Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just biological shifts — they can shake up your identity, relationships, body image, mood, and even your sense of self. These changes can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes isolating. But you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it in silence.
Through therapy, our relationship becomes a powerful space for healing and growth — a gateway to a deeper understanding of who you are and how you want to live this next chapter. Whether you're dealing with mood swings, anxiety, body changes, grief over fertility, or a loss of libido, therapy can help you move from feeling “off” or stuck to feeling strong, seen, and fully alive.
In our work together, nothing is off limits. We’ll make space for the tears, the anger, the confusion, and yes — the laughter that comes when you realize you’re not broken. You’re *evolving*.
Here’s what we might explore:
Mood shifts and anxiety that feel like they come out of nowhere
Grief and identity changes around fertility, aging, and womanhood
Body image concerns and how hormonal changes affect the way you see yourself
Sexual health and pleasure — because let’s be real, good sex is part of good mental health
Relationship challenges and how perimenopause/menopause may be affecting your intimacy
The pressure to “keep it together” at work, at home, or in caregiving roles
Learning how to use your voice, set boundaries, and step into your power
This is also a time where unresolved issues — around trauma, food, relationships, or self-worth — often rise to the surface. Therapy can help you finally face them, with compassion and courage.
As a therapist with a deep passion for supporting women through all stages of life, I bring a mix of clinical expertise, humor, and real talk to our sessions. I’ve helped countless women discover that midlife doesn’t have to be the beginning of the end — it can be the beginning of your best, most badass chapter yet.
Whether you’re in Boston, Orlando, West Hartford, Scottsdale, San Francisco, or anywhere in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Arizona, California, New York, New Jersey, or Florida, I offer telehealth sessions so we can do this work in a way that fits your life.
I believe that therapy can be both a soft landing and a fierce mirror. My job isn’t to tell you who to be — it’s to help you uncover the version of yourself that already knows what she needs. Together, we’ll honor your intuition, make sense of your emotions, and start creating real change.
Let’s transform this phase of life from something you endure to something you embrace.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Schedule your intake today, and let’s begin your next chapter.
Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages, but the emotional changes that come with them can feel overwhelming. Many women experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or brain fog during this transition and wonder if it’s “just hormones” or something more. Below are answers to the most common questions women ask about perimenopause and menopause mental health. Whether you’re navigating hot flashes and sleep changes, feeling unlike yourself emotionally, or wondering if therapy can help, you are not alone.
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, usually starting in a woman’s 40s (sometimes earlier). Hormones begin to fluctuate, causing changes in periods and often symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, or sleep problems. Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically around age 51.
Hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone can directly affect brain chemistry, making women more vulnerable to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. These shifts often overlap with life stressors—such as aging parents, career changes, or an empty nest—which can make emotions feel even heavier.
Yes. Women are at greater risk for depression during perimenopause due to hormonal changes, sleep disruption, and midlife stressors. If you’ve had depression in the past, the risk may be higher. The good news: with therapy, support, and sometimes medical treatment, these symptoms are very treatable.
Many women report increased anxiety during perimenopause and menopause, even if they’ve never struggled with it before. This may look like constant worry, racing thoughts, irritability, or even panic attacks. Anxiety is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, poor sleep, or life transitions—and support can help you feel calmer and more in control.
“Brain fog” refers to forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or feeling mentally slowed down. It’s very common in perimenopause and menopause, often due to hormone changes, sleep problems, or stress. While brain fog itself isn’t dangerous, it can feel frustrating and impact confidence. Addressing mood and sleep often helps improve mental clarity.
Every woman’s journey is different. Some women experience mood changes for just a few months, while others notice symptoms for several years. On average, perimenopause lasts 4–8 years. The key is that you don’t have to “wait it out”—supportive therapy and treatment can help you feel better much sooner.
It can be hard to tell. If symptoms are persistent, last more than two weeks, interfere with daily life, or feel overwhelming, it may be clinical depression or anxiety—not just hormonal shifts. A professional can help you sort out the difference and guide you to the right support.
Effective treatments include therapy, lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, nutrition), and sometimes medication or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Therapy provides space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and navigate life transitions. HRT or antidepressants may also be helpful for some women, depending on symptoms and medical history.
Yes. Regular exercise, mindfulness, balanced nutrition, limiting alcohol, and prioritizing sleep can all improve mood and reduce anxiety. Social support—connecting with friends, loved ones, or support groups—also helps women feel less isolated during this transition.
If mood swings, depression, or anxiety are interfering with your quality of life, relationships, or work—or if you have thoughts of harming yourself—it’s important to reach out for help. These symptoms are not “just in your head,” and treatment can make a big difference.
Yes. While perimenopause and menopause can feel destabilizing, with the right support women often regain balance and feel stronger and more grounded than before. This stage of life can be an opportunity for growth, renewal, and embracing your next chapter with confidence.

Jessica Foley, MA, LMHC, LLC
Psychotherapy For Women Seeking Growth & Positive Change™!
9 Brewer Street, Unit 2
New London, CT 06320-6071
Tel: 617 877 0071
Fax: 617 440 3653
CURRENT LICENSES:
Licensed in MA LMHC #6161
Licensed in CT LPC #004707
Licensed in CA LPCC #2005
Licensed in AZ LPC #17766
Licensed in FL LMHC #18336
Licensed in NJ LPC #37PC01150400
Licensed in NY MHC #017116
HOURS (EASTERN STANDARD TIME):
MONDAY: 10:00AM-6:00PM
TUESDAY: 10:00AM-6:00PM
WEDNESDAY: 10:00AM-6:00PM
THURSDAY: 10:00AM-6:00PM
FRIDAY: 10:00AM-4:00PM
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