Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Counselling in East London, London

Photo of Dr Bianca Nardini, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Bianca Nardini
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
East London, London E8
Do you ever wonder why, despite everything going well in your life (e.g. you're in a good relationship, a successful job), something feels off? I specialise in helping people with high-functioning anxiety who intellectualise their emotions. Often, my clients describe themselves as perfectionists and/or people pleasers. You struggle to let go of control, to sit with your feelings, and set boundaries with people, but no one else would know because all your energy goes towards doing everything right. This happens when we learned to avoid our emotions like the plague, and before you know it, your life is all DOING and no BEING.
Do you ever wonder why, despite everything going well in your life (e.g. you're in a good relationship, a successful job), something feels off? I specialise in helping people with high-functioning anxiety who intellectualise their emotions. Often, my clients describe themselves as perfectionists and/or people pleasers. You struggle to let go of control, to sit with your feelings, and set boundaries with people, but no one else would know because all your energy goes towards doing everything right. This happens when we learned to avoid our emotions like the plague, and before you know it, your life is all DOING and no BEING.
020 4572 1275 View 020 4572 1275
Photo of Marigemma Rocco, Psychotherapist, ACP
Marigemma Rocco
Psychotherapist, ACP
East London, London E18
I am a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist who recently retired from the NHS, after over 30 years of dedicated work in Children and families mental health. It is hard to see our children struggle or to acknowledge our struggles as parents. Children might struggle with anxiety, trauma, and a variety of psychological issues that might effect their relationships, their sleep or their learning. I offer a safe and not judgemental space for parents, young children, adolescents and young adults (up to 25 years of age) a space to explore their difficulties and to move on.
I am a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist who recently retired from the NHS, after over 30 years of dedicated work in Children and families mental health. It is hard to see our children struggle or to acknowledge our struggles as parents. Children might struggle with anxiety, trauma, and a variety of psychological issues that might effect their relationships, their sleep or their learning. I offer a safe and not judgemental space for parents, young children, adolescents and young adults (up to 25 years of age) a space to explore their difficulties and to move on.
020 4538 0015 View 020 4538 0015
Photo of Vanessa Clarke - Glass Minds Counselling and Wellbeing Ltd, Counsellor, MBACP
Glass Minds Counselling and Wellbeing Ltd
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
East London, London E8
Feeling overwhelmed, grieving, facing changes in identity, or navigating relationship struggles. Maybe you're a parent feeling stretched, a young person looking for direction, or someone carrying the emotional weight of menopause or infant loss. Whatever you’re holding, I offer a warm, compassionate space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported. Together, we can gently explore your experiences and work towards more balance, connection, and inner strength.
Feeling overwhelmed, grieving, facing changes in identity, or navigating relationship struggles. Maybe you're a parent feeling stretched, a young person looking for direction, or someone carrying the emotional weight of menopause or infant loss. Whatever you’re holding, I offer a warm, compassionate space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported. Together, we can gently explore your experiences and work towards more balance, connection, and inner strength.
020 4572 7302 View 020 4572 7302
Photo of Karen Katz, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Karen Katz
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
East London, London E17
I have experience working in the perinatal period supporting to be and new parents with the transition to parenthood.
I am an OCD and related disorders specialist. I have led a highly specialist national NHS service and have worked as a therapist in the NHS for over 20 years. I offer evidence based therapy to treat disorders and psychological difficulties including PTSD, general anxiety, phobias, low self esteem, eating disorders, depression and perfectionism. My clients often report feeling stuck in a pattern of thinking and behaviour and want to make real and lasting change. My approach focuses on identifying and working through what is maintaining the difficulties and helps clients to gain the tools to keep them-self well once therapy has ended.
I have experience working in the perinatal period supporting to be and new parents with the transition to parenthood.
I am an OCD and related disorders specialist. I have led a highly specialist national NHS service and have worked as a therapist in the NHS for over 20 years. I offer evidence based therapy to treat disorders and psychological difficulties including PTSD, general anxiety, phobias, low self esteem, eating disorders, depression and perfectionism. My clients often report feeling stuck in a pattern of thinking and behaviour and want to make real and lasting change. My approach focuses on identifying and working through what is maintaining the difficulties and helps clients to gain the tools to keep them-self well once therapy has ended.
020 3962 0595 View 020 3962 0595
Photo of Sian Naftal, Counsellor, BACP
