Remember the woman you were before you became a mother? Ambitious, independent, with a clear sense of self... yeah, she's still in there!
FINDING joy FROM:
Hi, i'm vanessa Leveille
The mom-therapist who just gets it.
Becoming a mom changes everything. You feel lots of new emotions and have more responsibilities. It can be hard to keep up with all the changes in your life and find time for yourself. You might be trying to do many things at once and wish you could feel like yourself...like a fully functioning being.
I get what it's like to suddenly face the birth of the mother within you, and be overwhelmed.
And here's the truth we rarely talk about: We prepare women for pregnancy, for postpartum recovery, and for caring for their tiny humans. But why not for Matrescence?
I get it, Mama. I truly do. Because I’m not just a therapist for moms, but just like you, I’m a mom, too. I've also gone through (and still am, if I'm honest) the big changes that come with becoming, and being, a mom.
No one tells you that it is because of Matrescence that we experience shifts in priorities, values, needs, desires – heck, your entire identity?
It's almost as if becoming and being a mother becomes this unspoken transition we're expected to navigate blindly.
And I am not feeling this.
It's no wonder so many mothers struggle to adjust, some even face perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. When I noticed these profound changes within myself, and in the mothers I worked with as a maternal mental health therapist, a lightbulb turned on: Matrescence is real, and understanding it is key.
slow mornings, time in nature, running, podcasts, cleaning products, gardening, laughter until your belly hurts, alternative R&B, home decor
therapist for moms
how I can help you
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Connect with other mothers and share your experiences in a supportive and affirming environment.
Courses
Online motherhood courses and workshops about motherhood, womanhood, maternal wellness, and Matrescence.
THIS IS FOR ME
Intensives
Personalized therapy experiences. Weekend formats available. Get relief + experience change… fast.
There's so much noise in motherhood
Honestly, I was forgetting a lot of things, and it started to affect my self-esteem. As a perfectionist and a driven woman, I couldn't let people catch me slipping.
But there were things happening after I became a mom that I just couldn't control. It all came really fast—the good stuff and the challenging stuff.
When I talked to other moms, many would shrug it off with a "welcome to motherhood" or "that's normal." I recognized that these experiences were common. But deep down, something didn't feel right.
(it took eveything to not spaz-out.. i kid, but not really)
Early in my postpartum journey, my husband noticed the changes I was going through and asked, "what is going on with you?"
ready to start
As a maternal mental health therapist, a self-care enthusiast, and a determined woman, settling wasn't an option.
The more I engaged with other moms and dived into Matrescence literature and Motherhood Studies, the more I saw all the noise—the societal expectations and misconceptions (aka "Intensive Mothering") we're supposed to just accept. That you should be okay with losing yourself in motherhood.
That part... was my turning point—I wanted to define motherhood on my own terms.
Now, I help mothers like you cut through the noise and redefine themselves— mind, body and spirit, and go through Matrescence, and their motherhood journey on their own terms.
I wasn't ready to just roll over and accept that this was all motherhood had to offer—that I should accept status quo.
With all the diplomas, documents, and certifications, my proudest qualification is “Mommy".
My Education + Training
licensure
Education
Trainings + Certifications
States I am licensed to practice therapy
This means that if you reside anywhere in the states of Massachusetts and Texas, we can work together for individual and group therapy since I am licensed to provide therapy to residents of those states.
If you do not reside in Massachusetts or Texas, you can still benefit from services like group coaching, support groups, and workshops as I am not providing therapy in those services, just coaching.
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - Massachusetts #119531
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Texas #110052
licensure
Education
Trainings + Certifications
where i got those degrees
Homegirl was not always a psych major! I started in Criminal Justice because I swore I was going to be a Criminal Profiler, then I minored in theater for a while because I wanted to be a costume designer, and dabbled in acting... but then fell in love with psychology, specifically women's health, and the rest is history.
Furthering my education in social work solidified my path as a therapist, and I haven't looked back since.
- BA in Psychology; Minor in Human Development + Family Studies | Penn State University
- Masters of Social Work | Simmons University
Licensure
Education
trainings + certifications
deepening my love for women's health
I absolutely love everything about women's health! From the ins and outs of self-care and wellness to the nuances of maternal mental health and women's issues, I'm all in. But this passion isn't just for kicks; it fuels my work. By staying plugged into the latest and greatest in women's health, I bring fresh, effective strategies into every session with my clients. It's a privilege to work with such amazing women, helping them to weave together their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being to create a life that feels rich, balanced, and whole.
- Perinatal Mental Health Certification
- IFC- Accredited: Matrescence, Motherhood Studies and Coaching
- Certified Integrative Health Coach
- Trauma Focused-CBT Certified
- Certified Basic Family Planning Counselor
- Certified Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Practitioner
getting personal
behind the therapist for moms
tea > coffee,
every time. just me?
I've ran 2 half marathons. and several short races + a Spartan race
happiest outdoors, and with nature
I LOVE A GOOD CAPSULE WARDROBE, ESPECIALLY IN MY MOM ERA
All about
lemon water, daily walks, pinterest + LTK, digital planners, traveling, psych thriller movies
NOT ABOUT
hustle culture, gossiping, small talk, long winters, mom-shaming, disorganization, small rodents + lizards
agree? we're probably a great fit.
AS YOUR RIGHT-HAND, RELATABLE MOM-THERAPIST, YOU CAN EXPECT ME TO:
Lovingly call out your bs. Because that shit isn’t getting anybody anywhere.
Offer insights and empathy that go beyond textbook knowledge - because I’ve been there, Mama. I’m just like you.
Bring a laid-back vibe and humor to our sessions, so you feel right at home.
NEVER pathologize motherhood, but instead empower yourself to reclaim your sense of self and rewrite your Matrescence story.
let's work together
let me help you FEEL ENOUGH ABOUT YOURSELF
You deserve to feel more than just “okay.”
You may not go back to the woman you used to be before you became a mom, but I promise we can get you to feel like you, and feel good. To work with me, click the button below to see if we'd be a good fit, and start our work together.
