Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Reynolds.
Hi Lindsay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always enjoyed connecting with others, allowing for space to process and reflect. In a world where mental health stigma still exists, there is value in being able to name the hard things, to be together and hold space for others in the midst of their hard.
I received my graduate degree from NC A&T and UNC-G’s Joint Master of Social Work program. I’d known I wanted to become a clinical social worker and practice direct mental health care. I believe an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional health and environment are connected. After becoming a parent, I specialized in maternal and perinatal mental health, as well as birth trauma and perinatal loss. I am passionate about working with those in the midst of their perinatal and reproductive timeline, in addition to other life transitions. For the last several years, I have been in private practice (Reynolds Counseling, PLLC), working with a variety of topics and stressors, with a focus on reproductive health.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Becoming both a therapist and a parent within months of each other was challenging at times. There are things I wish I would have known then, or done differently, but in the way that I can only know now due to having had the experience. Becoming a parent for the second time and a global pandemic happening within months of each other was similarly hard, yet illuminating in retrospect. It presented many new challenges and ultimately paved the way for my private practice, much needed boundary work, and an overall balance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a mental health therapist in private practice (Reynolds Counseling), with a focus on perinatal and reproductive health. I’ve been in the field almost 10 years and have honed my areas of focus over time to include birth trauma, perinatal loss, parenting, etc.
Several years ago, a couple of colleagues and I founded a nonprofit, Postpartum Resource Center of the Triad (PRCT). We were all realizing that even as therapists ourselves it was hard to find postpartum support, in the midst of a pandemic no less! Where were non-clinical mothers finding support and community? So we created PRCT. It started as just a website, with the goal of having a local, reputable online directory of perinatal providers. In the ~5 years since we launched, I am immensely proud of the expansion. PRCT offers free, in person support groups for postpartum mothers, holds community events to raise awareness and destigmatize postpartum mental health, and engages with the birth community locally, providing education, support, and more.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
No one exists inside a vacuum. We aren’t meant to live our lives alone, to face the new, sometimes scary, things alone. We are meant for community and connection. Parenting is challenging, starting and owning a business is challenging, trying new things is challenging. The hard things are made more manageable when we do them together. Allowing others to support me and showing up to support others has been a necessary lesson. As has creating and holding boundaries, around my time and energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reynoldscounselingws.com/
- Instagram: @lindsayreynoldslcsw
- Other: https://www.prctriad.com/
