Angel Montfort, Psy.D., PMH-C

The decision to begin your therapy journey is an important one, and I am grateful that you have taken the time to learn about the ways in which I hope to be helpful to you along the way. If you have ever felt that you’re going through the motions instead of truly living, or that you are so consumed with sadness, fear, anger, or stress that you spend most of your energy just trying to make it through the day; therapy can help. As an integrative therapist, I combine relational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based therapies to help you overcome these issues while working toward your personal goals. I strive to create a warm, compassionate, nonjudgmental atmosphere so that a strong therapeutic connection can be made. It is through this relationship that true emotional, cognitive, and behavioral change can occur. I hope that the information below is helpful to you as these are many of the common concerns that I enjoy working through with clients. Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to have a free phone consultation so that we can explore your specific needs and the ways that I can help.

Self-Actualization
At various stages in life, you may find yourself feeling unsure of who you are, what you want, and what really matters to you. This does not mean you are unstable or irrational; it is likely a by-product of falling into a routine that has become meaningless to you, which can feel like moving through life on autopilot. Through focusing on values, acceptance, strengths, relationships, and cultural factors, we will work together to build self-confidence and self-compassion, which will ultimately strengthen your sense of identity.

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, or PMADs are the mental health conditions that can develop during pregnancy and within the year after delivery. They differ from the “Baby Blues” (mild depressive symptoms and anxiety), which are commonly experienced and remit after 2-3 weeks postpartum. It’s perfectly normal for parents to feel anxious or out of sorts due to childbirth. However, PMADs are not fleeting and can have negative effects on your health and wellbeing. Through exploration of your thoughts & feelings, as well as implementation of behavioral changes, we will work together to guide you through this tough period and get you on the road to recovery.

Adjustment to Motherhood
Often birth is depicted as a miracle; the most joyous occasion in a woman’s life. This can be a stark contrast to the reality of pregnancy, labor & delivery, and bringing baby home. In addition to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, the adjustment to a newborn (whether it’s your first or your fifth) can be significant. Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-based approaches are useful to help to explore and clarify your thoughts and feelings about this transition, and to help you take action toward creating meaningful changes as desired.

I attended the University of Florida for undergraduate studies and subsequently earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. I am licensed to practice psychology in the state of Florida (License#: PY9414). During my time as a psychologist within the Department of Veterans Affairs, I worked within a residential women’s trauma unit, an outpatient Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Unit, a Substance Abuse Unit, and most recently a Women’s Health Center. I completed the Postpartum Support International (PSI) and 2020 Mom Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training and have earned the PSI Certification in Perinatal Mental Health. I have founded the Center for Maternal Mental Health (www.cfmmh.com), which is a woman-centered practice dedicated to the prevention and treatment of perinatal mood & anxiety disorders. I am passionate about my work and about helping you to achieve a deeper understanding of yourself, your connections with others, and your path to personal fulfillment.