Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Counselling in London

Photo of Dr Romila Ragaven, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Romila Ragaven
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London N14
Pregnancy and motherhood may add a unique layer to your experience, and I'm dedicated to addressing these intricacies with care and compassion.
Are you struggling to overcome events or memories from your past? Maybe you feel trapped in negative patterns and behaviours. You might be navigating significant life transitions, such as pregnancy, motherhood or recovery from personal trauma. You feel overwhelmed, anxious and uncertain about the changes happening in your life. Or, you might be feeling stuck with the lack of change happening. You want to heal from past traumas and improve your overall well-being. You dream of achieving inner peace and contentment and you hope to build and maintain healthy, supportive relationships with partners, friends and family.
Pregnancy and motherhood may add a unique layer to your experience, and I'm dedicated to addressing these intricacies with care and compassion.
Are you struggling to overcome events or memories from your past? Maybe you feel trapped in negative patterns and behaviours. You might be navigating significant life transitions, such as pregnancy, motherhood or recovery from personal trauma. You feel overwhelmed, anxious and uncertain about the changes happening in your life. Or, you might be feeling stuck with the lack of change happening. You want to heal from past traumas and improve your overall well-being. You dream of achieving inner peace and contentment and you hope to build and maintain healthy, supportive relationships with partners, friends and family.
07403 932129 View 07403 932129
Photo of Alicia Georgia Billig - Alicia Georgia Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Alicia Georgia Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W4
I regularly work with clients presenting pregnancy and motherhood issues, and my practice includes supporting new parents adjusting to these new chapters in their lives.
Hello, I’m Alicia, an Integrative Counsellor. I take a humanistic approach, using a range of techniques to suit your hopes and needs. My style is calm and warm, where you will feel supported and at ease. My main aims are to ensure you feel listened to, appreciated and to build a trustworthy therapeutic relationship. I am a registered member of the BACP and have NHS experience as well as experience working in short-term and long-term therapeutic relationships.
I regularly work with clients presenting pregnancy and motherhood issues, and my practice includes supporting new parents adjusting to these new chapters in their lives.
Hello, I’m Alicia, an Integrative Counsellor. I take a humanistic approach, using a range of techniques to suit your hopes and needs. My style is calm and warm, where you will feel supported and at ease. My main aims are to ensure you feel listened to, appreciated and to build a trustworthy therapeutic relationship. I am a registered member of the BACP and have NHS experience as well as experience working in short-term and long-term therapeutic relationships.
020 4572 3859 View 020 4572 3859
Photo of Michael Atar, PhD, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Michael Atar
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London NW4
I accompany individuals before, during, and after pregnancy.
I am Professor Michael Atar, a psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapist. I work with families, parents, carers, and their children, drawing on my expertise from various life experiences such as my medical background, working as a paediatric dentist for over 25 years, and being a father of a large family with children of various ages. Whilst I do adopt a psychoanalytic observational stance, I don’t approach therapy from the position of “expert”. My belief in therapy focuses on awareness, understanding, and gentle support. As the word therapy suggests facilitating and serving, my work emphasises a collaborative experience.
I accompany individuals before, during, and after pregnancy.
I am Professor Michael Atar, a psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapist. I work with families, parents, carers, and their children, drawing on my expertise from various life experiences such as my medical background, working as a paediatric dentist for over 25 years, and being a father of a large family with children of various ages. Whilst I do adopt a psychoanalytic observational stance, I don’t approach therapy from the position of “expert”. My belief in therapy focuses on awareness, understanding, and gentle support. As the word therapy suggests facilitating and serving, my work emphasises a collaborative experience.
020 3816 3545 View 020 3816 3545
Photo of Dr Aleksandra Paksina, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Aleksandra Paksina
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W4  (Online Only)
I specialise in working with trauma, sexual wellbeing, and perinatal ( pregnancy and postpartum) mental health.
Dr Aleksandra Paksina is a University of Oxford trained and HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with a passion for women's health. Are you struggling with low self-esteem, relentless perfectionism or impostor syndrome? Maybe issues in your sexual life are affecting your wellbeing? Or are you finding pregnancy or the transition to motherhood overwhelming? Perhaps, you're grappling with unresolved trauma? You've taken the brave first step by reaching out, and I’m here to help. I will support you in becoming the person you want to be, empowering you to feel confident and inspired by your own journey and growth.
I specialise in working with trauma, sexual wellbeing, and perinatal ( pregnancy and postpartum) mental health.
