Susan (Marchioni) Thistle, LCMHC, LMHC, PMH-C

Welcome! I'm glad you're here.

For over 30 years, I have been fascinated by the profound developmental stage called  "matrescence" - the transition to  motherhood. This transition encompasses a mother's shifting hormones, changing brain architecture as she adapts to support the caregiving of her infant, her sense of identity and a complete overhaul of the life she once had. This transformation is intense and many mothers move through it in a haze of overwhelm, exhaustion, sadness, and anxiety making it difficult to comprehend the depth of what is unfolding within them.

I'm also a PPD survivor.

It is one of my greatest privileges to support and hold space for women as they navigate the profound transition into motherhood. I work with expectant mothers, new mothers, and women experiencing a variety of concerns, including: pregnancy and postpartum-related anxiety and depression; the emotional challenges associated with IVF and other infertility treatments; pregnancy or infant loss due to miscarriage or stillbirth; birth trauma and difficult birth experiences; the worry of a baby in the NICU; maternal stress, overwhelm and burnout; myths and beliefs around motherhood.

I have the honor of witnessing each woman's unique story. In our work together, women often share their fears and vulnerabilities, as well as their hopes, dreams, and expectations for themselves and their growing families. These experiences can shape how a woman sees herself, her relationships, and her role as a mother.

My goal is to provide a compassionate, supportive space where these stories can be spoken, understood, and integrated. My approach is integrative, client-centered, and collaborative. Drawing from a variety of evidence-based and relationship frameworks, I tailor therapy to each woman's individual needs, strengths, and goals. Together, we explore not only the challenges of the present moment, but also the experiences that have influenced how she understands herself, receives care, and offers care to others.

An important part of this work may include exploring the relationship a woman has with her own mother and the lasting impact of the often complex mother-daughter relationship. Sometimes referred to as the mother, or attachment wound, these early experiences can influence self-worth, attachment, identity, and expectations of motherhood. With curiosity, compassion, and grace, we create space to understand these patterns and foster healing.

Motherhood is a lifelong journey. As infants become toddlers, teens, and adults, there are many topics we explore such as: the small losses that occur along the way (ie: daycare, weaning from the breast, transition from crib to "big kid bed", etc.); the mental load of motherhood; adjustment to the birth of a sibling; parenting along a continuum; emotional co-regulation; division of labor; time for self; time for couple; navigating relationships with older children; empty nest, etc.

I believe that growth unfolds in the context of safety, trust, and connection. Over time, through a collaborative, therapeutic relationship, women often discover greater self-compassion, resilience, and confidence as they move forward in their motherhood journey.

PPD and PPA are treatable. And I can help.

• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC; NC License #21427
•  Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC; MA License #9932
• Complicated Grief-Informed Counselor; Center for Complicated Grief; Columbia University, NY
• Perinatal Mental Health Counselor Certification (PMH-C); Postpartum Support International
• The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk; Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
• CBT training for Perinatal Mood & Anxiety DO’s; Strong Roots Counseling
• Certificate of Completion in Perinatal Women in Distress: Assessment, Treatment & Clinical Practice; The Postpartum Stress Center
•  Certification as a Tele-behavioral Mental Health Professional; Tele-behavioral Health Institute
• 2-Day Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop – EMDR, CBT and Somatic-Based Interventions Move Clients from Surviving to Thriving; Professional Education Systems Institute (PESI)
• Paternal Perinatal Mental Health Training; Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health; Daniel Singley, PhD.; Postpartum Support International
• Ethical Considerations with the Perinatal Population; Nurturing Mamas Network
• Certificate of Completion: The Path of Self Love Teacher Training
• NC Matters: Dyadic Attachment and Perinatal Mood; Piedmont AHEC
• Certificate of Completion, Course #157 – North Carolina LCMHC Jurisprudence Exam
• Owner/sole practitioner of Maternal Mental Health & Wellness; est. 12/2016
• Board Member South Shore Perinatal Wellness Center; Norwell, MA; 2019-2022
• Other trainings on using CBT for the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD; providing culturally responsive care; trainings on PMS and PMDD
• Education: MA in Counseling Psychology; Lesley University, Cambridge, MA; May, 2014

I’ve earned certifications and completed specialized trainings in the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental health disorders, paternal perinatal mental health, birth trauma, and complicated grief. I continue to develop both as a clinician and personally through attending relevant professional development seminars, workshops, and conferences.