Blog
Live Well with Intention
Looking for ways to stay balanced and at your best? Abigail Burd, LCSW, San Diego Psychotherapist blogs here to help new parents, educators and helping professionals help themselves and others.
August 2025
Meet the Author Book Event with the Postpartum Health Alliance
I am beyond honored to hear how well other reproductive mental health providers think of The Postpartum Depression Workbook. Oftentimes therapists tell me that they use activities out of […]
July 2025
New Office Location in Point Loma
I’m thrilled to announce for the first time since the pandemic started, I have a beautiful new space for in-office therapy in San Diego. I know several of you have […]
April 2025
How Brainspotting Can Help Resolve Perinatal Trauma: Online Therapy in California
Becoming a parent is often described as a joyful time—but what if your experience has felt anything but joyful?
If you’re a new parent in California navigating the […]
February 2025
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a “bottom up” tool that is really helpful when your thinking brain knows and understands something, but your body and nervous system are still reacting. Residual trauma is […]
September 2024
Clinical Hypnosis for Perinatal Mental Health
Hypnosis has a mixed reputation in popular culture. But what about Clinical Hypnosis? How much do you know about it?
Recently, my colleague Dr. Kat Kaeni, outgoing president of the board […]
July 2024
Upcoming Training: Novel Approaches for Overcoming Reproductive Trauma
Reproductive Trauma
Reproductive trauma is often kept secret, in the shadows. Infant death is a disenfranchised loss that our society doesn’t know how to properly grieve. Although miscarriage and […]
June 2024
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Inside Out 2 Reflective Questions: Tools for Navigating Emotions and Identity
Imagine being able to peek inside your teenager’s mind, where Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and their new friends Embarrassment, Envy and Anxiety battle for control. Disney/Pixar’s ‘Inside Out […]
April 2024
What is walk and talk (nature) therapy?
Living in a beautiful climate, such as San Diego, I’ve been taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of walk and talk therapy sessions. So often we think psychotherapy is just […]
April 2023
Home/ Work for a Reproductive Psychotherapist
I met my friend Catie through the San Diego birth community. Back when I had my little ones and started my private practice focused on perinatal, or […]
January 2022
#BlackMomsMatter – Last Chance for the Online Courses
In case you missed it…
Janisha Street and I recorded a video course for my online, on-demand school back in 2019. #BlackMomsMatter remains a relevant […]
November 2020
Please Do Less
One of the more enjoyable topics of 2020 has been “silver linings.” In what unexpected ways are you benefitting from the life changes and disruptions of social distancing? (Not a […]
October 2020
Giveaway and First Reviews: The Postpartum Depression Workbook
Hello friends. The Postpartum Depression Workbook starts shipping on Tuesday! The process of writing a book becomes very solitary, with many late nights and early mornings […]
September 2020
Announcing “The Postpartum Depression Workbook” – Presales Open Today
It has now been six months since Californians closed schools, stayed home and went remote. No surprise, but I haven’t posted a blog update in all that time. Granted, I’ve […]
February 2020
Relationships After Baby [E-course]
September 2019
Embrace Motherhood Giveaway, Panel and Launch
I recently shared beautiful photos from our party last month to celebrate the launch of the Prevent Postpartum Depression course. Please visit […]
June 2019
Tips for Preventing Postpartum Depression
I have been sharing a little bit on social media about my latest venture, an online course to prevent postpartum depression and anxiety. I haven’t really […]
ColorWalk 2019: Bringing Color Back to Motherhood
Most of you know that I am a mother myself. So I know firsthand how easy it is to focus all of our energy on raising our children. One of […]
May 2019
Forbes Fourth Trimester Article [Press]
Forbes recently asked me what new moms, like Meghan Markle, can expect in the fourth trimester. Other experts, like Harvey Karp, also shared about the physical and […]
February 2019
Preventing Perinatal Depression [TV News Clip]
Here’s some big news for perinatal mental health: a national panel just released a report that depression during pregnancy and postpartum can be PREVENTED with evidenced-based […]
January 2019
The Fourth Trimester and the Birth of a Mother
My friends at Ergobaby have asked me back tomorrow, Thursday, at noon PST, to talk about the fourth trimester. You can catch our conversation live on […]
July 2018
[Video] Postpartum Anxiety and How to Help
In case you missed it, you can catch my conversation about Postpartum Anxiety with Christina Soletti of Ergobaby here. We […]
March 2018
Giveaway: 180 Reversible Stroller from Ergobaby
Here’s something for all the new and expecting parents: a chance to win a brand new 180 Reversible Stroller from Ergobaby. As the name suggests, the 180 switches easily […]
February 2018
All Teens Should Be Screened for Depression [TV News Clip]
The American Academy of Pediatrics announced this week that all adolescents, ages twelve and up, should universally be screened for depression. Yesterday, KSWB in San Diego had me on […]
January 2018
Why I’m a Feminist Therapist
I’m coming out as a feminist therapist. But it might not be what you think.
