Does Perimenopause Make You Feel Crazy?
Let’s Get You Back.
What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Yourself-
Your emotions feel out of control.
Your body is changing in ways you don’t understand.
Your brain is betraying you.
You’re forgetting things,
Snapping at the people you love,
Feeling anxious for no reason, and
Struggling to recognize yourself in the mirror.
You’ve tried to push through- To tell yourself it’s just stress or a rough phase, but deep down, You’re Scared.
“What if this is just who I am now?”
You’re not alone. And this isn’t just in your head.
This is perimenopause – and it’s real.
And you don’t have to suffer through this in silence.
Your body is betraying you.
You’re gaining weight without changing a thing.
Your joints ache.
Your heart pounds out of nowhere.
Hot flashes hit like a wave of fire.
You feel like you’re losing control of everything.
Your patience. Your thoughts. Your ability to function. And you’re afraid no one understands.
And the worst part?
You’re afraid this is permanent.
You’re Not Just Tired. You’re Coming Undone.
If any of this sounds familiar, then you are in the right place:
You’re exhausted no matter how much you sleep.
But you can’t sleep, either. You wake up drenched in sweat, or your brain starts racing the second your head hits the pillow.
You don’t feel like yourself.
You used to be confident, capable, and sharp. Now, you feel dull, fragile, unsure of yourself.
Like you’re fading into someone you don’t recognize, or even like anymore…
Your emotions are all over the place.
One minute, you’re fine.
The next, you’re furious, sobbing, or so anxious you feel like you might crawl out of your skin.
You’re forgetting everything.
Walking into rooms and forgetting why.
Struggling to finish a sentence because you lose the words mid-thought.
Feeling like your brain is short-circuiting.
You started googling your symptoms in the middle of the night, trying to find answers.
But everything you read made it sound like perimenopause was just hot flashes and the occasional mood swing.
No one talks about the part where it makes you feel like you’re unraveling.
The Breaking Point
At first, you tried to ignore it.
You told yourself to “deal with it.” Just aging. Just life.
But then the moments of rage, anxiety, and exhaustion started adding up…
The night you yelled at your partner over something ridiculous, then locked yourself in the bathroom sobbing, wondering what’s wrong with you.
The time you stood in front of the fridge, unable to remember what you were doing, then spent the rest of the day questioning if you were going crazy.
The afternoon you had a full-blown panic attack for no reason, heart racing, hands shaking, wondering if this was the moment you’d completely lost control.
The Hidden Struggles of Perimenopause and Why Support Matters
Maybe you never expected to find yourself here—wondering if you need therapy for something you never even realized could impact your mental health.
For most of your life, you’ve handled things just fine.
You’ve powered through stress, kept up with responsibilities, and managed whatever came your way.
But now? Something feels different.
Maybe it started with anxiety that came out of nowhere or a low mood you’ve never experienced before and just can’t shake.
Maybe you're feeling an urge to just run away from it all—even though nothing has really changed.
You forget things mid-sentence, stare blankly at your to-do list, or struggle to focus on tasks that used to be second nature.
Your brain feels foggy, sluggish—You’re Losing Your Edge.
And, no one seems to take you seriously.
Doctors brush it off…
Telling you it’s probably just stress.
Maybe you’ve been told you’re too young for perimenopause or that you should just exercise more, get some sleep, and STAY POSITIVE.
But You Know, Something Feels “Off”.
I am here to hear you.
Enough of your time has been lost being gaslit and ignored.
Taking the first step for help finding your voice is the hardest!
Hi, I'm Dawn.
I help women attempting to navigate perimenopause, reclaim their energy, balance, and self-trust—so they don’t just endure this transition, but embrace it as a powerful transformation.
When I hit burnout right around the time I believe my perimenopause began, I didn’t have the insight or education to understand what was happening to me. I just knew something felt deeply wrong.
The exhaustion, the anxiety, the mental fog—it wasn’t just “stress” or “overworking.” But I didn’t know that then. And without that knowledge, I felt helpless & hopeless.
I now understand that perimenopause is a profound shift, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
And just like with every other phase of womanhood, society hasn’t exactly given us the roadmap.