Sian Naftal
Counsellor, BACP
East London, London E17
With a special interest in pregnancy issues and infertility.
I am trained to help others cope with emotional and social issues which can affect people of all ages. You may be suffering from anxiety or depression, have relationship problems, low self-esteem, have parental burnout, have been bereaved or be dealing with other difficult events. Counselling provides you with a chance to talk about your feelings and experiences in a safe place with someone who will listen to and support you. I will seek to understand, not judge and will work with you to make sense of your situation and make changes that improve your life. I work with both individuals and couples.
With a special interest in pregnancy issues and infertility.
I am trained to help others cope with emotional and social issues which can affect people of all ages. You may be suffering from anxiety or depression, have relationship problems, low self-esteem, have parental burnout, have been bereaved or be dealing with other difficult events. Counselling provides you with a chance to talk about your feelings and experiences in a safe place with someone who will listen to and support you. I will seek to understand, not judge and will work with you to make sense of your situation and make changes that improve your life. I work with both individuals and couples.
020 8103 3841 View 020 8103 3841
Photo of Dr Jodie Waterhouse, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Jodie Waterhouse
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
East London, London E17
I have a particular interest in pregnancy, the transition to parenthood and parental mental health due to my own experiences of becoming a mother.
Hello, my name is Jodie. I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working within the NHS, private and charity sectors. I specialise in work with adults and young people and really work hard to ensure each of my clients is offered thoughtful and individualised care. Life can be hard and I believe that everyone could benefit from therapy at a number of points in their life, not just at the point of mental health crisis. People often come to see me at a time of change, life transition or when there is a difficult decision to be made in their lives. Alternatively, people might reach out when feeling stuck.
I have a particular interest in pregnancy, the transition to parenthood and parental mental health due to my own experiences of becoming a mother.
Hello, my name is Jodie. I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working within the NHS, private and charity sectors. I specialise in work with adults and young people and really work hard to ensure each of my clients is offered thoughtful and individualised care. Life can be hard and I believe that everyone could benefit from therapy at a number of points in their life, not just at the point of mental health crisis. People often come to see me at a time of change, life transition or when there is a difficult decision to be made in their lives. Alternatively, people might reach out when feeling stuck.
020 8138 0369 View 020 8138 0369
Photo of Dr Olivia Williams, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Olivia Williams
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
East London, London E18
I am a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist, with over 12 years experience working in mental health services in the NHS and 4 years working in private practice.
People often come to see me when they are feeling that their experience of parenting is not what they had hoped for. You may have concerns about your birth experience or fears about an upcoming birth. You may have worries about your relationship with your baby or may be struggling with difficult emotions or self-critical thoughts.
I am a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist, with over 12 years experience working in mental health services in the NHS and 4 years working in private practice.
People often come to see me when they are feeling that their experience of parenting is not what they had hoped for. You may have concerns about your birth experience or fears about an upcoming birth. You may have worries about your relationship with your baby or may be struggling with difficult emotions or self-critical thoughts.
020 4572 7582 View 020 4572 7582
Photo of Dr Elena Alexandrou, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Elena Alexandrou
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialise in offering EMDR to clients with PTSD, stuck negative beliefs, trauma related to pregnancy and birth, bereavement/loss and workplace stress.
I am a HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant/Clinical Supervisor. I work with people aged 16+. Are you finding it difficult to cope in daily life? In tricky romantic, peer or family relationships? Perhaps you have been struggling with anxiety, low mood or you have been blindsided by a traumatic/adverse event? Perhaps something difficult has happened in your journey to becoming a parent or at work that you are struggling to overcome? If any of these apply to you, psychological therapy with me could make a real difference! I take a collaborative and compassionate approach.
I specialise in offering EMDR to clients with PTSD, stuck negative beliefs, trauma related to pregnancy and birth, bereavement/loss and workplace stress.
I am a HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant/Clinical Supervisor. I work with people aged 16+. Are you finding it difficult to cope in daily life? In tricky romantic, peer or family relationships? Perhaps you have been struggling with anxiety, low mood or you have been blindsided by a traumatic/adverse event? Perhaps something difficult has happened in your journey to becoming a parent or at work that you are struggling to overcome? If any of these apply to you, psychological therapy with me could make a real difference! I take a collaborative and compassionate approach.