I do not have an agenda to push in therapy. At least not mine. I want […]
December 2017
How a Motivational Interviewing Approach to Therapy Can Help You
Hi all! In this dispatch from the Evolution of Psychotherapy, I spent the morning hearing from the founder of Motivational Interviewing, one of my go-to […]
Sue Johnson, EFT and Dance: Why Couples Therapy is a Tango
Hi all! Another dispatch from the Evolution of Psychotherapy. This time, Sue Johnson shares how attachment science can shape corrective emotional experiences in couples therapy.
When she is not […]
Helping Couples Recover From Infidelity
Hello everyone! I’m at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference this week. I’ll be sharing some of the best things I’ve learned here. In this post: Infidelity. If you are a […]
November 2017
How to Use Pixar’s Coco to Teach about Death [Cinematherapy Guide]
“The word death is not pronounced in New York, in Paris, in London, because it burns the lips. The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death… jokes about it, caresses […]
My Concern with Wine Mom Memes
There’s something about the “wine mom” memes and Pinterest posts that have always made me uncomfortable. As an addiction specialist and a postpartum specialist, I have been curious […]
September 2017
[Giveaway] Carry Baby Close to Your Heart
Win a new Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
New babies take just about everything out of parents. […]
June 2017
Mothering the Mother [Video] with Maternal Mental Health Expert Abigail Burd
Today I am excited to share for free the in-depth video “Mothering the Mother” I recorded as part of the More than Milestones video summit. […]
Vice “Asked a Smart Person” (Me) about Sad Music
I love talking to journalists and reporters about mental health. For one, it helps get the word out that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and likely, YOU […]
May 2017
Living a Life Consistent with Your Values (What ARE My Values Again?)
I just finished recording an episode of the Messy Middle Podcast with Maring Higa. Update: the podcast is up now –>
13 Links to Help Talk about 13 Reasons Why and Prevent Suicide
The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has been in the media plenty. The show depicts a teen suicide. High school and middle school students especially have been engrossed with the […]
April 2017
Afraid You’re Doing the Parenting Thing All Wrong? Watch This.
My friend and colleague, Pediatric Physical Therapist Wendi McKenna, is offering More Than Milestones: Understand Your Baby, Nurture Development Confidently, and Raise a Thriving, Happy, Healthy Child … with a Village of […]
March 2017
What is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work? (Or why is a BCD a BFD?)
First, an announcement:
I am now a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work!
![San Diego Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, Abigail [...]
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February 2017
Abby Burd, LCSW, San Diego Psychotherapist Talks with New Moms March 3rd
Catch Abby in a free speaking engagement on March 3rd.
December 2016
TV News Clip: The “Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act” Passes the House
Update 12/8/16, 9:00am: The bill passed the Senate and Obama is expected to sign within two weeks!
