Working with Samantha Awalt, Ph.D. of Although Therapy: A Shared Passion for Supporting Mothers
Pregnancy is a journey unlike any other—a time of transformation, anticipation, and deep emotion. As a maternity photographer, I have the privilege of capturing this extraordinary phase in a woman’s life, preserving its beauty and strength in timeless images. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with professionals who dedicate their lives to supporting women throughout pregnancy and postpartum. One of those incredible individuals is Samantha Awalt, Ph.D., a Psychologist and the owner of Although Therapy in Lakewood, CO.
Samantha specializes in pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum therapy, providing essential mental health support to mothers during one of the most vulnerable and powerful transitions of their lives. She and I first connected through our shared passion for empowering women—she does it through her therapy practice, and I do it through photography.
In this blog, I want to share not only the experience of working with Samantha during her maternity photography session but also highlight the importance of the work she does for expectant and new mothers. Whether you’re preparing for a baby or adjusting to life postpartum, this post will help you understand how both therapy and photography can play a role in celebrating and supporting your journey.
Samantha at 36 weeks.
The First Connection: A Shared Mission to Empower Mothers
When I first connected with Samantha, it was clear that we had a similar philosophy about the transition to motherhood. Both of us believe that pregnancy is a time when women deserve to feel empowered, celebrated, and supported.
Samantha’s expertise lies in the emotional and psychological aspects of this transition. She understands how pregnancy brings not just physical changes but also profound shifts in a woman’s identity, emotions, and mental well-being. Many women experience prenatal anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm, and having a skilled therapist to talk to can make all the difference.
On the other hand, my passion is in visually honoring the strength and beauty of pregnancy. Through maternity photography, I help women see themselves in a new light—radiant, elegant, and powerful. The goal is not just to take pictures but to capture a feeling, a memory, a milestone.
When Samantha approached me about booking a maternity photoshoot for her second pregnancy, I was excited to collaborate with someone who understood the deeper emotional layers of pregnancy.
Samantha’s Maternity Photoshoot Experience
Samantha was open about her initial hesitation. She had done a maternity session with a different photographer during her first pregnancy and wasn’t sure if she wanted to go through the process again. She told me:
“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do maternity photos again. The first time around, I felt a little self-conscious, and the experience wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for. But I am so glad I decided to try again with Ethan.”
Her words resonate with many women. Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can be physically exhausting. Many expectant mothers worry about how they will look or feel in front of the camera. Will I feel beautiful? Will I look awkward? Will the experience be worth it?
With Samantha, my goal was to create a comfortable, uplifting, and empowering experience. She later shared:
“Working with Ethan was fantastic. He provided so much guidance and support without ever making me feel self-conscious. His uplifting and reassuring demeanor made the entire experience feel empowering, and he helped me feel truly elegant—something I never expected to feel in the third trimester!”
That last sentence—"He helped me feel truly elegant"—is everything. So many women enter a maternity session feeling unsure, but I want them to walk away feeling like a goddess.
The Final Results: Capturing Timeless Elegance
After the session, Samantha was thrilled with the results:
“The photos Ethan captured are absolutely stunning and a gift I will treasure forever. I can’t recommend Colorado Maternity enough. Thank you, Ethan!”
Hearing feedback like this is exactly why I love what I do. Maternity photography is more than just images—it’s about preserving this once-in-a-lifetime experience and helping women see their own power.
Why Every Mother Deserves to Feel Seen, Supported, and Celebrated
Pregnancy is a time of immense change—not just physically but emotionally. Many women experience a rollercoaster of feelings, from excitement and joy to uncertainty and anxiety. This is where professionals like Samantha Awaltmake an incredible difference.
The Importance of Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy
Samantha specializes in helping women navigate the mental and emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum life. Some of the key areas she focuses on include:
Prenatal Anxiety & Depression – Many women feel a mix of joy and worry during pregnancy. Therapy provides a safe space to work through these emotions.
Postpartum Mental Health – The postpartum period is an emotional whirlwind. Therapy can help new mothers process their feelings, reduce stress, and prevent conditions like postpartum depression (PPD).
Birth Trauma & Healing – Some women have difficult or unexpected birth experiences. Therapy can help them process these events and find peace.
Identity & Motherhood – Pregnancy and motherhood bring massive identity shifts. Therapy allows women to rediscover themselves in this new chapter.
If you’re an expectant or new mother, seeking emotional support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward empowerment. Having someone like Samantha to guide you through the emotional aspects of pregnancy can be life-changing.
📍 If you’re in Colorado and looking for expert perinatal or postpartum support, I highly recommend reaching out to her:
➡ Samantha Awalt, Ph.D.
🌐 www.althoughttherapy.com
Why Maternity Photography and Therapy Go Hand in Hand
Maternity photography and prenatal therapy might seem like two separate things, but in reality, they both serve a similar purpose—helping women feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Therapy helps women process the emotional journey of pregnancy and postpartum.
Photography helps women embrace and honor the physical transformation of pregnancy.
When combined, these two experiences can create a deeply healing and empowering journey. Therapy allows women to work through their fears and emotions, while photography helps them see their strength, beauty, and resilience reflected back at them.
For women who feel hesitant about a maternity session, I encourage them to think beyond the present moment. These photos are not just for today—they are for the future. They are for you to look back on with pride. They are for your children to cherish as they grow.
Feel beautiful and empowered.
Final Thoughts: Every Mother Deserves to Be Honored
Pregnancy is a fleeting chapter, but it’s also one of the most profound experiences a woman can have. Every expectant mother—whether it’s her first baby or her fifth—deserves to feel beautiful, strong, and celebrated.
Working with Samantha Awalt, Ph.D., has been a reminder that supporting mothers is a collaborative effort. Whether through therapy, photography, or community, every mother deserves care, encouragement, and love.
If you’re pregnant and considering a maternity session, I would love to help you capture this incredible journey. Let’s create stunning, timeless images that make you feel as elegant and empowered as you truly are.
📩 Book your maternity session today!