I want you to know: You’re not alone. You’re not “going crazy.” And you don’t have to navigate this in the dark.
If you’ve been feeling lost in your own body, disconnected from your own needs, or questioning everything you once relied on—you’re in the right place.
It’s time to stop pushing through and start listening to what your body is trying to tell you. It needs support from someone who “GETS IT”.
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I’m a licensed clinical therapist deeply committed to empowering women and neurodivergent couples to break free from perfectionism, anxiety, and self-doubt and to build lives that feel genuine and whole. With over 20 years of experience in the field, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and empathy to my practice, helping clients navigate a wide range of challenges, including body image concerns, neurodivergence, and eating disorders.My specialties include working with perfectionistic women, anxious moms, neurodivergent individuals and couples, and those facing body dissatisfaction. As a Certified Autism Specialist and an ADHD Specialist-in-Training, I have advanced training in the intersections of neurodivergence with women’s experiences, reproductive mental health, hormones, and body image challenges. My crossover training also addresses neurodivergence in the context of eating disorders, offering a nuanced and inclusive approach to care. I am currently pursuing the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist Certification to deepen this expertise.
Drawing from a compassionate, values-aligned framework, I help my clients reconnect with themselves and create lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. My approach holistically addresses the mind, body, and heart, incorporating relational tools and practices designed to support lasting change.
Here’s how I support clients on their journey from overwhelm to empowerment:
Values-Aligned Therapy: Together, we’ll uncover what truly matters to you—your values, passions, and goals—and use them as a guide for growth and decision-making, empowering you to live more authentically.
Specialized Neurodivergence Support: I provide tailored approaches for neurodivergent individuals, incorporating expertise in Autism, ADHD, and their unique interplay with life challenges, body image, and emotional regulation.
Eating Disorders & Body Image: With decades of experience in treatment centers and expert-led trainings, I help clients navigate eating disorders and body image concerns with compassion and specialized strategies.
Holistic & Integrative Care: I weave intuitive and energy healing practices into therapy sessions, including techniques from my current Reiki training, to support emotional balance and deep healing on a mind-body-spirit level.
Somatics and Physiological Awareness: Using approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Brainspotting, we’ll release tension, build self-awareness, and foster a sense of safety in your body.
Trauma-Informed Practices: My work integrates trauma-sensitive tools like EMDR and Brainspotting, helping clients process emotional pain and reconnect with their innate resilience.
Self-Compassion Development: Together, we’ll transform self-critical patterns into a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself, paving the way for growth and self-confidence.
Perinatal and Postpartum Care: For clients navigating motherhood, I offer specialized support, addressing the unique mental health challenges of perinatal and postpartum experiences.
Whether you’re facing perfectionism, anxiety, neurodivergence, or body image challenges, I’m here to help you find healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self. Together, we’ll create space for transformation and growth so that you can step into a life that feels authentic, grounded, and fulfilling.
I offer virtual therapy sessions to clients in Illinois and South Carolina, making it easy to connect wherever you are—in every sense of the word.
To Find Out More About Me, click here or book a call with me.
I’ll help you learn how to work with these changes, rather than fight against them— So you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and the self-compassion you deserve.
Want to Find Out What It Would Be Like to Work With Me? Schedule Your Free Consult Call Today!
Let’s Get Started Together
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Click here to access my calendar and book a complimentary consultation call at a time that works for you.Complete a Short Pre-Call Form
After scheduling, I’ll send you a brief form to fill out. This helps me get to know you a little better and ensures our time together is as focused and productive as possible.Your Consultation Call
On the day of your appointment, I’ll call you at the scheduled time. During this 15–20 minute phone call, you’ll have the chance to share what’s been on your mind and what you’re hoping to work on in therapy. I’ll explain how I can support you, and we’ll address any questions you may have.Next Steps
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll decide on session lengths that suit your needs—options range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Then, we’ll schedule your first session and begin the journey toward your goals.
What If You Could Finally Feel Like Yourself Again?
Imagine waking up and actually feeling rested.
Imagine having patience again, like you used to.
