On the latest episode of The Expressive Mom Show, I am joined by Callia Zimmerman, a dedicated advocate for maternal mental health and a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field.
Callia holds a Master’s in Social Work and has pursued additional certifications in perinatal mental health, clinical supervision, and drug and alcohol counseling.
She founded and owned Birch Grove Therapy, a private practice in 2018 that specializes in perinatal mental health and women’s emotional well-being.
Based in the scenic Green Mountains of Vermont, Callia is a committed therapist, a devoted mother, and an advocate for mental health awareness.
When she’s not supporting her clients, she enjoys exploring nature with her two children, curling up with a good book, and indulging in her love for dessert. She is also an animal lover, believing that pets can provide unique emotional support.
In our conversation, we deeply dive into the unrealistic and often harmful expectations society places on mothers.
We discuss the immense pressure to “do it all” — from excelling in their careers to maintaining a perfect home and being the primary caregivers for their children, all while remaining emotionally available and composed.
These unattainable standards create overwhelming guilt, stress, and burnout, leaving many mothers feeling like they are constantly falling short.
The Unfair Reality Mothers Face
Motherhood is often portrayed as a joyful and fulfilling experience—and while it certainly can be, it also comes with intense challenges that are too often overlooked.
Society has created an impossible standard for moms: they are expected to raise children with patience and grace, keep their homes immaculate, excel in their careers, and sacrifice their own needs without complaint.
Yet, they receive little to no recognition or support for the immense labor they put in every single day.
The hypocrisy is undeniable. A mother who prioritizes her career is criticized for not being present enough for her children, while a stay-at-home mom is often viewed as lacking ambition.
Meanwhile, fathers are frequently praised for performing basic parenting duties that are expected of mothers as a given.
This double standard fuels a cycle of guilt and exhaustion, making it nearly impossible for mothers to take care of their mental health.
During our conversation, Callia shared valuable insights on how we can challenge these societal norms and create a culture where mothers receive the support they truly deserve.
She provides practical strategies for reducing stress, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care without guilt.
Tune in to this eye-opening episode as we shed light on the struggles moms face and explore ways to redefine motherhood in a way that is empowering, not exhausting.
Connect with Callia: https://www.
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