Today we’d like to introduce you to Sepideh Hakimzadeh.
Hi Sepideh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I really found my voice after the birth of my son in 2019. Before then I was a therapist working in a more generalized way. After the birth of my son, I connected to the depth of my birth experience not just the literal birthing experience but the ultimate transformative birth experience of myself. Birth is a sacred portal that strips you bare; it dissolves your known understanding of yourself. In the process of birth, we lose ourselves, this is a death process which is part of why postpartum is so hard. That mixed with the patriarchal capitalistic supremacy culture we live in birthing folx are expected to bounce back and be their “normal” pre-birth selves. We don’t live in a culture and society that honors the depth and breadth of the transformation of birth both literally and figuratively. This leads to postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage. After the birth of my son, I was moved to create a therapy space that honors and acknowledges the magnitude of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Including parenting, as parenting is one of the most powerful ways we can impact and change the systems we live in. I created Whole Mother Therapy as a holistic healing space to help navigate and guide birthing folks through the transformation of loss of identity, to find their voice, and connect to their power. And, to then learn to embody these changes in their lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. In some ways, it felt very easy. There is a desperate need for safe spaces that allow honest and real conversation about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. I feel so passionately about how the systems we live in collude in stripping birthing people and parents from their rights and voices, keeping us depleted and exhausted so we don’t have the capacity to make the changes necessary and that’s what drives me. I want to bring back the conversation of the sacred and holy aspect of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. This fuels me and keeps me going.
It’s been hard because having a business is hard. I don’t have money or capital behind me. It’s just me and my husband feeding what we have to support my vision. And frankly, we hear about the success after years of the hard work and sacrifices that are needed to make a business successful. I’m also trying to create a business that is anti-capitalistic, and liberation focused. So, I have to do a lot of work in unlearning my own harmful programing as well as my relationship with money and wealth. All the while trying to support my family living in LA, one of the most expensive cities in the USA. So, there is definitely struggles along the way and they are pretty constant. I think that’s really important to be transparent about because you have to really believe in your vision to be able to navigate the hardships.
As you know, we’re big fans of Whole Mother Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I created Whole Mother Therapy to serve birthing people through pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. We are a group practice that is inclusive and intersectional. As an Iranian refugee/immigrant turned citizen it’s important for me to have safe spaces where underrepresented groups and voices are able to talk about their experiences. We are a diverse group of BI&POC therapist. We offer groups, couple’s therapy, and individual therapy. We believe in community and collective care. Whole Mother Therapy is a liberation-focused practice meaning that we acknowledge the harmful systems of patriarchy, late-stage capitalism, and supremacy we live in that impacts all of us but disproportionately affects Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color mothers/parents. At Whole Mother Therapy we believe in a multidimensional approach to therapy, exploring spirituality, ancestors, and intergenerational wounds and traumas. We support parents in raising free and liberated children, which asks us to do our own deeper work of healing and liberation.
We have an anti-capitalistic and liberation-focused business model which means that there is transparency within the business and organization. It’s not just about being of service to our communities but a space as therapist and healers where we are treated humanely and fairly.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband, Jay Fernandez is my number one supporter. He not only offers his incredible writing and editorial skills in service to Whole Mother Therapy, but he also is the office manager, CFO, and all-around admin person. He supports my vision wholeheartedly and has put so much of his energy and our resources into making not only a reality but continued success.
Karen Stoteraux, from The Family Room has been a huge supporter. From the beginning, she offered her wisdom in starting and running a business. I facilitated a free postpartum group through The Family Room for close to three years. She’s sent referrals and connections my way.
My close circle of friends have also been incredibly supportive in helping me hold my vision.
Pricing:
- Therapy Session $175-$225
- 8-week group series $300
- Couple’s Therapy $250-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wholemothertherapy.com
Image Credits
Gina Pecho
