My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Callia Zimmerman. She is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field.

She holds a Master’s in Social Work and additional certifications in perinatal mental health, clinical supervision, and drug and alcohol counseling.

Callia is the owner and founder of Birch Grove Therapy, a private practice she established in 2018 specializing in perinatal mental health and women’s issues.
Based in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Callia is passionate about mental health advocacy and is a proud pet lover who never says no to dessert.

When not working, she can often explore the outdoors with her two children or curl up with a good book. Our conversation covers mental health, moms, and the unfair expectations that society places on them.
Society Expects Mothers to Do It All

Mothers are expected to do it all—raise children, maintain a spotless home, excel at work, and stay emotionally available—yet they rarely receive the support they need.

Society glorifies "supermoms" while shaming those who struggle and ignoring the unrealistic standards imposed on them. If a mother prioritizes her career, she's labeled neglectful; if she stays home, she's seen as unambitious.

Meanwhile, fathers are often praised for doing the bare minimum. This double standard fuels guilt and burnout, making it nearly impossible for mothers to prioritize their well-being.

It’s time to dismantle these expectations and recognize that mothers deserve support, not scrutiny.

Connect with Callia: https://www.calliazimmerman.com/. 

Next week, I will interview a mindset and purpose coach for working moms and busy women. She believes empowered women lift others and create stronger communities, so we chat more about her perspectives.  

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.