Midlife & Perimenopause Support

Support for women navigating perimenopause, hormonal changes, identify shifts, and everything midlife brings.

You thought you knew yourself

Then suddenly you’re upset over things that never used to bother you.

You’re forgetting words mid-sentence. Waking up at 3am unable to fall back to sleep. Feeling anxious for no obvious reason. Snapping at the people you love and wonder, “What is wrong with me?”

You may feel like you’re working twice as hard just to function at the level that used to come naturally.

And perhaps the most frustration part? Nobody really prepared you for this.

  • Increased anxiety or worry
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Brain fog and forgetfulness
  • Sleep difficulties and exhaustion
  • Loss of confidence
  • Changes in body image
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Difficulty managing stress
  • Relationship challenges
  • Questions about identity & purpose

Why Am I Suddenly Feeling So Anxious?

You may have never considered yourself an anxious person before. Or perhaps you’ve always managed stress fairly well, only to find that your usual coping strategies aren’t working the way they once did.

Many women notice increased worry, racing thoughts, irritability, feelings of overwhelm, difficulty relaxing, or even panic-like symptoms during perimenopause. Changes in estrogen and progesterone can affect mood, sleep, and emotional regulation.

You may be:

  • Raising children or launching them into adulthood
  • Caring for aging parents
  • Managing a demanding career
  • Navigating relationship changes
  • Reassessing long-held goals and priorities
  • Grieving previous versions of yourself

When all of these changes happen simultaneously, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating.

The good news is that these feelings are common and treatable. You don’t have to spend every day feeling on edge, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly trying to keep up. Therapy provides a space to slow down, understand what’s happening, and develop new ways of caring for yourself during this season of life.

Together, we’ll work on…

Gain clarity about how hormonal changes can impact your mood, sleep, energy, and stress levels.

Learn practical tools to feel calmer, more grounded, and less overwhelmed by daily life.

Develop strategies to manage irritability, mood swings, and emotional ups and downs with greater confidence.

Get clear about the things that matter most to you at this point in your life and begin to prioritize them.

Build healthier communication patterns and learn to advocate for your needs.

Develop realistic habits and coping strategies that support your well-being for the long term.

Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and tailored to what you need most in the moment. Depending on your goals, we may draw from:

  • Mindfulness-based approaches
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Nervous system regulation strategies
  • Somatic and body-based awareness
  • Practical tools for daily life stress and overwhelm

We move at a pace that respects where you are, focusing on both insight and real-world tools you can use between sessions

If you’re interested in working together, schedule a consultation to see if this feels like the right fit. 

Session Options

West Hartford Resevior off Farmington Ave, Elizabeth Park, or other agreed upon location  

This personalized approach minimizes travel stress, allowing you to focus your time and energy on what matters most- your well-being  

How do I know if what I’m experiencing is perimenopause?

Perimenopause can begin years before menopause and often includes changes in mood, sleep, energy, memory, stress tolerance, and menstrual cycles. While every woman’s experience is different, many are surprised to learn that anxiety, irritability, and brain fog can be very common symptoms- and the first to rear their head. These symptoms can pop up for some starting as early as one’s late 30’s.

Should I see a therapist, my doctor, or both?

Often, both. Perimenopause and midlife changes can affect emotional well-being, physical health, sleep, energy, and overall quality of life. A healthcare provider can help assess hormonal, medical, or physical factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, while therapy can help you navigate the emotional impact, manage stress and anxiety, strengthen coping skills, and adjust to this significant life transition.

Can perimenopause cause anxiety even if I’ve never struggled with anxiety before?

Yes. Many women experience increased anxiety, worry, overwhelm, or even panic-like symptoms during perimenopause. Hormonal fluctuations can affect the brain systems involved in mood and stress regulation, making anxiety feel more intense or appear for the first time.

Is it normal to feel lost or uncertain during midlife?

Absolutely. Midlife often brings significant changes in roles, relationships, priorities, and identity. Many women find themselves questioning what they want, who they are outside of their responsibilities, or what this next chapter should look like. Therapy can provide space to explore these questions and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Headshot of Allison Burke, therapist in West Hartford, CT, offering walk & talk therapy and specializing in women's issues

Ready to take the next step?

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. A consultation is a brief conversation where we can talk about what’s bringing you in and see if working together feels like a good fit.