A Thoughtful, Accessible Approach to Therapy
A Calm, Supportive Environment
I have lived all of the “4 P’s”—pregnant, postpartum, parent, and professional. Since becoming a mother in 2018, these identities have often overlapped, complemented one another, and at times felt deeply at odds.
I meet each client with respect, openness, and curiosity. I am here for you and your needs, experiences, and feelings - and at a pace that works for you.
Dr. Keri Smotrich, PsyD, PMH-C
Licensed Psychologist
I welcomed my first child during the final semester of my doctoral program and returned to classes just two weeks postpartum. At the time, I wrestled with difficult decisions: Should I take time away from my training, or continue forward with a full-time predoctoral internship? I worried about how I would be perceived—as a new mother, as an emerging professional, and as someone navigating the realities of postpartum recovery. Ultimately, I chose to stay home with my son, complete my dissertation, and continue clinical work through my practicum to accrue hours toward licensure.
In February 2020, during the final months of my predoctoral internship, I learned I was pregnant with my second child. As the world shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was managing morning sickness, caring for a two-year-old, and completing the requirements necessary to move on to my postdoctoral fellowship. My husband was also working long hours on the front lines in health care. I know firsthand what it feels like to build a family and a career simultaneously—and how difficult it can be to ask for support.
For a long time, I questioned whether I was “allowed” to need help. After all, I had chosen this path: pursuing my doctorate, building a career, and becoming a mother. Yet I often felt pulled in multiple directions, carrying guilt whether I was focused on work or my children. Through both my personal journey and professional work, I have come to appreciate that multiple truths can exist at once. We can love both our children and our careers. We can feel grateful and overwhelmed. We can be capable and still need support.
If these experiences resonate with you, I would be honored to work alongside you as you navigate the evolving identities, challenges, and transitions that come with pregnancy, postpartum life, parenthood, and professional growth.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a virtual private practice. I am authorized to provide tele-psychology services in New Jersey (NJ License #35SI00713200), Pennsylvania (PA License #PS019643) and more than 40 additional PSYPACT-participating states through the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted by the PSYPACT Commission.
Profile:
Memberships and Certifications:
Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Member, Mental Health Professional Group, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
I joined Dr. Jennifer Reid, MD, on her podcast, A Mind of Her Own, for an honest conversation about the emotional challenges of fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, and the journey to parenthood.
We discussed the identity shifts that can come with infertility, what to expect during those first medical appointments, and how to practice self-compassion along the way. I also shared practical strategies for setting boundaries with friends and family, navigating the emotional roller coaster of hope and disappointment, and identifying safe, supportive people to turn to. Most importantly, we talked about the importance of asking for help—and remembering that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
*Please note: we briefly discuss pregnancy loss and miscarriage.