Dr Aleksandra Paksina is a University of Oxford trained and HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with a passion for women's health. Are you struggling with low self-esteem, relentless perfectionism or impostor syndrome? Maybe issues in your sexual life are affecting your wellbeing? Or are you finding pregnancy or the transition to motherhood overwhelming? Perhaps, you're grappling with unresolved trauma? You've taken the brave first step by reaching out, and I’m here to help. I will support you in becoming the person you want to be, empowering you to feel confident and inspired by your own journey and growth.
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Photo of Dr Elnaz Mihanmehr, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Elnaz Mihanmehr
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London NW3  (Online Only)
My doctoral thesis focused on exploring fathers' experiences of high risk pregnancy which is an under-explored yet an important area.
Therapy offers a path for enhancing your understanding of your struggles within a safe environment and developing coping strategies to help you navigate challenging situations and make impactful changes in your life. I am a chartered and HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist as well as a BACP-licensed therapist. I currently work as a perinatal psychologist within the NHS Maternal Mental Health Service. It may help you know that others have described me as a kind, compassionate, and approachable psychologist.
My doctoral thesis focused on exploring fathers' experiences of high risk pregnancy which is an under-explored yet an important area.
Therapy offers a path for enhancing your understanding of your struggles within a safe environment and developing coping strategies to help you navigate challenging situations and make impactful changes in your life. I am a chartered and HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist as well as a BACP-licensed therapist. I currently work as a perinatal psychologist within the NHS Maternal Mental Health Service. It may help you know that others have described me as a kind, compassionate, and approachable psychologist.
020 3772 3165 View 020 3772 3165
Photo of Dr Elena Alexandrou, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Elena Alexandrou
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London E9  (Online Only)
I specialise in offering EMDR to clients with trauma/PTSD, early life relationship disruptions, 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+ with a range of psychological difficulties. Are you finding it difficult to cope right now? In tricky romantic, peer or family relationships? Perhaps you have been struggling for a while with anxiety, low mood or you have been blindsided by a traumatic/adverse event in your life? 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 specialise in offering EMDR to clients with trauma/PTSD, early life relationship disruptions, 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+ with a range of psychological difficulties. Are you finding it difficult to cope right now? In tricky romantic, peer or family relationships? Perhaps you have been struggling for a while with anxiety, low mood or you have been blindsided by a traumatic/adverse event in your life? 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!
020 3031 1225 View 020 3031 1225
Photo of Dr Joanna Harvey, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Joanna Harvey
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SE15  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Joanna, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Cognitive Analytic Therapist. I am an experienced therapist and have supported clients with a broad range of difficulties for over a decade. Areas I can help you with include relationship difficulties, perinatal mental health ( pregnancy and postpartum), anxiety, depression, anger and life transitions, such as adjusting to motherhood.
Hi, I’m Joanna, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Cognitive Analytic Therapist. I am an experienced therapist and have supported clients with a broad range of difficulties for over a decade. Areas I can help you with include relationship difficulties, perinatal mental health ( pregnancy and postpartum), anxiety, depression, anger and life transitions, such as adjusting to motherhood.
020 3322 4528 View 020 3322 4528
Photo of Shelly Morris, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Shelly Morris
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE5
If you're currently dealing with issues linked to parenting, motherhood, career, relationships, infertility, miscarriage, anger, sexuality or anxiety, then I offer a space with which to think about these together.
I have over 15 years' experience as a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer. I work in a creative, collaberative manner, focusing on your aims as the backbone of the therapy. I offer a supportive environment, either in-person or online to make sense of yourself and what you're experiencing.
If you're currently dealing with issues linked to parenting, motherhood, career, relationships, infertility, miscarriage, anger, sexuality or anxiety, then I offer a space with which to think about these together.
I have over 15 years' experience as a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer. I work in a creative, collaberative manner, focusing on your aims as the backbone of the therapy. I offer a supportive environment, either in-person or online to make sense of yourself and what you're experiencing.
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Photo of Dunya Griffith-Aramesh, MBBS, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Dunya Griffith-Aramesh
Psychotherapist, MBBS, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London SW16  (Online Only)
Looking to get support for your mental health can be really difficult, and lots of things may be interfering or acting as barriers. Emotional problems often require solutions which are psychological and practical, as well as emotional. As a therapist, I hope to work with you to provide a safe space for compassion, curiosity and change. I specialise in providing high quality CBT and EMDR therapies, and can support you to work through a range of issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (OCD, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety), Anger, Adjustment, or Parental Difficulties ( perinatal distress & Birth Trauma).
Looking to get support for your mental health can be really difficult, and lots of things may be interfering or acting as barriers. Emotional problems often require solutions which are psychological and practical, as well as emotional. As a therapist, I hope to work with you to provide a safe space for compassion, curiosity and change. I specialise in providing high quality CBT and EMDR therapies, and can support you to work through a range of issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (OCD, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety), Anger, Adjustment, or Parental Difficulties ( perinatal distress & Birth Trauma).