020 3031 1225 View 020 3031 1225
Photo of Sarah Trenam, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Sarah Trenam
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
East London, London E18
I am experienced in offering support with more complex issues such as addiction, dual diagnosis, supporting prenatal and postnatal women.
I am an experienced therapist offering an integrative approach to work towards your therapeutic goals. I am able to use some CBT strategies. I have over 15 years experience working with issues such as; anxiety, depression, low mood, addiction, stress and fertility issues. If you are struggling give me a call or send an email and I will respond promptly.
I am experienced in offering support with more complex issues such as addiction, dual diagnosis, supporting prenatal and postnatal women.
I am an experienced therapist offering an integrative approach to work towards your therapeutic goals. I am able to use some CBT strategies. I have over 15 years experience working with issues such as; anxiety, depression, low mood, addiction, stress and fertility issues. If you are struggling give me a call or send an email and I will respond promptly.
07723 431750 View 07723 431750
Photo of Dr Edit Sevic Andrek, Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Dr Edit Sevic Andrek
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling isolated or unheard while facing infertility, miscarriage, or other major life changes?
I offer a respectful, non-judgmental space for you to discuss and process difficult emotions. Through person-centred therapy, we explore your past, fears, and needs with empathy and understanding. Together, we aim to uncover the root of your feelings, helping you make decisions with clarity and calmness.
Are you feeling isolated or unheard while facing infertility, miscarriage, or other major life changes?
I offer a respectful, non-judgmental space for you to discuss and process difficult emotions. Through person-centred therapy, we explore your past, fears, and needs with empathy and understanding. Together, we aim to uncover the root of your feelings, helping you make decisions with clarity and calmness.
0141 673 7601 View 0141 673 7601
Photo of Jordan Mcphail, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Jordan Mcphail
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Online Only
You’ve always been the capable one — high-functioning, self-aware, maybe even the one others turn to for advice. But lately, everything feels like treacle. You’re burnt out, emotionally overloaded, and questioning who you are beneath the coping. I work with women who are anxious, overwhelmed, or navigating big life transitions, including birth trauma and motherhood. You’re craving space, slowness, and a return to yourself. This is where we begin.
You’ve always been the capable one — high-functioning, self-aware, maybe even the one others turn to for advice. But lately, everything feels like treacle. You’re burnt out, emotionally overloaded, and questioning who you are beneath the coping. I work with women who are anxious, overwhelmed, or navigating big life transitions, including birth trauma and motherhood. You’re craving space, slowness, and a return to yourself. This is where we begin.
01636 556121 View 01636 556121
Photo of Lucy Kozlowski - Dr Lucy Kozlowski, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Lucy Kozlowski
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I also specialise in perinatal mental health (e.g. antenatal & postnatal depression, anxiety, IVF, parental issues) & staff & student wellbeing, including common mental health issues (e.g. stress, low mood, anger, adjustment, anxiety, trauma, bereavement & self-esteem).
I offer 1:1 therapy & counselling, couples & family therapy, clinical supervision & coaching. My approach has developed through my clinical & research experience in several senior & leadership roles & advanced professional training. I strive to offer highly specialist clinical support within a warm, empathic, non-judgemental & compassionate safe space.
I also specialise in perinatal mental health (e.g. antenatal & postnatal depression, anxiety, IVF, parental issues) & staff & student wellbeing, including common mental health issues (e.g. stress, low mood, anger, adjustment, anxiety, trauma, bereavement & self-esteem).
I offer 1:1 therapy & counselling, couples & family therapy, clinical supervision & coaching. My approach has developed through my clinical & research experience in several senior & leadership roles & advanced professional training. I strive to offer highly specialist clinical support within a warm, empathic, non-judgemental & compassionate safe space.
0117 456 2479 View 0117 456 2479
Photo of Dr Alexandra Priestner, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Alexandra Priestner
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Clinical Psychologist with specialist experience on a Mother & Baby Unit, I’m passionate about helping new mums navigate the emotional challenges of conception, pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
I offer tailored, trauma-focused therapy including EMDR, to support recovery from difficult experiences—whether related to birth, parenting, or other forms of trauma. I also work with anxiety, depression, OCD, bonding issues, and other emotional challenges, providing compassionate, evidence-based support.
As a Clinical Psychologist with specialist experience on a Mother & Baby Unit, I’m passionate about helping new mums navigate the emotional challenges of conception, pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