KSWB Fox5 San Diego invited me back yesterday to talk […]
November 2016
Post Election Stress
According to a Harris Poll conducted in October on behalf of the American Psychological Association, 52% of American adults […]
June 2016
Paternal Postpartum Depression [Video Clip – News]
Yesterday Fox 5 San Diego brought me back for a third time to talk about Depression. This time they wanted to hear more about Paternal Postpartum Depression. They […]
Postpartum Health Alliance Update
The other night I enjoyed an evening of catching up with the executive board and members of the Postpartum Health Alliance. PHA is a San Diego non-profit […]
March 2016
Better Body Image
Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC, of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, has been a wonderful influence in the lives of many, many San Diego women. She […]
January 2016
Interview on Nutrition Instincts
As I mentioned briefly in my New Year’s Newsletter, Lindsay of Nutrition Instincts recently interviewed me about
November 2015
How to Prevent Postpartum Depression
The Ergobaby blog featured a recent article of mine on how to prevent PPD in both moms- and dads-to-be.
Abigail Burd, LCSW Receives 2015 San Diego Award for Best Psychotherapist
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abigail Burd, LCSW Receives 2015 San Diego Award
San Diego Award Program Honors the Achievement
SAN DIEGO November 6, 2015 — Abigail Burd, LCSW has been selected for the […]
September 2015
Suicide Prevention Outreach for College Students Will Expand with Federal Award
So happy to see local media pick up the story of my department at San Diego City College being awarded a Federal grant for suicide prevention outreach from […]
Breathing Underwater: How to Overcome Being Overwhelmed
School is back in session.
For me this means my kids are getting back into their morning routines and my part-time work at a local college is […]
Reframing Motherhood: The Photo That Doesn’t Get Posted
New moms don’t put sad pictures up on social media.
I was honored when Katie Contrera, a graduate student in the Science/Medical […]
July 2015
4 Ways to Help Kids Understand Emotions with “Inside Out” (Disney/Pixar)
My recent “Inside Out” Study Guide for helping teens and adults understand emotions has been getting positive feedback on Pinterest. Today I’m […]
An “Inside Out” (Disney/Pixar) Study Guide: Understanding Emotions
UPDATE: Activities, art therapy, and questions for helping children (K-8) understand emotions with “Inside Out” is now available (click here.)
May 2015
Press: Women Magazine
AWoman’sHealth.com (Women Magazine) recently quoted my article on cell phone use in their look at three reasons to […]
Fox 5 TV Appearance: Preventing Postpartum Depression
Watch Abby talk on the morning news with Fox 5 morning anchor, Shally Zomorodi.
It was my privilege to talk a little about postpartum depression in moms and dads and […]
Chula’s Mission: Helping Girls without Mothers
My daughter and I had a unique opportunity this past Mother’s Day weekend. We received an invitation to attend a fundraiser called “Once Upon an Apron” for the […]
Important Parking Notice
Attention all clients: there has been an update to the parking policy at my building. Previously, clients of 5252 Balboa were able to park either around the building, or in […]
Sublimating and Sharing
I am proud of my daughter and of myself.
Last week, I saw a flier at my work for a stuffed toy drive in honor of National […]
April 2015
May Campaign: Depression and Anxiety are the #1 Complication of Pregnancy and Postpartum
Did you know that depression and anxiety are the number one complication of pregnancy and postpartum? One in seven women suffer from either postpartum […]
Feature on Reach, Connect, Uplift Women
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of supportive people online since starting a business. One Southern-California […]
March 2015
March is National Social Work Month
The United States commemorates March as Social Work Month every year. It gives social workers the rarely used turn to toot our own horns. Social workers create meaningful positive […]
How to Get Involved with the Postpartum Health Alliance
This coming Wednesday the Postpartum Health Alliance is hosting the Annual Meet and Greet at Gordon Biersch in Mission Valley. The happy hour is an opportunity to find out about […]
February 2015
Sharing, Mindful Kids through Sportscasting
I took my youngest (now 16 months) to a playdate at a park the […]
You Are Beautiful Just the Way You Are
As I started my January/February Newsletter, I began by compiling my best tips for achieving […]
January 2015
How to Make SMART Goals (and How They Differ From Resolutions)
Has anyone broken a New Year’s Resolution yet? I shared recently why I believe New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. […]
