The path to parenthood is no picnic

Infertility, miscarriage, traumatic birth, postpartum depression… You probably imagined parenthood to look and feel a little different.  Exhaustion, irritability and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Getting help will bring relief.

I’m here because (Note any or all that apply)…

  1. I want to get pregnant but am having trouble.

  2. I want to become a parent (again maybe) but not sure I can get or stay pregnant.

  3. I’m pregnant and having a tough time emotionally.

  4. I recently had a baby and think I may have postpartum something. I don’t feel “right”.

  5. I’m already a parent and having a difficult time connecting with my baby or older child.

  6. I want to feel better about this phase of life (parenthood, aka- forever from here on out) and my relationship with myself

If any of the above sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Take a deep breath and know that you’re not alone. I can help.

I’m Rachel Rabinor, a Licensed psychotherapist, and it’s my passion to help others overcome challenges on their path to parenthood, one step, one day at a time.

I’ve been a therapist for 20 years. I worked in many environments before I found my calling. Out of graduate school I worked in pregnancy prevention in New York City, then found my way to San Diego where I continued my work in prevention taking disadvantaged youth into the outdoors. My interest in women’s health led me to San Diego Unified School District where I spent 5 years working with pregnant and parenting teens, and ultimately here.

Helping young parents learn to manage difficult emotions, discover their inner resources and grow into strong, confident and competent parents was IT. I started my private practice to offer all people support in navigating THE biggest transition of their adult life. Knowing that my work with parents and hopeful parents can transform not only their own lives but the generations to follow brings deep meaning to my work and life. It would be my honor to walk with you through the challenges you face on this healing journey, helping to shine the light in places you might not see.  

I have advanced training in trauma, infertility, loss and assessing, diagnosing and treating perinatal mental health disorders (PMADs). I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International and I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) by EMDRIA, an evidence-based treatment for trauma. I spent two years on the Board of Directors of San Diego’s Postpartum Health Alliance where I’m currently a member. I’m also an active member of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, PLIDA, EMDRIA and a partner of Resolve: The National Infertility Association.  My book, “The Postpartum Depression Journal” was published in 2022 and is available for sale on Amazon, or wherever you buy books. I’m currently writing my second guided journal on perinatal loss that will be published by New Harbinger Press in October 2024 (Pre-order available now)

How I work

The cornerstone of my educational training and professional philosophy is to meet my clients where they are at, figuratively and literally. I offer therapy in various settings to best meet your needs, to help you get to the place you want to go in life.  You get to choose the setting-- your home, walking, my office.

Initially, the focus is on stability and decreasing distressing symptoms that may have brought you to see me. We’ll explore ways you’ve managed similar emotions in the past and we’ll find new ways to support you as needed. From there we’ll create goals for the future to work towards in our weekly sessions.

Contact me to schedule your free 15 minute consultation, to help you decide if I’m the right therapist for you! The therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is the heart of the healing process. In the interaction between client and counselor, change and growth occurs. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to help you determine if I might be a good therapist for you. And if not, I'll help you find someone who is! 

 

 
 
Resolve National Infertility Network
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional
Advanced Training Postpartum Stress Center


Official Bio

Rachel Rabinor is a Licensed Clinical Social worker. She graduated with a MS in Social Work from Columbia University, and a BA from the University of Colorado where she majored in Anthropology and Latin American Studies.

Over the last 20 years of her career, Rachel has worked in a myriad of settings serving diverse populations. She has:

  • Researched malnutrition in Nicaragua and female adolescent development in rural Bolivia

  • Provided therapy in New York to domestic violence survivors, at-risk youth, and immigrant families

  • Created and facilitated experiential outdoor programs in San Diego

  • Provided in-home, walk-and-talk, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with pregnant and parenting teens in San Diego

  • Facilitated groups for families dealing with separation or divorce in San Diego

Rachel provides educational workshops to perinatal care providers-- students, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants and infant care specialists on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She has presented at conferences on infertility and teaching parents tools to manage their children’s behavior. Rachel is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, an evidence-based therapy proven to help parents strengthen the bond with their child and reduce challenging behaviors.

Rachel is originally from New York and now lives in San Diego with her husband and two children. She enjoys camping, surfing, sunsets, and family bike rides. And chocolate. 

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit for therapy.