We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jillian Mittiga a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jillian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

Parenting can be overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and question whether you’re doing things “right.” One of the best pieces of advice I’ve given a client is to offer themselves grace, lean on supportive people, and focus on staying present.

This client was struggling with anxiety—worrying about what might happen and dwelling on what they thought they should have done differently. Those thoughts were stealing their joy and making it hard to make decisions. Through our work together, they started practicing mindfulness daily and became better at recognizing their triggers. Like so many others, they found comfort in talking with people who truly understood what they were going through.

By learning to be present and celebrate small wins, they became more engaged with their family and friends, making those relationships feel even more meaningful. In the end, they felt more confident and empowered, knowing they could handle whatever came their way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy, with an emphasis on perinatal mental health. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in diverse settings—schools, clinics, and everything in between—helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage stress effectively, and address anxiety and depression. As an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, I am committed to providing inclusive, affirming support for all parents.

I used to say I only wanted to work with children—until I became a mother.

Like many, I had an idea of what pregnancy and birth should look like—until my own experience shattered those expectations. From infertility struggles and loss to being labeled a “geriatric” mother, navigating gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, a traumatic birth, and postpartum anxiety, I quickly realized that no amount of preparation could fully equip me for the reality of becoming a parent. I felt like I should be happy, grateful, and in control. Instead, I felt lost.

Finding a therapist who truly understood the complexities of the perinatal experience was challenging. I searched for someone who specialized in perinatal mental health—someone who could help me process the emotional, physical, and identity shifts I was facing. But resources were scarce, and I often left sessions feeling unheard. That experience ignited a passion in me to ensure that no parent has to struggle alone, which is why I then pursued my certification in Perinatal Mental Health. Because postpartum depression, anxiety, and birth trauma deserve to be talked about—without stigma or shame.

Building trust is at the heart of my work. Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and I believe that true healing begins when you feel safe, heard, and understood. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and client-driven—meaning we move at your pace, with your goals leading the way.

I feel that compassion and relatability set me apart. I’ve been where you are, and I understand how overwhelming, lonely and confusing this phase of life can be. I don’t force advice or prescribe one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I listen, support, and collaborate with you to develop personalized strategies that help you feel more like yourself again.

Motherhood, parenthood, and major life changes can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

There is truly nothing else I would rather do than social work and coaching. Helping others improve their lives is my passion. I initially specialized in working with children and families, an experience that gave me valuable insight into the daily challenges they face. While I deeply enjoyed this work, I didn’t realize how profoundly I would connect with perinatal mental health until I became a parent myself. Experiencing firsthand the complexities of this transition allowed me to fully understand the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that come with it—giving me the perspective and empathy needed to support others on their journey.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe that beyond formal training and knowledge, the most essential skills for success in my field are compassion and self-belief. Compassion allows me to truly connect with my clients, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel heard and understood.

Equally important is the ability to believe in yourself as a therapist. To support others through their struggles, you must have confidence in your ability to guide them through difficult times. This isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about recognizing the value you bring, the resilience you help foster, and the impact you can make by walking alongside someone on their journey. When a therapist trusts in their skills and purpose, it empowers clients to believe in their own strength and ability to overcome challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therapywithjillian.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywjillian/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapywjillian
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-mittiga/

Image Credits

Jenilee Winch