Not screaming over little things.
Not apologizing for your emotions.
Not feeling like an unstable mess.
Picture this: Waking up each day thinking clearly again. No more searching for words, staring blankly at emails, or wondering if your brain is just broken.
You Feel In Control of Your Body Again.
Understanding what’s happening to you instead of feeling like you’re trapped inside something unpredictable.
Ready to step out of what has felt like a bad dream…..?
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
The exhaustion, confusion, and frustration you’re carrying right now?
You’re not the only one. You’re not alone.
Many women navigating perimenopause have felt the same—overwhelmed by changes they don’t understand, drained from pushing through, and unseen in their struggles.
But with the right support, everything can change.
I have seen my clients move from:
Overwhelm to understanding – No longer feeling lost in the rollercoaster of symptoms.
Exhaustion to balance – Finding sustainable ways to honor their energy without guilt.
Feeling dismissed to deeply understood – No longer being told to "just deal with it" but instead receiving real support, validation, and tools that actually help.
While I can’t share exact client stories (confidentiality matters), I can tell you this: the transformation they’ve experienced is real, and it’s possible for you too.
Here are a few general experiences to give you a glimpse of what has been shared with me over the years:
💬 “I felt like I was losing myself—struggling with mood swings, exhaustion, and brain fog while trying to hold everything together. Now, I’ve learned how to listen to my body, honor my limits, and actually feel in control again.”
💬 “I used to think I was just ‘bad at coping’—that my irritability and fatigue were personal failings. But understanding perimenopause changed everything. Now, I have tools that actually work, and I finally feel like myself again.”
💬 “For years, I put everyone else first, ignoring my own needs. Now, I’ve learned how to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and show up for myself—without guilt. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary.”
If you’ve been feeling out of sync with your body, questioning your emotions, or just plain exhausted by it all—you’re not alone. You deserve support that actually makes a difference.
With the right support, you can move from confusion to confidence—learning how to work with your body instead of fighting against it.
Begin Your Journey to Clarity, Balance, and Self-Trust.
You don’t have to navigate perimenopause alone or keep pushing through exhaustion without answers.
Reserve your complimentary consultation
As you reflect on what you’re looking for in a therapist, let’s explore whether this space and approach align with your needs.
Together, we can determine if this is the right path to help you move forward.
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You’ve been masking for so long, you’ve lost touch with your authentic self. You’re ready to dive in and explore who you truly are without the pressure to conform.
You’re exhausted from feeling “too much” or “not enough” in a world that doesn’t seem to understand you. You want a space where you can feel seen, supported, and valued for exactly who you are.
You’re navigating life as a neurodivergent woman and feel overwhelmed by constant sensory overload, burnout, or social anxiety. You want tools to manage these challenges in a way that works for your unique needs.
You’ve recently been diagnosed (or suspect you may be neurodivergent) and want a safe space to process this new understanding of yourself.
You struggle with perfectionism and feel stuck in a cycle of high expectations and constant self-criticism. You’re seeking ways to move toward self-compassion and balance.
You long to build stronger boundaries and healthier relationships but often feel unsure how to navigate them as a neurodivergent person.
You want to stop living in survival mode and start creating a life that feels manageable and fulfilling.
This space is tailored to meet you where you are, helping you discover the tools and support to thrive as your authentic self.
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You need services billed directly to your insurance. While I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement, I do not accept insurance directly.
You require fully in-person therapy sessions. Many of my sessions are conducted virtually to provide flexibility, although some in-person options may be available.
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An insurance superbill is a detailed receipt you can use to seek partial reimbursement for therapy costs if your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits. It contains all the necessary information your insurance company requires to process a claim.
When working with an out-of-network provider, you pay for each session at the time of service. Afterward, you receive the superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
How to Use a Superbill for Therapy Reimbursement:
Pay for Your Therapy Session:
Payment is due at the time of each session. Once payment is received, I will provide you with a superbill, at your request.Check Your Insurance Benefits:
Contact your insurance company to confirm whether your plan offers reimbursement for out-of-network therapy. Be sure to ask about:Reimbursement rates for therapy sessions.
Deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums that apply.
Steps for submitting claims.
Request Your Superbill:
After payment, I’ll provide you with a superbill that includes:My practice details (name, address, license).
Dates and fees of your sessions.
Any required diagnostic codes.
Submit the Superbill to Your Insurance Company:
Follow the claims process outlined by your insurance provider, which may involve:Uploading the superbill through their online portal.
Mailing a paper copy to their claims department.
Wait for Reimbursement:
After submitting your superbill, your insurance company will review your claim and, if approved, send reimbursement directly to you based on your plan’s coverage.Follow Up if Necessary:
If you encounter any issues, such as a denied claim or request for additional documentation, reach out to your insurance company for clarification or to reprocess the claim.
Need Guidance?
I’m here to help you navigate the superbill process and ensure you have everything you need to submit your claim with confidence! -
My Unique Approach Prioritizes Your Time, Convenience and Energy and Offers Flexible Session Times Designed For Your Needs:
Sessions are thoughtfully structured to meet your unique needs, offering flexibility in 30-minute increments (e.g., a 30-minute session is 25 minutes long) and ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
For deeper exploration, sessions over 2 hours in length are considered Therapeutic Intensive Sessions.
Your journey begins with a 90-minute initial session, where we’ll take the time to understand your life as a whole and craft a personalized plan for therapy.
Together, we’ll explore the session length and frequency that will best support you, helping you move toward the goals and growth you’re seeking.
This is your space, designed with care, to meet you exactly where you are.
If you’ve decided this space aligns with your needs—now it’s time to act. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re ready to move forward and create meaningful change, I’m here to support you.
Let’s Get Started Today
Your path to growth and healing begins with this step. Don’t wait—choose yourself now.
Why Seek Therapy Now?
Perimenopause isn’t just about hot flashes and irregular periods—and for many women, those symptoms don’t even show up first. Instead, the earliest and most disruptive symptoms can be emotional and cognitive.
Without support, perimenopause can leave you feeling:
✔ Unmoored and anxious, like you’re walking around with an underlying sense of unease.
✔ Disproportionately irritable, snapping at loved ones and then feeling awful about it.
✔ Mentally foggy, struggling to recall words, focus, or complete tasks that used to be easy.
✔ Exhausted but wired, lying awake at night with racing thoughts and waking up unrested.
✔ Disconnected from yourself, wondering why you don’t feel like “you” anymore.
And the worst part? People dismiss it.
You may be questioning if what you’re feeling is even real—if it’s just in your head, if you’re overreacting, if you should just keep pushing through.
But what you’re experiencing is real, and it’s not something you have to endure alone.
Don’t Wait Any Longer—
This isn’t about being dramatic—it’s about acknowledging the real impact of hormonal changes on your mental well-being.
Therapy is about understanding what’s happening to you, validating your experience, and learning how to navigate this transition with support and strategies that actually work. I work with holistically with other providers in the community to ensure ALL of your needs are met, including possible Hormone Replacement Therapy options.
What Happens If You Wait To Seek Therapy?
If you’re already feeling the impact of perimenopause on your mental health, waiting six months—or even a few more weeks—can make things so much harder.
🚩 Emotional symptoms can escalate, leading to deeper anxiety, irritability, or depression.
🚩 Work and relationships can suffer, as you struggle to manage focus, mood, and patience.
🚩 Sleep disruptions can compound everything, making it even harder to regulate emotions.
🚩 You risk feeling more disconnected from yourself, losing confidence in your own mind and body.
The choice to begin this journey could change everything.
Your future self is waiting.
Are you ready to take that first step? Let’s start today.
Use the link below to schedule your free consultation for online therapy in Chicago, IL, or Charleston, SC or throughout Illinois and South Carolina with Dawn Leprich-Graves.
Counseling For Women In Perimenopause—
A Safe Space to Understand, Navigate, and Reclaim Yourself
Perimenopause isn’t the end of you. It’s a transition—a messy, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming one—but it doesn’t have to steal your sense of self.
With the right support, you can move through this phase with clarity, confidence, and the tools to care for yourself in ways that truly work.