Anxiety and depression are prevalent across cultures and across time. It manifests in unique ways in the 21st century and particularly in America where technology and information is widespread. Our guest today is Allison Beck, a psychotherapist and pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood coach in private practice, specializing in reproductive psychology, parenthood and anxiety and mood disorders across all life stages. 

We begin our discussion with what anxiety and depression are and the difference between "normal" anxiety and sadness and these terms when used to describe a clinical diagnosis. We cover how adaptive states and moods are a normal part of the human experience but that there is much that can be done when they interfere with our mental and physical health. Allison dives into psychological mindfulness and how acceptance of emotions without judgment has helped her patients improve their wellbeing. She touches on the ideas of toxic productivity, toxic positivity and the pandemic’s effects on depression and anxiety in the U.S. Allison presents the idea that it takes a lot of work to live in discomfort (anxious and sad states) and how it’s less work to be proactive and tackle these emotions without fear by seeking help.

Allison holds certifications in Maternal Mental Health from the Seleni Institute and has advanced training in Perinatal Mental Health with PostPartum Support International. Allison has served as an advisor and written contributor on perinatal mental health for various professional service providers and organizations. She received a BS in Human Development with a dual concentration in Early Childhood and Adolescence from Cornell University and an MSW from NYU. Allison has been supporting individuals and families as a Psychotherapist in NYC agencies, hospitals, and in private practice for over a decade.

Connect with her:

@_allisonbeck

allisonbeck.com