Envision the Year You Want – and my free gifts for you
My Gifts To You:
1. Free Yoga
December 2014
Why I Want to Look at My Phone Less around My Baby
I have found my New Year’s Resolution for 2015. I want to consciously avoid using my cell phone around my young children. Specifically, checking email, social media, and […]
November 2014
16 Free Restaurants for Veterans on Veterans Day
Every single day, all day, every day, for days and months on end, military families make incredible sacrifices. The service of our active duty military and veterans forever […]
October 2014
Older First Time Moms at Increased Risk of Depression
A recent study showed an increased risk of postpartum depression in women of advanced maternal age. Specifically, first time moms between the ages of […]
Culture and Language in Therapy with New and Expecting Parents
Recently I attended a lecture sponsored by the Postpartum Health Alliance on “Cultural Considerations when Working with Expecting and New Parents.” The lecturer happened […]
September 2014
A Mother’s Unprocessed Childhood Experiences Can Decrease Her Ability to Respond Appropriately to Her Baby’s Cries
A study released last week¹ in Child Development provides new evidence that a mom’s ability to respond appropriately to her baby’s cries depends on her level of depression and her own […]
Win the Ultimate New Parent Prize Pack Worth Over $800
A new carseat, a baby carrier, a wrap and a swaddler: really the only products you need for a new baby. I believe in keeping it simple and being prepared. […]
August 2014
Social Change on a Policy Level is Needed to Ease Pressures on New Moms and Dads
The American Sociological Association recently released a paper: “Nature and Culture: Lay Accounts of Perinatal Mental Health Disorders.” In it, Carrie Wendel-Hummell, a University of Kansas doctoral candidate in sociology, […]
Some GRAPES a Day Keep the Psychiatrist Away: A Self-Care Checklist
Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The vitamins and fiber are great for our physical health. But what about our mental health? Is […]
Is Suicide Preventable? Is it 100% Preventable??
Suicide has been in the news a lot this week with the sad passing of Robin Williams. People from all walks of life have been surprised to learn […]
Natural Family Fair Ticket Giveaway!
I’m excited to be a vendor at the 5th annual Natural Family Fair. And I’m very excited to have tickets to giveaway. Just […]
July 2014
Save the Date: 9/14/14 Natural Family Fair
I am honored to be accepted as a vendor at this year’s Natural Family Fair. I have enjoyed the Natural Baby Fair in years past, but […]
Postpartum Anxiety is More Common Than Postpartum Depression, But Rarely Screened
Most people have heard of postpartum depression. With good reason. It affects 1 in 7 new mothers. But […]
Postpartum Couples: Keeping a Strong Relationship After Baby
The postpartum stage is not just a vulnerable time for mothers, but for couples and […]
June 2014
Giveaway: Ergobaby Wrap for Babywearing
I am very excited to host a great giveaway! In partnership with my Baby Birds Farm and Cocina, I am raffling off an
May 2014
Helping Parents Overcome the Trauma of the NICU Experience
Thanks to my association with the Postpartum Health Alliance, I recently attended a lecture by Dr. Krishelle Marc-Aurele, of UC San Diego/Rady Children’s Neonatology Division, on “Coping with the NICU […]
March 2014
Natural Baby Pros
I am lucky to live and work in San Diego, California, where there is a vibrant community for pregnant women and families of babies and young children. Recently I have […]
Postpartum Health Alliance Member Provider
I am proud to support the Postpartum Health Alliance. The PHA has supported women in San Diego since 1998 by focusing on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. […]
February 2014
Free Yoga Class This Sunday for Parents Who Have Experienced Loss
Once a month, including this Sunday, Nature’s Whisper School of Yoga, offers a community yoga class for parents, especially mothers, who have experienced the […]
Traditional Family Roles Contribute to Maternal Isolation and Depression
I recently read Julie M. Smith’s article on “The Anthropology of Providing and Nurturing.” She challenges the notion of a “traditional family” consisting of […]
Mental Health Starts in the Womb
You take your folic acid up to a year before conception… You take your great-aunt’s advice to eat carrots while pregnant so the baby will have good eyesight… But have […]
Online Test for Depression During Pregnancy and Up to One Year Postpartum
Pregnancy and the postpartum stage are times of major changes: physically, emotionally, socially, professionally, hormonally…. you get the idea… just about everything is shook up. Anxiety and the […]