Courtney Simelton, MSW, LCSW

Life is a journey with unexpected twists and turns, and we all need a guiding hand to navigate through its overwhelming challenges. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in supporting women thirteen and older, I understand the numerous narratives women are told of who they "should" be, leaving many women feeling confused and distressed. Whether you are a teenager navigating high school, a young woman transitioning into college/adulthood, embarking on the journey of motherhood, or experiencing fertility challenges, I aim to provide a compassionate and safe environment where we can work together through all that life presents,

Individual Therapy:

In my practice, I provide a personable and understanding space for women (ages 13+) to tackle life's hurdles. With specialization in perinatal mental health (covering pregnancy and postpartum), infertility, miscarriage/loss, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, trauma, identity development, and self-esteem, my goal is to equip you with the necessary tools to foster positive change in your life.

Navigating through infertility, loss, pregnancy, and postpartum can often feel lonely and isolating. Together, we will create a supportive space for you to process your emotions, articulate your needs, and cultivate skills to help you cope.

I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) to help you confront daily challenges and explore new avenues for growth.

3rd Party Reproduction Evaluations & Consultations:

For intended parents considering expanding their family through gestational carrier (GC)/surrogacy, I provide the necessary intended parent session required by both surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics. The purpose of this session is to support you through decision making, establishing and nurturing a relationship with the GC/surrogate, managing disclosure to friends and family, and setting realistic expectations.

For those considering donor options, my role is to provide you with comprehensive information and guidance in this session. This will provide you with an open space to ask questions you may have and consider other issues you may have yet to consider, including how to make the many decisions you will be faced with throughout the process. We will discuss donor selection (sperm, egg, and embryo), closed versus open identity donors, whether to disclose your child's genetic origin, donor siblings, decisions about remaining embryos, and other related topics. Following our session, I will provide the summary note required by your clinic.

Additionally, for donors and gestational carriers/surrogates, I offer mental health screenings and evaluations that are typically required by surrogacy agencies and donor banks. This session will help to ensure you have thought through the life decision you are about to make and that you have the mental health and psychiatric background to support you and any offspring created from your genetics. Our meeting typically consists of an interview with you (and partner, if partnered) and a psychiatric assessment. From the information gathered, I then make a recommendation to the donor bank or agency and a report is provided to them.

My commitment is to provide personalized support and guidance, helping you navigate life's complexities with resilience and empowerment. If you are ready to embark on a path towards healing and growth, I am here to accompany you every step of the way.

Expertise:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Postpartum Support International Advanced Psychotherapy Trained
• American Society of Reproductive Medicine Mental Health Professional Group Member
• 3rd Party Reproduction Evaluations and Consultations

Areas of Expertise:

• Perinatal (pregnancy through postpartum) depression, anxiety, and OCD
• Infertility and reproductive health challenges
• Loss/Miscarriage
• Intended Parent Consultations/Psychoeducation
• Donor (Sperm, Egg & Embryo) or Gestational Carrier/Surrogate Evaluation
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• OCD Tendencies
• Self-Esteem
• Life Transitions
• Depression

If it sounds like I might be the right fit for you, call us at (704) 552-0116, option 2.

You may also find more maternal mental health resources on my Instagram page at: The Motherload CLT