LMFT · EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist — Carlsbad, CA
You Don't Have to Keep Running on Empty
Whether you're navigating postpartum anxiety, healing from trauma, or quietly burning out behind a life that looks fine from the outside — you deserve real support. I'm Vera, and I'm here to help you heal from the inside out.
You Love Your Baby. And You're Struggling.
Everyone told you this would be the happiest time of your life. But the truth? You're exhausted, overwhelmed, and feel like you're failing at something that should come naturally. You snap at your partner, then cry about it. You scroll through other moms' highlight reels and wonder what's wrong with you.
Maybe the anxiety hits hardest at 3 AM when you're checking to make sure the baby is still breathing. Maybe you feel disconnected from your body after a traumatic birth. Maybe you mourn the person you used to be — the one who had energy, confidence, and a sense of self outside of motherhood.
Nothing is wrong with you. Motherhood is hard. And you deserve support.
Meet Your Therapist
Hi, I'm Vera
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist who specializes in helping postpartum moms heal. I know what it feels like to pour from an empty cup, and I'm passionate about helping women like you find their way back to themselves.
My practice is rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and deep listening. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, somatic therapy, and attachment-focused work to help you process the difficult experiences that are keeping you stuck.
Whether you're navigating postpartum depression, healing from birth trauma, or carrying the weight of anxiety that won't quit — I'm here to walk alongside you. You don't have to white-knuckle through this alone.
How It Works
Three Steps to Feeling Like Yourself Again
Getting started is simpler than you think. Here's what to expect.
Free Consultation
We'll connect for a brief, no-pressure call where you share what's going on and I'll answer your questions. No commitment needed.
Personalized Assessment
In your first session, we'll explore your story together and create a therapy plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Begin Healing
Using EMDR, somatic therapy, and attachment-focused approaches, we'll work together to help you feel like yourself again.
“You don't have to earn the right to ask for help. You are already enough, even on the days it doesn't feel that way.”
— Vera McGrath, LMFT
Issues I Specialize In
Compassionate, evidence-based therapy for the challenges that matter most to you.
Maternal & Perinatal
- Postpartum anxiety & depression
- Postpartum rage & irritability
- Emotional support during pregnancy
- Birth trauma & PTSD
- Fertility challenges & IVF grief
- Miscarriage & pregnancy loss
- Mom burnout & identity loss
Trauma & Mental Health
- Intrusive thoughts & mom guilt
- Relationship strain after baby
- Anxiety & panic attacks
- Unprocessed trauma & PTSD
- Attachment wounds
- High-functioning anxiety
- Grief and loss
How I Can Help You
Specialized, compassionate therapy tailored to your unique experience.
What People Are Saying
5.0 stars from 7 reviews
“Some very daunting times in my life had left me overwhelmed by mixed emotions. When I finally turned to Vera I felt lost and paralyzed, my life had become too hard to handle. Vera created a safe space for me to express my feelings, she let me unload the weight I was buried under....”
Eva
“Vera creates a rare and important space that feels both safe and real — something truly valuable in a healing journey. With deep compassion, clarity, and just the right touch of humor, Vera helps clients reconnect with their bodies, make sense of complex trauma, and move forward...”
Jeanie
“Vera is a trusted colleague. Recently I joined a year long training program through an organization where Vera is affiliated. I was overwhelmed and felt like a fish out of water after the first meeting. I reached out to Vera for support and guidance. She took the time to help me...”
Rachel
“Vera is a highly skilled, capable and intelligent therapist. She is good at honing in on what's really important and focusing on making meaningful change with her clients. Vera specializes in working with moms through postpartum and beyond, and has extra training and expertise in...”
Katie
“I have known Vera for many years. She is so incredibly attuned to her clients and those around her. She's compassionate, kind and warm. She has this amazing ability to really see people and connect. She is a true light in this field.”
Jen
“I've known Vera for years. We've attended many networking and professional events together. She approaches her work with a calm confidence and a depth of knowledge that immediately puts you at ease. Vera listens attentively and is a very skilled therapist. I would highly recommen...”
Kristen
“Vera is an extremely intuitive, compassionate, and talented therapist. She is highly skilled in EMDR and other trauma treatments and multiple other modalities. I highly recommend her!”
Dr. Courtney
“Some very daunting times in my life had left me overwhelmed by mixed emotions. When I finally turned to Vera I felt lost and paralyzed, my life had become too hard to handle. Vera created a safe space for me to express my feelings, she let me unload the weight I was buried under. I left our sessions feeling lighter. It is thanks to her understanding, gentle and kind guidance that, little by little I was able to sort my emotions, gain clarity and see my situation from a different perspective. She provided practical strategies to cope with my emotions and encouraged a more positive outlook, this gave me confidence in my ability to overcome and navigate the challenges in my life. I will forever be thankful to Vera for helping me find my way out of a very dark period in my life and for inspiring me to believe in myself.”
Eva
A Friendly Face
You May Have a Furry Greeter
My office dog is a beloved part of the practice. Research shows that animals can ease anxiety, lower stress hormones, and help people feel more at ease — which is exactly the kind of energy we want in a therapy space.
If you're allergic or prefer a pet-free environment, just let me know and I'll make sure your sessions are comfortable for you.
EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist
Vera holds advanced certification from EMDRIA, the gold standard for EMDR therapists. This means more training, more supervision, and better outcomes for you.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
The hardest part is reaching out. Take that first step today — schedule your free, no-pressure consultation and let's talk about how therapy can help.
Request Your Free Consultation