A Relational Approach to the Early Years: Meet Laura Todd
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist
Are you struggling on your journey of parenthood? Are you up late at night, feeling anxious and constantly googling for answers about your fertility, pregnancy, newborn, or growing toddler, but not getting the reassurance or answers you need?
Why Early Bonds Matter.
I believe that the transition to parenthood is one of the most rewarding and difficult identity shifts a human can experience. My work is rooted in the belief that when a parent feels seen, supported, and regulated, the entire family thrives
By prioritizing your own well-being and nervous system regulation, you aren't just helping yourself—you are building a foundation of safety and security for your child. I am here to help you move from surviving the 'mental load' to feeling grounded in your bond.
Laura Todd, LPCC, explains the Early Bonds approach to perinatal therapy and infant development in Silicon Valley.
The Foundation of My Practice: Three Pillars of Expertise
My journey as a therapist has been intentional and focused on the early period of motherhood and childhood. I chose to build my career around these specific areas of expertise because I believe the transition to parenthood is one of the most life-changing and difficult identity shifts a person can experience. This specialization wasn't just born in classrooms or clinical fellowships; it was developed from years of experience supporting families and even my own personal experience as a mother.
I became a therapist specifically to help parents like you find your footing during these high-stakes transitions. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can show up fully as an individual, not just a mother trying to "keep it all together," but a human being deserving of care, regulation, and insight.
-
This pillar is dedicated to your internal world. Whether you are navigating the complexities of fertility, processing a traumatic birth through Somatic Integration, experiencing the "identity earthquake" of postpartum, or juggling your focus between a newborn and toddler as a mother of multiples, I provide a space to untangle these feelings. My PMH-C certification ensures that our work is grounded in the latest research on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, helping you move from a state of constant "fight-or-flight" into a grounded, resilient version of yourself.
-
Through my Clinical Fellowship in Infant-Parent Mental Health, I help you navigate the 0–12 month window with confidence. This is where "Infant Insights" comes to life. We work together to understand your baby’s cues, understand their individual temperament, and foster a secure attachment from day one. This work isn't just about the baby’s sleep or feeding; it’s about building a communicative bridge between you and your child that sets the foundation for the child-parent relationship.
-
As your child enters the toddler and preschool years (ages 2–5), the challenges shift toward autonomy and boundary-setting. Using evidence-based frameworks like Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Attachment-Based Therapy, I support you through the "big emotions" of early childhood. We focus on responding with intention rather than reacting out of trigger-based exhaustion.
Clinical Foundations & Certifications
-
I have completed advanced, evidence-based training specifically for the unique mental health needs of mothers navigating pregnancy and the postpartum period through Postpartum Support International.
Member (2019-present)
-
My fellowship through UC Davis focused on the deep complexities of early childhood development and the critical nature of the first years of life. This completed the requirements to become endorsed in California as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist
-
I specialize in healing and strengthening the caregiver-child bond after stressful or traumatic events, ensuring the "early bond" remains secure. I completed 18 months of training and supervision in Child-Parent Psychotherapy.
Affiliations
Member (2025-present)
-
I provide parents with proven, practical strategies to manage behavior and build strong, healthy relationships with their children. I completed the Standard 4 training in Triple P.
Member (2025-present)
Treasurer of the CA Chapter (2026-present)
The High-Achiever: You’re used to "solving" problems, but parenthood feels like a puzzle you can't crack.
The Overwhelmed Mom: You feel "touched out," over-stimulated, or like you’re constantly failing the "mental load."
The Anxious Mother: You constantly question if you are providing enough stimulation and support for your baby’s development.
The Second-Time Parent: You’re surprised by how different (and heavier) the transition to two feels compared to the first.
The Traumatized Birth-Giver: You’re physically "here," but a part of you is still stuck in the delivery room.
The Cycle-Breaker: You want to parent differently than you were parented, but you aren't sure how to start.
You are in the right place if….
What It Feels like to Work with Me:
In our sessions, you can expect:
A Soft Place to Land: A non-judgmental environment where your 'messiest' feelings are welcomed and we move away from the pressure of "perfect parenting" and toward the power of relational repair.
Collaborative Insight: We look beneath the surface of the daily chaos to find the roots of your triggers and the strengths in your bond.
Somatic Grounding: We won't just 'talk' about your stress; we will work with your body to help you feel physically more present and regulated.
Actionable Compassion: You’ll walk away with both a deeper understanding of your child’s brain and a kinder understanding of your own.
Dyadic Connection: A service that not only looks at your mental health or just your child’s mental health, but also the relationship and attachment with each other.
Preserving the Foundational Bond: The foundation of any child-parent relationship is the attachment between caregiver and child. We will look at how that attachment is formed and sustained to maintain a strong and secure attachment.
Beyond the Office
When I’m not in the therapy room, I’m navigating the same chaotic transitions I support my clients through. Whether it’s playing trains with my preschooler or navigating the constant movement and antics of my now walking toddler. I am also honored to serve as the Treasurer of the California Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), helping to advocate for addressing the concerns of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders for families across CA.
I believe that self-care isn’t an "extra" to be scheduled; it’s something we integrate into the fabric of our days. For me, that looks like finding regulation in small moments: cross-stitching during a favorite show, a quiet cup of tea, or a Taylor Swift sing-along in the car between activities. I bring this perspective into every session: that integrating calm to our nervous system is a constant work in progress, and it is not perfect, but it’s human.
Finding your footing in the transition to parenthood.
Taking this moment for yourself is a vital first step. If you are ready to transition from surviving the day-to-day to thriving in your role as a parent, I am here to support you. I invite you to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss how my specialized approach can help you reclaim your joy and find your footing. Let’s start this journey together.