I offer tailored, trauma-focused therapy including EMDR, to support recovery from difficult experiences—whether related to birth, parenting, or other forms of trauma. I also work with anxiety, depression, OCD, bonding issues, and other emotional challenges, providing compassionate, evidence-based support.
01277 674978 View 01277 674978
Photo of Emma Whitty - Dr Emma Whitty, Willow Psychology Service, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Emma Whitty, Willow Psychology Service
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also specialise in working with individuals in the perinatal period who may be experiencing distress around adjusting to parenthood, low mood, anxiety and birth trauma.
I understand that sometimes it is difficult and daunting to know where to start when accessing support. I aim to help provide you with an understanding of your difficulties, your strengths and how to make changes to support your wellbeing. I aim to create a collaborative, safe, empathetic and non-judgmental space for our work. I take an integrative, person-centred approach using evidence based approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, and EMDR. I work with individuals who experience a range of difficulties such as, anxiety, stress, low mood, loss and trauma.
I also specialise in working with individuals in the perinatal period who may be experiencing distress around adjusting to parenthood, low mood, anxiety and birth trauma.
I understand that sometimes it is difficult and daunting to know where to start when accessing support. I aim to help provide you with an understanding of your difficulties, your strengths and how to make changes to support your wellbeing. I aim to create a collaborative, safe, empathetic and non-judgmental space for our work. I take an integrative, person-centred approach using evidence based approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, and EMDR. I work with individuals who experience a range of difficulties such as, anxiety, stress, low mood, loss and trauma.
020 4634 1672 View 020 4634 1672
Photo of Sarah Wardley, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Sarah Wardley
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Serves Area
I enjoy working with all adults across a range of problems but as a Registered Midwife I specialise in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period ( up to 24 months after the birth).
My first hand experience of working in health care means I can provide a safe space from which to support you. I have experience in working with the following problems: antenatal anxiety and depression, phobias (including a fear of needles/being sick and birth), birth trauma and PTSD and postnatal anxiety and depression.
I enjoy working with all adults across a range of problems but as a Registered Midwife I specialise in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period ( up to 24 months after the birth).
My first hand experience of working in health care means I can provide a safe space from which to support you. I have experience in working with the following problems: antenatal anxiety and depression, phobias (including a fear of needles/being sick and birth), birth trauma and PTSD and postnatal anxiety and depression.
01865 953394 View 01865 953394
Photo of Sarah Cunningham - Sarah Cunningham Therapy & Clinical Supervision, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Sarah Cunningham Therapy & Clinical Supervision
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As of January 2026 I am opening up an in-person weekly slot in central Exeter on a Tuesday at 10am, 11am and a bi-monthly slot (for clients or supervisees) at 12 midday. I offer psychodynamic/integrative psychotherapy & solution focused counselling. I also offer clinical supervision to trainee therapists and experienced therapists. I have a broad range of experience providing specialist psychotherapy to clients experiencing PTSD, depression, trauma, relationship issues, loss and anxiety. I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives and have the capacity to fulfil their own potential given the conditions to thrive.
As of January 2026 I am opening up an in-person weekly slot in central Exeter on a Tuesday at 10am, 11am and a bi-monthly slot (for clients or supervisees) at 12 midday. I offer psychodynamic/integrative psychotherapy & solution focused counselling. I also offer clinical supervision to trainee therapists and experienced therapists. I have a broad range of experience providing specialist psychotherapy to clients experiencing PTSD, depression, trauma, relationship issues, loss and anxiety. I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives and have the capacity to fulfil their own potential given the conditions to thrive.
020 4572 3015 View 020 4572 3015
Photo of Effie Molyva, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Effie Molyva
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
An area of particular interest for me is offering support to women and men who may struggle during the perinatal period.
but can also be a challenging time for many parents who may experience worry, anxiety or symptoms of post-natal depression while going through this major transition in their lives. Many people may feel daunted by the process of seeking support for their difficulties, because therapy involves sharing difficult emotions with the aim of challenging sometimes
An area of particular interest for me is offering support to women and men who may struggle during the perinatal period.
