Free Educational Discussion · Illuminate Studios

You Don't Have to Navigate
Parenthood Anxiety Alone

Join Illuminate Studios for a free, supportive discussion with Alex Steric, LCSW, PMH-C, about prenatal and postpartum anxiety, practical coping tools, and finding the right support.

Date

October 7, 2026

Time

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Format

In Person

Location

Illuminate Studios Community Room

You're Not Alone in This

Anxiety during pregnancy and after birth can feel overwhelming, isolating, or difficult to talk about. Racing thoughts, constant worry, and the sense that you should be enjoying every moment can leave you feeling exhausted and alone — even when you're surrounded by people who love you.

You don't need to have a diagnosis or be in crisis to benefit from learning more. Whether you're seeking reassurance, tools, or simply a space to listen, this conversation is for you.

What to expect

What We'll Discuss

What Anxiety Can Look Like

Understanding how prenatal and postpartum anxiety can show up — in your body, your thoughts, and your daily life.

Common Worries vs. Anxiety

Learning to tell the difference between typical new-parent worries and anxiety that may benefit from extra support.

Racing & Intrusive Thoughts

Exploring racing thoughts, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, sleep-related worry, and feeling constantly "on alert."

Grounding & Calming Strategies

Practical tools you can use in the moment to help calm your nervous system and feel more grounded.

How Others Can Help

Ways partners, family members, and friends can offer meaningful support without trying to "fix" everything.

When to Seek Professional Help

Recognizing when it's time to reach out, and how to find the right kind of support for your needs.

Local & National Resources

A curated list of trusted mental-health resources and where to turn for more support.

Questions to Ask a Provider

Helpful questions you might want to bring to a therapist or healthcare provider.

This event is educational and is not a diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for therapy or medical care.

Guest Speaker

About Alex

Alex Steric, LCSW, PMH-C

Maternal Mental Health Therapist

Alex Steric, LCSW, PMH-C, is a therapist who supports moms and high-achieving women with maternal mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and birth trauma. Drawing from both professional experience and her own experience with postpartum anxiety and birth trauma, Alex offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental perspective for people navigating the transition into parenthood.

Learn more about Alex

Who should attend

This Is for You

Expecting parents
New parents
Parents in the first year after birth
Partners and support people
Family members and caregivers
Anyone who wants to understand perinatal anxiety

You are welcome whether you are seeking information, support, or resources for someone you care about.

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety & Resources

This discussion is educational and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, medical care, or emergency support. Individual experiences vary. If you are concerned about your mental health, contact a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional.

If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Illuminate Studios · Ventura, CA

This educational discussion is hosted by Illuminate Studios. Alex Steric, LCSW, PMH-C, participates as a guest speaker. Illuminate Studios is not affiliated with or endorsed by Alex Steric's private practice. This event is not a substitute for therapy or medical care.