children through emotional struggles, our techniques are designed to create meaningful, lasting change.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps moms recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that may contribute to feelings of guilt, anxiety, or inadequacy. For example, you might think, “I’m a bad mom because I forgot to pack lunch,” but CBT helps reframe that into, “I’m human, and one mistake doesn’t define my worth as a mom.”
How CBT Helps:
- Identifying thought distortions that lead to stress and burnout.
- Developing practical strategies to break negative thought cycles.
- Creating healthier coping mechanisms for everyday challenges.
CBT is particularly effective for addressing anxiety, depression, and the unique pressures moms face.
2. Emotion Regulation Skills
Emotional overwhelm can feel like a constant companion for moms balancing the demands of work and family life. We teach practical tools to help you manage intense emotions effectively and respond with clarity and calm.
What You’ll Learn:
- Grounding Exercises: Techniques to bring you back to the present moment when anxiety feels overwhelming.
- Mindfulness Practices: Simple ways to stay focused and calm, even during chaotic moments.
- Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing exercises to soothe your nervous system and reduce stress.
These skills are especially helpful during high-stress situations, like navigating holiday schedules or dealing with co-parenting conflicts.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is particularly beneficial for moms who feel stuck in cycles of emotional dysregulation or interpersonal conflict. This approach combines mindfulness and acceptance strategies with practical tools for managing emotions and improving relationships.
DBT Techniques Include:
- Distress Tolerance: Learn how to cope with intense emotions in the moment without resorting to unhealthy behaviors.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Develop skills to communicate your needs clearly and set boundaries without guilt.
- Emotional Validation: Recognize and accept your feelings while working toward positive change.
DBT is ideal for moms struggling with intense emotions, helping them navigate challenging situations with confidence and balance.
4. The Gottman Method for Couples
For moms navigating co-parenting or repairing relationships after divorce, the Gottman Method offers powerful tools to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and foster connection.
How the Gottman Method Helps:
- Conflict Management: Learn techniques to navigate disagreements respectfully and productively.
- Emotional Connection: Rebuild intimacy and understanding by focusing on shared goals and values.
- Shared Parenting Strategies: Create co-parenting plans that prioritize the well-being of your children.
Couples therapy using the Gottman Method provides a safe space to address challenges and develop a healthier dynamic.
5. Play Therapy for Children
Children often express their emotions through play, making play therapy an invaluable tool for helping them process feelings of anxiety, confusion, or sadness.
What Play Therapy Looks Like:
- Using toys, games, and creative activities to help kids communicate their emotions.
- Teaching children new coping strategies in a way they can easily understand.
- Providing a safe space for kids to explore their feelings without fear of judgment.
Play therapy is especially effective for kids navigating transitions, such as adjusting to co-parenting arrangements or dealing with the emotional impact of a parent’s stress.
6. CBT for Trauma
For moms and families impacted by trauma, CBT provides a structured approach to healing. This method focuses on understanding how past experiences influence current emotions and behaviors and helps reframe these patterns for a healthier future.
Key Elements of CBT for Trauma:
- Identifying Triggers: Recognize situations or thoughts that activate traumatic memories.
- Building Resilience: Develop coping mechanisms to manage emotional responses.
- Rewriting the Narrative: Work through painful experiences to create a new, empowering story about your life.
Trauma-focused CBT helps moms and families move forward with greater confidence and emotional strength.
7. Couples and Family Therapy
Relationships are at the heart of family life, and when stress arises, it can ripple through the entire household. Couples and family therapy create a space for everyone to feel heard and work together toward solutions.
How It Works:
- Couples Therapy: Strengthen your relationship by improving communication, addressing conflict, and rebuilding trust.
- Family Therapy: Foster open dialogue and understanding among family members to create a more harmonious home.
- Parenting Support: Learn strategies to co-parent effectively and support your children’s emotional needs.
Our family-focused approach ensures that everyone feels supported, creating a stronger foundation for your home life.
Why These Techniques Matter
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. At Outside The Norm Counseling, we tailor our approaches to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of motherhood, co-parenting, or personal growth, our comprehensive methods empower you to find balance and resilience.
These techniques don’t just provide temporary relief—they equip you with lasting tools to handle future challenges with grace and confidence. Therapy is about more than managing stress; it’s about building a life that reflects your values and supports your emotional well-being.
By combining evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT with specialized approaches like the Gottman Method, play therapy, and trauma-focused care, we ensure that every mom and family member gets the tailored support they need to thrive.
Take the first step toward healing and growth today. Schedule Your Online Therapy Session with Outside The Norm Counseling and experience the transformative power of therapy designed just for you.
The Ripple Effect of Therapy on Your Family
When moms prioritize their mental health, the benefits extend to their entire family:
- Happier Homes: Reduced stress creates a calmer household environment.
- Positive Role Modeling: Kids learn the importance of self-care by watching you.
- Stronger Relationships: Improved communication fosters deeper connections with loved ones.
Common Questions About Online Therapy
- Will online therapy be as effective as in-person therapy?
Absolutely. Studies show that online therapy is just as effective as traditional therapy, especially for treating stress, anxiety, and burnout. - How do I know if I need therapy?
If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re barely keeping your head above water, therapy can help. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek support. - Can I involve my kids in therapy?
Yes! We offer family therapy sessions to address parenting challenges, teen anxiety, and more.
Counseling in California: Begin Your Journey Today
At Outside The Norm Counseling, we specialize in helping moms navigate the challenges of modern life with compassion and expertise. Whether you’re managing burnout, co-parenting stress, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here to help.
Our services include:
- Individual therapy for moms.
- Parenting support to help you connect with your kids.
- Online therapy accessible across California, including Temecula, Murrieta, Corona, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, and surrounding areas.
Take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind. Schedule Your Online Therapy Session today.
About the Author
Veronica Cisneros, LMFT, is the founder of Outside The Norm Counseling in Temecula, California. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Veronica empowers high-achieving moms to find balance, build resilience, and live unapologetically. She’s also the host of Empowered and Unapologetic, a podcast that inspires women to embrace their true selves and live with confidence.
