Dr. Rebecca Branda, PsyD, PMH-C
I'm Dr. Rebecca Branda, a licensed clinical psychologist and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) clinician specializing in birth trauma, postpartum mental health, and identity transitions in motherhood.
My work is rooted in both clinical expertise and lived experience. What you've been through matters here. So does what you're carrying now.
What Brought Me to This Work
My own journey into motherhood began with an emergency cesarean birth, followed by a successful VBAC. Experiencing both sides of that journey gave me a firsthand understanding of how birth can shape not just physical recovery, but a woman's sense of self, safety, and connection.
I support women navigating postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, traumatic or unexpected birth experiences, and the emotional complexity that can arise during pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. Many of the women I work with are high-functioning and capable in other areas of their lives, yet find themselves feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unlike themselves after becoming mothers.
Feeling capable in most areas of your life and still completely lost in motherhood is more common than people say. Therapy can help you understand why, and find your way back to yourself.
"My approach creates space to process your birth story, make sense of what you've been carrying, and help you feel more connected to yourself, your body, and your role as a mother."
I work with women in California and Illinois who are navigating:
- Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety
- Birth trauma and traumatic delivery experiences
- VBAC preparation and birth fear
- Motherhood identity shifts and loss of self
- ADHD in motherhood and overwhelm
- Pregnancy anxiety and perinatal mental health
My Clinical Approach
My approach is grounded in CBT, which I integrate with psychodynamic therapy to work toward understanding the root cause of your challenges. I'm trauma-informed and grounded in EMDR. Together, we create space to process what you've been carrying and find a path forward that feels like yours.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's a structured, evidence-based approach that gives you practical tools for the moments when things feel most heavy, without ignoring the deeper layers underneath.
Learn more →Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic work explores the roots of current distress, including how early experiences, attachment patterns, and relational history may be shaping how you feel in motherhood now. The goal is understanding, not just relief.
Learn more →EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based treatment for trauma that works directly with how your brain stores difficult memories. At Birth Feelings, EMDR is tailored specifically for birth trauma, postpartum PTSD, and perinatal anxiety rooted in a traumatic experience.
Learn more →Trauma-Informed and Relational
All of my work is trauma-informed, meaning care is adapted to your capacity, your history, and your nervous system. I bring an attachment- and relational-based lens to this work. How we relate to each other in the room matters as much as any technique.
Learn more →Education, Licenses & Certifications
Click any license or certification card to view the verified source document.
Education
- University of California, Berkeley
B.A. in Psychology, 2010
Graduated Phi Beta Kappa - The George Washington University
M.Psy., Psychology - The George Washington University
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, 2018
Additional Training
- Northwestern University, The Family Institute
- NYU-Bellevue Hospital Center
- Adjunct Faculty, Northwestern University (former)
Professional Associations
- EMDRIA
- Postpartum Support International (PSI)
- Matrikas
- Touchstone Institute
Writing, Speaking & Research
I'm committed to extending the conversation around perinatal mental health beyond the therapy room, through writing, speaking, and published research.
What to Expect When You Work With Me
In the beginning, we take time to understand your story. Where you came from, what your relationships have looked like, and what brought you here. There's no rush to fix things before we understand what's actually going on.
As therapy unfolds, you'll have space to process what's present right now, whether that's birth trauma, identity shifts in motherhood, emotional overwhelm, or the quiet sense of feeling not quite like yourself. I support you in building insight, developing tools for emotional regulation, and relating to yourself with more compassion.
Sessions are individual, 50 minutes, and typically weekly or twice a week depending on what you're working through. I'm out-of-network and provide a monthly superbill for insurance reimbursement.
Practical Details
- Location: 3231 Ocean Park Blvd Ste 115, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Telehealth: Available throughout California and Illinois
- Birth Trauma Coaching: Available to clients anywhere in the United States
- Session length: 50 minutes, weekly or twice weekly
- Insurance: Out-of-network. Monthly superbill provided for reimbursement.
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm
- First step: Free 15-minute consultation
Ready to Begin?
A free 15-minute consultation is a no-pressure first step. You'll have a chance to share what you're navigating, ask questions, and decide whether Birth Feelings is the right fit.
About This Practice
Birth Feelings is a perinatal mental health therapy practice in Santa Monica, California, serving mothers and families navigating the emotional landscape of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum year.
Founded by Dr. Rebecca Branda, Psy.D., PMH-C, the practice specializes in postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma therapy, EMDR, motherhood identity, and the emotional experience of becoming a parent. Dr. Branda integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic approaches to support mothers through the full arc of the perinatal journey.
Sessions are individual and available to clients in California and Illinois. Dr. Branda is out-of-network and provides monthly superbills for insurance reimbursement.
(213) 347-4718 | rebecca@birthfeelings.com
Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm
Birth Feelings does not provide emergency mental health services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or visit your nearest emergency room.