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Photo of Judith Ellenbogen, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Judith Ellenbogen
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London N2
I am a highly experienced psychotherapist accredited with the BACP and can offer help to people who are dealing with a wide range of issues, such as relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression and bereavement. In addition, I have specialist expertise in working with women during pregnancy and postnatally, including pregnancy loss. My other specialist areas include working psychotherapeutically with haematology patients (blood cancers), women with gynaecological and psychosexual issues, and university students. I aim to help people understand themselves better, deal with conflicts and move on in their lives.
I am a highly experienced psychotherapist accredited with the BACP and can offer help to people who are dealing with a wide range of issues, such as relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression and bereavement. In addition, I have specialist expertise in working with women during pregnancy and postnatally, including pregnancy loss. My other specialist areas include working psychotherapeutically with haematology patients (blood cancers), women with gynaecological and psychosexual issues, and university students. I aim to help people understand themselves better, deal with conflicts and move on in their lives.
020 3816 3567 View 020 3816 3567
Photo of Elizabeth Bergman, MA, BACP, Psychotherapist
Elizabeth Bergman
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
London NW4  (Online Only)
Elizabeth specialises in treating women's issues including eating disorders/body image concerns, anxiety and depression, and perinatal issues. Elizabeth also sees adolescent clients with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders/disordered eating. She uses many approaches in treatment including cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness and she integrates a holistic and strengths-based approach as well when treating clients in any area.
Elizabeth specialises in treating women's issues including eating disorders/body image concerns, anxiety and depression, and perinatal issues. Elizabeth also sees adolescent clients with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders/disordered eating. She uses many approaches in treatment including cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness and she integrates a holistic and strengths-based approach as well when treating clients in any area.
020 8103 5927 View 020 8103 5927
Photo of Dr Panos Vythoulkas, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Panos Vythoulkas
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London NW1
We have a particular interest working with complex trauma and with difficulties in the perinatal period.
I embed a Trauma-Informed approach to my clinical practice using a contemporary psychoanalytic lens. I seek to provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment in which they can explore and process their past and present experiences. This approach recognises the impact that attachment trauma can have on an individual's psychic world and seeks to address these experiences in a gentle and compassionate manner. In a trauma-informed clinical practice using a contemporary psychoanalytic lens, the therapist works collaboratively with the individual to explore their past experiences and current feelings.
We have a particular interest working with complex trauma and with difficulties in the perinatal period.
I embed a Trauma-Informed approach to my clinical practice using a contemporary psychoanalytic lens. I seek to provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment in which they can explore and process their past and present experiences. This approach recognises the impact that attachment trauma can have on an individual's psychic world and seeks to address these experiences in a gentle and compassionate manner. In a trauma-informed clinical practice using a contemporary psychoanalytic lens, the therapist works collaboratively with the individual to explore their past experiences and current feelings.
020 3617 8781 View 020 3617 8781
Photo of Chandni Sidhpura, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Chandni Sidhpura
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London E14  (Online Only)
Chandni uses evidence-based psychological interventions that have been trialed and researched within healthcare, proven to have effective outcomes and facilitate change. She is passionate about improving access to psychological support and working with hard to populations, ethnic minority groups, diversity and difference. Chandni specialises in the treament of all anxiety and depressive disorders but also has advanced training and experience in treating the niche areas of: Perinatal Mental Health ( prenatal & postnatal wellbeing), Birth Trauma, PTSD and Trauma, Past abuse, sexual assualt / sexual violence and rape
Chandni uses evidence-based psychological interventions that have been trialed and researched within healthcare, proven to have effective outcomes and facilitate change. She is passionate about improving access to psychological support and working with hard to populations, ethnic minority groups, diversity and difference. Chandni specialises in the treament of all anxiety and depressive disorders but also has advanced training and experience in treating the niche areas of: Perinatal Mental Health ( prenatal & postnatal wellbeing), Birth Trauma, PTSD and Trauma, Past abuse, sexual assualt / sexual violence and rape
020 4538 9845 View 020 4538 9845
Photo of Nicola Corrigan, BPC, Psychotherapist
Nicola Corrigan
Psychotherapist, BPC
Verified Verified
London EC2A
I am a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist offering a compassionate and confidential space for you to be listened to, and where we can explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences and any challenges you may be facing. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals who seek a deeper understanding of themselves or require support in navigating various difficulties such as anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, perinatal mental health, relationship difficulties and bereavement.
