Clairville Therapy Group

By Yolanda Testani, RP | Clairville Therapy Group No one told you the love would come with so much worry . Motherhood is full of joy, but also full of questions that keep you up at night: Am I doing this right? Why am I so anxious all the time? Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed? The truth is, anxiety in motherhood is incredibly common — and not something you have to navigate alone. What Does Maternal Anxiety Look Like? It’s not always panic attacks or racing thoughts. It can also look like: Constantly researching, planning, or second-guessing yourself Feeling on edge, even when things are calm Trouble sleeping (even when your baby sleeps) Irritability or feeling overstimulated A nagging sense that something might go wrong These experiences can start in pregnancy or postpartum and often go unnoticed or dismissed — especially if you’re “functioning.” Why It Happens The transition into motherhood is massive. You’re adjusting physically, emotionally, hormon...

By Yolanda Testani, RP | Clairville Therapy Group Ever have a conversation with your partner that goes from “Hey, can you take out the garbage?” to “You never help around here!” in under 30 seconds? You’re not alone. Most couples don’t struggle because they can’t communicate — they struggle because stress, assumptions, and emotional patterns get in the way. What looks like a communication issue is often something deeper. The Real Roots of Disconnection When communication breaks down, it’s usually because of: Unspoken expectations Emotional triggers from past wounds Different attachment styles (more on that below) Stress and overwhelm hijacking your patience One common pattern we see is the pursue-withdraw cycle : One partner pushes for connection or resolution (“We need to talk!”), while the other shuts down or pulls away (“Can we not do this right now?”). This can create frustration, distance, and feelings of being misunderstood on both sides. Attachment Styles i...

By Yolanda Testani, RP | Clairville Therapy Group You know that feeling when your partner asks, "What do you need help with?" and you want to scream, "I don’t even know where to start?" That’s the mental load — the invisible, ongoing task of planning, anticipating, remembering, and managing everything . And for many women, it’s a constant hum in the background that affects sleep, stress, mood, and relationships. It’s Not Just About Doing — It’s About Thinking The mental load isn’t just chores. It’s: Remembering the dentist appointment, the birthday party RSVP, and the grocery list Anticipating what’s needed before it’s asked for Managing your own schedule and everyone else's Noticing what's missing, what needs doing, and what might fall apart without you It’s the invisible coordination that keeps a household or family running — and it’s exhausting. Why It Impacts Mental Health Carrying the mental load often leads to: Burnout and de...

  By Yolanda Testani, RP | Clairville Therapy Group When it comes to relationships, we often think about communication, love languages, and compatibility — and those are important. But what’s often overlooked is the role our mental health plays in how we show up with our partner. Your inner world doesn’t stay tucked away. It shows up in your tone, your patience, your availability — and even your silence. The Emotional Ripple Effect When you’re feeling anxious, burnt out, or low, it can be hard to stay present in your relationship. You might withdraw, become more reactive, or lose the energy to connect. This isn’t a sign that something’s wrong with you — it’s a sign that something needs care. The same is true for your partner. Their internal stress may come across as irritability, avoidance, or defensiveness. Understanding this helps shift the conversation from blame (“Why are you always on edge?”) to curiosity (“What’s weighing on you lately?”). Mental Health Is a Relationshi...

Life is full of change — some expected, some not. And while change can bring growth, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and strain on relationships. At Clairville Therapy Group, we support women and couples navigating some of life’s biggest transitions, from starting a family to managing relationship challenges, career shifts, or personal growth. Mental Health & Relationships: A Two-Way Street The health of our intimate relationships and our mental wellbeing are deeply connected. When we’re stressed or overwhelmed, it often shows up in how we communicate with our partner or how we feel in our relationship. Likewise, if our partnership is struggling, our mood, self-esteem, and sense of security can suffer. We help couples explore the root of their disconnection — whether it’s communication issues, unresolved conflicts, parenting stress, or emotional distance — and build healthier patterns based on trust, emotional safety, and collaboration. Women’s Mental Health: Unique Challeng...

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Let’s Talk About It As we step into May , we enter a month dedicated to something that impacts all of us, yet often remains behind closed doors: mental health . May is officially Mental Health Awareness Month , a time to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Mental health matters. It affects every single one of us, whether directly or indirectly. Yet, even in 2025, it’s still not always something we talk about openly. There’s still a tendency to hide struggles, to pretend everything’s okay, or to feel like we need to tough it out alone. But here’s the truth: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, the two are intertwined. A healthy mind helps us lead fulfilling lives, and addressing mental health issues when they arise is vital to our overall well-being. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take a step toward making mental health conversations as co...

  April: A Month to Prioritize Mental Health April is a time of renewal. Spring begins to take shape, the days get longer, and there's a general sense of fresh beginnings in the air. But April is also a reminder to take a step back and reflect on something we often overlook: our mental health. We often talk about physical health and fitness, but how often do we talk about the state of our minds? Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's something that needs regular care and attention. In honor of Mental Health Awareness in April, here’s why it’s important to prioritize mental well-being and what you can do to nurture your mental health. Why Mental Health Matters Mental health affects every aspect of our lives. It influences how we think, feel, and act. It also impacts how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. When our mental health is out of balance, it can affect our relationships, work, and daily activities. Common Mental Health Str...