Marilyn Cross Coleman

Mental Health Therapist
San Francisco, California
20 years of experience
5.0
About me

I know how difficult it can be adjusting to new motherhood. Coping with a changing body and fluctuating hormones can leave you feeling confused, frightened and isolated. Trauma can impact your life until it feels like it IS you and not just something that happened TO you. It can feel like the trauma has destroyed your ability to function. I successfully raised an amazing son despite not knowing how to bond with him after his release from the NICU and while experiencing postpartum depression. I did not know how I was going to cope with his traumatic birth or feel like the self I was before, but I found a way to thrive with a little guidance from a postpartum depression therapist. And, my experience led me to specialize in birth trauma therapy. I decided to concentrate on perinatal mental health because of the lived experience I had with these challenges and because I feel that the bond between a mother and her baby is one of the most powerfully healing relationships that exist. I feel that if I can help guide mothers on their path to wellness, they can be more present and attuned to their babies. This strengthened relationship heals the mother and gives the baby what they need to form a solid foundation upon which all future relationships are built. A healthy mama can provide her baby with what they need to thrive, and I feel that everyone deserves a chance to thrive and to live a connected and fulfilling life. The help of a postpartum therapist can be invaluable on this journey. You can feel better. You can bond with your baby and form a connection that will help you both heal. I use evidence-based therapies like EMDR and CBT to help you overcome a traumatic childbirth, NICU stay or other frightening events and process the associated feelings successfully. With over 20 years experience as a postpartum therapist in California, 15 years working with perinatal women, and a Perinatal Mental Heath Certification (PMH-C), I can help guide you on your parenting journey. Reach out to a perinatal therapist today to get started.

Education

MSW (1996)

Certification and training

LCSW (2002)

PMH-C (2023)

Memberships and affiliations

Postpartum Support International

Credentials
LCSW PMH-C
Specialties
Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Depression Postpartum Life Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapy
Languages

English

Service introduction

Are you a new mom who is struggling with postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety or are you not even sure what that looks like? Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsupported and disconnected from others? Are you experiencing the impact of birth trauma? Do you struggle with thoughts that scare you - thoughts that you try to keep hidden from others? The truth is: this is a transition and a journey that you can navigate successfully with a little guidance. You are not alone. I am a perinatal therapist who specializes in helping new moms like you, who may be struggling with postpartum mental health challenges such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the lasting effects of a traumatic childbirth. Many moms find my practice after Googling things like "baby blues vs postpartum depression," wondering if what they’re experiencing is part of the normal adjustment to motherhood or something that may require the help of a perinatal mental health therapist. As a postpartum therapist, I can tell you that struggling with postpartum mental health is very common and healing is possible. Your arriving here tells me that you want the best for your baby, yourself, and your family. With the help of a perinatal mental health therapist, you can feel more connected and more supported. By taking care of yourself and investing in wellness, you will ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this important time with your baby. With a little help, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition to motherhood. A postpartum therapist can help you manage your intrusive thoughts and learn what to do to regulate your nervous system and reconnect with your baby when you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety. I know how it feels to lose yourself after giving birth. I know what it’s like to wonder how you will find your way back to who you were or perhaps how to forge a new identity. I know that admitting to the scary intrusive thoughts in your head can feel daunting. With over 15 years’ experience as a maternal mental health therapist and with similar lived experience, I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden without judgement or shame. I can help you strengthen your bond with your new baby and help you feel connected to those around you. I can help you feel like yourself again. Take the first step toward wellness today and let me help guide you on your journey. Reach out to Shameless Mama Wellness for postpartum therapy, and let’s start this healing journey together.

Packages
Service Fees
50 minute standard psychotherapy session
$250.00
USD Per hour
Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
1
5.0

Working with Shameless Mama Wellness has been nothing short of transformative. As a new mother, I was overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-doubt, but from the moment I started, I knew I was in a safe space. Marilyn is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental—exactly what I needed during such a vulnerable time. She encouraged me to open up about my intrusive thoughts, which I had been too ashamed to even admit to myself. I never felt rushed, and I always felt heard. Through our sessions, I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections of motherhood and find joy even in the chaos. I’ve come to understand that taking care of my mental health is not only vital for me but also for my family. What I appreciate most is that Marilyn offered practical tools that I could use daily, rather than just abstract concepts. The personalized care and genuine concern for my well-being made me feel valued, not just as a client but as a person. I can’t recommend Shameless Mama Wellness enough to any mom who feels like she’s lost herself in the process of becoming a parent. It’s been life-changing, and I’m so grateful.

- J K.

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