I am a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist offering a compassionate and confidential space for you to be listened to, and where we can explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences and any challenges you may be facing. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals who seek a deeper understanding of themselves or require support in navigating various difficulties such as anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, perinatal mental health, relationship difficulties and bereavement.
020 3856 8377 View 020 3856 8377
Photo of Dr Jodie Waterhouse, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jodie Waterhouse
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
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 Jane Major, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Jane Major
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW11  (Online Only)
Relationships affect us from the cradle to the grave and can significantly shape how we value ourselves and how able we feel to trust others and to be vulnerable - opening up or shutting down connections.  The Room Between is a clinical psychology service that specialises in working with trauma and relationship issues - with individuals, couples and families .We work with a variety of relationship issues including childhood trauma, abuse, infertility, miscarriage, bereavement, adjusting to parenthood, codependency, divorce and separation, lack of desire, neurodiversity, the aftermath of an affair and conflict.
Relationships affect us from the cradle to the grave and can significantly shape how we value ourselves and how able we feel to trust others and to be vulnerable - opening up or shutting down connections.  The Room Between is a clinical psychology service that specialises in working with trauma and relationship issues - with individuals, couples and families .We work with a variety of relationship issues including childhood trauma, abuse, infertility, miscarriage, bereavement, adjusting to parenthood, codependency, divorce and separation, lack of desire, neurodiversity, the aftermath of an affair and conflict.
0114 303 2341 View 0114 303 2341
Photo of Dr Orinayo Onabanjo, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Orinayo Onabanjo
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1U  (Online Only)
I regularly speak on the topic of birth trauma, psychological and interpersonal wellbeing in pregnancy, and common perinatal mental health difficulties, on several well-known social media platforms.
I am a HCPC registered and BPS chartered counselling psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working within mental health. I am particularly interested in working with women experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. This means I offer individual and group therapy to mums (to be) experiencing birth trauma, perinatal anxiety, postnatal depression, maternal identity issues, breastfeeding difficulties, fertility issues, maternal childhood trauma etc.
I regularly speak on the topic of birth trauma, psychological and interpersonal wellbeing in pregnancy, and common perinatal mental health difficulties, on several well-known social media platforms.
I am a HCPC registered and BPS chartered counselling psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working within mental health. I am particularly interested in working with women experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. This means I offer individual and group therapy to mums (to be) experiencing birth trauma, perinatal anxiety, postnatal depression, maternal identity issues, breastfeeding difficulties, fertility issues, maternal childhood trauma etc.
020 3870 3421 View 020 3870 3421
Photo of Karima El Haddad, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Karima El Haddad
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London NW1
As part of my practice, I specialize in perinatal support for individuals and couples who are navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.
I am an integrative and humanistic psychotherapist who believes in providing compassionate and personalized care to each of my clients. I understand that each person has a unique set of experiences and challenges, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
As part of my practice, I specialize in perinatal support for individuals and couples who are navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.
I am an integrative and humanistic psychotherapist who believes in providing compassionate and personalized care to each of my clients. I understand that each person has a unique set of experiences and challenges, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
020 3962 1508 View 020 3962 1508
Photo of Sian Naftal, BACP, Counsellor
Sian Naftal
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
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 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 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 Carrie Beth Emery, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Carrie Beth Emery
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London N8
I am passionate about supporting clients through any period relating to parenthood, from (in)fertility, pregnancy, birth (including birth prep as well as birth trauma), postnatal depression and any issues relating to parenting.
I am passionate about empowering clients to develop or strengthen their own sense of agency in the world, so that they feel in control. In order to do this, I work collaboratively with clients rather than acting as an expert. I walk alongside my clients in their therapeutic journey, rather than taking the lead and instructing which can at times feel disempowering. Whilst I use my knowledge and expertise to help clients consider new ways of viewing the world and offer guidance on ways they may consider changing their behaviours to better suit their needs, I do not act as an "expert" as I believe each person knows themselves best.
I am passionate about supporting clients through any period relating to parenthood, from (in)fertility, pregnancy, birth (including birth prep as well as birth trauma), postnatal depression and any issues relating to parenting.
I am passionate about empowering clients to develop or strengthen their own sense of agency in the world, so that they feel in control. In order to do this, I work collaboratively with clients rather than acting as an expert. I walk alongside my clients in their therapeutic journey, rather than taking the lead and instructing which can at times feel disempowering. Whilst I use my knowledge and expertise to help clients consider new ways of viewing the world and offer guidance on ways they may consider changing their behaviours to better suit their needs, I do not act as an "expert" as I believe each person knows themselves best.
020 4538 2574 View 020 4538 2574
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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.