Professionally, there are few things I love more than perinatal counseling. I believe that the transition to parenthood is an incredibly important time that can come with a range of emotions—joy, anxiety, and sometimes unexpected challenges. Whether you’re adjusting to pregnancy, navigating postpartum life, or working through the emotional ups and downs of early parenthood, I’m here to help.
Processing your baby’s birth experience is something I believe is often overlooked, yet so important. Whether your birth went as planned or was far from what you expected, giving yourself the space to reflect and heal can make a huge difference. I also specialize in working with birth trauma and understand how difficult it can be to process a challenging or traumatic birth experience. You don’t have to go through this alone—I’m here to offer a safe, supportive space where you can work through your feelings and begin to heal.
If you’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of perinatal mental health and the importance of birth processing and trauma recovery, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
A Deeper Look At Perinatal Psychotherapy
Perinatal psychotherapy addresses emotional, psychological, and mental health challenges that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Here are some frequently asked questions about perinatal psychotherapy:
1. What is perinatal psychotherapy?
Perinatal psychotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the mental health of individuals during the perinatal period, which includes pregnancy and the postpartum phase. It aims to address issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment challenges associated with motherhood.
2. Who can benefit from perinatal psychotherapy?
Anyone experiencing emotional difficulties during pregnancy or postpartum can benefit. This includes mothers dealing with:
- Prenatal anxiety or depression
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Birth trauma
- Pregnancy loss or miscarriage
- Adjustment to motherhood
- Anxiety related to becoming a parent
3. What are common issues addressed in perinatal psychotherapy?
Some common concerns include:
- Prenatal and postpartum depression or anxiety
- Body image concerns
- Fear of childbirth
- Relationship or marital stress
- Adjusting to changes in identity and lifestyle
- Concerns about bonding with the baby
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility struggles
4. How is perinatal psychotherapy different from regular therapy?
Perinatal psychotherapy is specifically tailored to the unique challenges of pregnancy and new parenthood. Therapists specializing in this area are trained to understand the hormonal, physical, and emotional shifts during this period, providing a more comprehensive understanding of what new parents face.
5. When should I seek perinatal psychotherapy?
You should seek help if:
- You feel overwhelmed or anxious about pregnancy or motherhood.
- You’re experiencing persistent sadness, irritability, or fatigue that affects daily life.
- You’re struggling with intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, or a sense of hopelessness.
- You’ve experienced pregnancy loss or trauma.
- You have difficulties bonding with your baby.
6. How long does perinatal psychotherapy last?
The duration of therapy depends on individual needs. Some may benefit from short-term therapy (e.g., 6–12 sessions), while others might need ongoing support for several months, particularly if symptoms are more severe or if there’s a history of mental health concerns.
7. Can I start therapy before giving birth?
Yes, many people benefit from starting therapy during pregnancy, particularly if they have anxiety about childbirth or want to prepare emotionally for parenthood.
8. Does perinatal psychotherapy help with birth trauma?
Yes, perinatal therapy can help individuals process traumatic birth experiences, offering a space to work through feelings of grief, anger, or anxiety, and helping in the emotional recovery from trauma.