but can also be a challenging time for many parents who may experience worry, anxiety or symptoms of post-natal depression while going through this major transition in their lives. Many people may feel daunted by the process of seeking support for their difficulties, because therapy involves sharing difficult emotions with the aim of challenging sometimes
01727 638249 View 01727 638249
Photo of Dr Lakhita Uppal, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Lakhita Uppal
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
You may be a parent who has found the emotional side of parenting harder than expected following a difficult or unexpected start. This might include neonatal care, medical complications, separation after birth, loss, or other early challenges. Some parents notice ongoing anxiety, feeling constantly on edge, intrusive memories, or a sense of being changed by what they went through — even months or years later. This can be especially difficult when others expect you to feel only relief or gratitude, or when support hasn’t always felt accessible, safe, or meant for you.
You may be a parent who has found the emotional side of parenting harder than expected following a difficult or unexpected start. This might include neonatal care, medical complications, separation after birth, loss, or other early challenges. Some parents notice ongoing anxiety, feeling constantly on edge, intrusive memories, or a sense of being changed by what they went through — even months or years later. This can be especially difficult when others expect you to feel only relief or gratitude, or when support hasn’t always felt accessible, safe, or meant for you.
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Photo of Andreia de Almeida Paim - Andreia Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Andreia Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Have you ever felt an unpleasant heaviness on your chest or tummy? A struggle to get the words out of your mouth that creates a lump in your throat that suffocates you. Have you ever felt like avoiding others for fear of getting hurt, or you may have felt disconnected and unheard? You want to show strength and courage instead, you feel afraid and helpless.
Have you ever felt an unpleasant heaviness on your chest or tummy? A struggle to get the words out of your mouth that creates a lump in your throat that suffocates you. Have you ever felt like avoiding others for fear of getting hurt, or you may have felt disconnected and unheard? You want to show strength and courage instead, you feel afraid and helpless.
01273 121268 View 01273 121268
Photo of Dr Joanna Harvey Harvey - Dr Joanna Harvey - Online Therapist, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Joanna Harvey - Online Therapist
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
Are you struggling to understand your emotions, experiencing difficulties in your relationships that you want to resolve or finding life challenging? Perhaps you wished you felt less anxious and less overwhelmed by your feelings. Therapy with me can help you to make sense of your emotional experiences, recognise patterns of behaviour that are linked to your past and look forward with more clarity and confidence. I specialise in effective therapy to help you with adjusting to motherhood (postnatal anxiety, postnatal depression, maternal rage), relationship issues, anxiety and low mood and unresolved issues from childhood.
Are you struggling to understand your emotions, experiencing difficulties in your relationships that you want to resolve or finding life challenging? Perhaps you wished you felt less anxious and less overwhelmed by your feelings. Therapy with me can help you to make sense of your emotional experiences, recognise patterns of behaviour that are linked to your past and look forward with more clarity and confidence. I specialise in effective therapy to help you with adjusting to motherhood (postnatal anxiety, postnatal depression, maternal rage), relationship issues, anxiety and low mood and unresolved issues from childhood.
020 3322 4528 View 020 3322 4528

See more therapy options for East London, London

Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Counsellors

What are the most effective ways to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns?

The most effective way to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns is by finding a therapist who has prior experience helping other patients overcome the challenge being faced. For example, a marriage and family therapist may have experience helping couples adjust to their new relationship dynamic. An anxiety specialist may have experience helping with phobias or illness anxiety related to the child’s health. A depression specialist may have experience treating postpartum depression.

When should I seek treatment for prenatal or postpartum concerns?

Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve intense physical and mental changes; a degree of upset and instability is normal. However, if these changes impair daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. This distinction is pertinent for postpartum depression: A period of teariness, irritability, and distress is difficult but normal in the one to two weeks after childbirth (sometimes called the “baby blues.”) But if feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist beyond that period, the person should seek treatment.

How do I manage worries during pregnancy or the postnatal period?

A therapist can help patients develop the tools they need to manage anxieties during or after pregnancy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help people identify and reframe harmful patterns of thought, and change their behaviours. Other techniques and skills can allow people to develop acceptance, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, communication skills, and more.