Member Interview: Callia Zimmerman

Callia is the owner of Birch Grove Therapy located in South Burlington. Callia offers in-person and virtual therapeutic support to folks through the perinatal time. With years of experience in this work, she offers a wisdom and caring to all her clients.

What services do you offer to folks during conception, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum? 

I offer individual therapy for people at any point in their parenting journey—whether that's preconception, during pregnancy, or as a parent. Some common themes I often address include identity challenges, family dynamics, and stress management.

How did you get into your line of work? 

I began my career in social work in 2008. One of my first roles involved working with families with young children, providing support in their homes and communities. Over the years, I gained additional experience working with parents and pregnant individuals. In 2020, during the pandemic, I was on maternity leave after the birth of my second child. I decided to use that time to take the Postpartum Support International courses and earn my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C). Since then, I’ve built a therapy practice focused on the unique needs of pregnant and parenting individuals.

What do people think you do to support folks? 

There are a lot of misconceptions about what therapists do. People often think, "You just listen to people’s problems all day," or "Don’t you have a magic wand to fix things?" In reality, my work falls somewhere in between these extremes, and it's far more complex than either of those descriptions.

What do you actually do to support folks?  

I meet with individuals either in my South Burlington office or virtually, typically for regular sessions over several months. The therapy I provide is supportive and validating, but also just challenging enough to facilitate real change. I think one of the most valuable aspects of therapy is offering a space that’s entirely focused on you—a place where you can connect with your emotions without having to care for anyone else in the process.

What is something that you feel like you are uniquely able to help people with? 

I specialize in supporting individuals who are experiencing mood changes or increased anxiety during pregnancy or early parenting. Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from people in similar situations, and with my personal experience and professional training, I’m able to guide people through some really difficult moments. I remain calm and nonjudgmental, even when intense emotions or challenging stories arise in therapy.

What is the one piece of advice you find yourself telling people over and over again?

“Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay!” We often judge our emotional reactions, especially when they don’t match what we think we should be feeling. Anger, sadness, or worry are just as natural as happiness or contentment. Instead of pushing those feelings away, I always encourage people to sit with them for a moment, reflect on what they might be trying to communicate, and then allow them to pass.

What are the top 3 questions people ask when they first start to work with you for support?  

Question: Do I need therapy?

Answer: Rather than asking “Do I need therapy?” I suggest asking, “Could therapy help me?” Therapy can be just as valuable as a preventive tool as it is for addressing current stress.

Question: Is there something wrong with me?

Answer: There’s nothing “wrong” with you. Chances are, you’re navigating a big life transition, and your feelings are a natural response to that. It's okay to need help in processing those feelings.

Question: You’re a therapist, so you have your life together, right?

Answer: Definitely not! I’m not an expert with all the answers—I’m a guide on your journey. Part of what I bring to therapy is my own humanity and imperfections.

Are there any other comments of things about your work you would like to share with us that we have not asked already? 

I am truly honored to do the work that I do. Holding space for people’s stories and witnessing even the smallest successes is such a fulfilling part of this work. It’s an incredible privilege to be part of someone’s journey toward healing and growth.