Dr. Marisa Perera, PhD | Reproductive Psychologist for Infertility, Loss & Postpartum in Miami, FL
MEET DR. MARISA PERERA, PHD
I am the founder of Natal Counseling in Miami, FL and family building expert. I provide specialized infertility and postpartum therapy in Miami for women navigating miscarriage, pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional realities of family building and parenthood.
I built Natal Counseling so women could finally exhale with support that truly understands the emotional weight of family building. The waiting. The hard decisions. The losses. The constant mental load of what’s next. With me, you don’t have to explain why it feels so hard or hold it all together alone. Here, you’re met with understanding that lets you breathe and begin to feel like yourself again.
Meet Dr. Marisa, Your Reproductive Psychologist in Miami
Dr. Marisa Perera, Clinical Psychology PhD,
Florida Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PY11293
New York Licensed Clinical Psychologist #025662
PERSONAL STORY
As a young student, I noticed a glaring gap that didn’t sit right with me: much of what we call “health care” overlooks the experiences of people with female reproductive organs and those from minority backgrounds. I wanted to be a part of changing that. I pursued specialized training and became one of the few reproductive psychologists in the country.
Living through miscarriage, the anxiety of trying to conceive, high-risk pregnancy, and postpartum moods during my own family building journey reinforced one truth for me: you shouldn’t have to navigate this without support that actually gets both the psychological and physiological sides of this journey.
APPROACH
My approach blends proven, evidence-based methods with a deep understanding of reproductive and perinatal mental health.
This includes mind-body and nervous system regulation, cognitive and behavioral radical acceptance approaches, attachment-focused work, and trauma-informed care.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, I tailor our work to your specific experience, needs, and goals.
This allows us to address not just what you’re feeling, but why it’s happening — and how to create meaningful, lasting change.
LESS FORMALLY
Outside of my work, I love a good book club, am a lifelong learner who feels most at peace near the water, and am a proud vegan — though I am still figuring out how to tame my sweet tooth without success. The combination of my professional expertise and lived experience allows me to connect deeply with the women I get to support, helping them feel understood, grounded, and finally able to exhale.
Learn about Dr. Marisa’s education
PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL
Bachelor and Master’s degrees from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI
Chief Resident in Health Service Psychology at Bruce W. Carter Miami VA in Miami, FL where I helped start telehealth therapy services for all pregnant people at the Miami VA before the pandemic
Fellowship in Women’s Health at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL where I helped start fertility consultation, including intended parent donor consultations, and perinatal group therapy services
Prior to starting Natal Counseling, I worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, treating people coping with fertility stress, postpartum and parenting stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma
I also have provided consultation or educational services to mental wellbeing tech companies building programs and services for expecting and new moms at Expectful, Canopie, Babylist, and Two Chairs, among others.
Learn about Dr. Marisa’s credentials
With a background of 10+ years of psychology research (see my research profile here), it is my mission to offer you therapy techniques that actually work and are backed by science.
I am certified in the below science-based therapies and skills and continue to get certified so I can keep providing you with the most up-to-date, evidence-based therapy that works. I also received and incorporate psychodynamic and EMDR-informed trainings.
American Society of Reproductive Medicine Mental Health Infertility Training
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care & Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy by Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Meet the Natal Counseling Team
Ready to work with a reproductive psychologist who gets it?
You don't have to navigate infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy anxiety, or postpartum challenges alone. Dr. Perera and the Natal Counseling team are here to support you at every stage of your family-building journey. We carefully review all consult requests and aim to respond the same day.
GET STARTED
Begin Your Journey with Natal Counseling
You deserve a therapist who truly gets infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and postpartum. Reach out today to open the door to the infertility or postpartum therapy support you deserve.