Let’s Talk About Mom Guilt — And How Therapy Can Help
Let’s Talk About Mom Guilt — And How Therapy Can Help
By Jolene Altman, LCSW
If you're a mom, chances are you’ve felt it—that quiet, nagging voice that says you’re not doing enough, not being enough, or somehow falling short. That’s mom guilt. And let me tell you something: it’s incredibly common. You are so not alone.
As a therapist, I see this come up with nearly every mother I work with. Whether you're a new mom adjusting to life with a baby, a working mom trying to balance career and family, or a stay-at-home mom wondering if you’re doing it “right,” that guilt can sneak in from every direction.
Here’s the truth: mom guilt often comes from a place of deep love and care. You want to do your best for your children. But sometimes, the expectations—both internal and external—become overwhelming. Social media, well-meaning advice, our own upbringing, and even that voice in our head can make it feel like we’re never measuring up.
That’s where therapy can really help.
In therapy, we create space for you to slow down and tune in. We talk through those thoughts that tell you you’re failing, and we gently challenge them. We explore where those beliefs come from, and whether they’re truly serving you. Most importantly, we work to help you build more compassion for yourself—because you’re doing so much more than you give yourself credit for.
Therapy can also give you practical tools. We might talk about tuning into self-talk, slowing down and being more present, or how to shift the mental load you’re carrying. It’s not about becoming a “perfect” mom—it’s about feeling more supported, more grounded, more connected and more like yourself again.
If you’re carrying the weight of mom guilt, please know this: you’re already doing an incredible job by simply caring so deeply. And you don’t have to carry it all alone. Therapy is here to walk beside you—not to judge, but to support and remind you that you matter, too.
If this resonates with you, reach out and let’s chat!
