Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Counselling in Edinburgh
I have a particular interest in working with parents during the perinatal period (i.e. during pregnancy, birth and the post natal period) as I understand how challenging the transition into parenthood can be for individuals and couples alike be even more difficult for people who have experienced trauma or have pre-existing mental health difficulties.
I provide a welcoming and therapeutic environment for adults and young people over the age of 16 who are struggling with a range of mental health difficulties, to help them explore and make sense of the experiences they have had. Through the use of evidence-based psychological therapy I aim to work collaboratively with people to improve their daily functioning and help them build skills to live the life they want to achieve. I use a number of therapeutic approaches in my work including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR for trauma processing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and systemic approaches.
I have a particular interest in working with parents during the perinatal period (i.e. during pregnancy, birth and the post natal period) as I understand how challenging the transition into parenthood can be for individuals and couples alike be even more difficult for people who have experienced trauma or have pre-existing mental health difficulties.
I provide a welcoming and therapeutic environment for adults and young people over the age of 16 who are struggling with a range of mental health difficulties, to help them explore and make sense of the experiences they have had. Through the use of evidence-based psychological therapy I aim to work collaboratively with people to improve their daily functioning and help them build skills to live the life they want to achieve. I use a number of therapeutic approaches in my work including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR for trauma processing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and systemic approaches.
Whether you're navigating parenthood, struggling with anxiety or depression, facing relationship issues, or coping with the loss of a miscarriage, I’m here to support you.
I have a particular focus on supporting parents, especially those raising children with disabilities. With over 18 years of experience working alongside children with autism and their families, I bring a deep understanding and empathy to our sessions. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and understood.
Whether you're navigating parenthood, struggling with anxiety or depression, facing relationship issues, or coping with the loss of a miscarriage, I’m here to support you.
I have a particular focus on supporting parents, especially those raising children with disabilities. With over 18 years of experience working alongside children with autism and their families, I bring a deep understanding and empathy to our sessions. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and understood.
Are you a new parent struggling to cope with the transition to motherhood? Are you feeling disorientated, lost and wondering who you now are since having a baby? Are you struggling to "enjoy every minute" of motherhood and therefore feel there must be something "wrong" with you? Do you feel that everyone around you seems to be moving on with their life but you are still trying to process and understand the journey that you now find yourself on? Do you feel like you are the only one struggling with new parenthood? Do you feel "seen" or understood as a person who has gone through the life-transforming rite of passage of giving birth?
Are you a new parent struggling to cope with the transition to motherhood? Are you feeling disorientated, lost and wondering who you now are since having a baby? Are you struggling to "enjoy every minute" of motherhood and therefore feel there must be something "wrong" with you? Do you feel that everyone around you seems to be moving on with their life but you are still trying to process and understand the journey that you now find yourself on? Do you feel like you are the only one struggling with new parenthood? Do you feel "seen" or understood as a person who has gone through the life-transforming rite of passage of giving birth?
In addition to my general adult practice, I have specialist expertise in perinatal mental health and parent–infant relationships, offering support during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the transition to parenthood.
I am a Clinical Psychologist providing psychodynamic and person-centred psychotherapy for adults.
Clients often come to therapy with concerns such as anxiety, low mood, emotional overwhelm, difficulties in relationships, or low self-esteem. Others may be seeking to process earlier experiences or gain greater self-understanding.
In addition to my general adult practice, I have specialist expertise in perinatal mental health and parent–infant relationships, offering support during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the transition to parenthood.
I am a Clinical Psychologist providing psychodynamic and person-centred psychotherapy for adults.
Clients often come to therapy with concerns such as anxiety, low mood, emotional overwhelm, difficulties in relationships, or low self-esteem. Others may be seeking to process earlier experiences or gain greater self-understanding.
Whatever brings you to counselling, it is a recognition that you are inquisitive and want to understand more about yourself. You may have been affected by particular circumstances and events in your life or you may just feel that you want a new direction, whatever it is it is hard to do it on your own. Think of me as accompanying you on your journey and being the back-up support team. The counselling space is here for you to tell your story, say things out loud, be reflective, kick new ideas around and try them on for size. You will find a calm, gentle space where your voice will be heard.
Whatever brings you to counselling, it is a recognition that you are inquisitive and want to understand more about yourself. You may have been affected by particular circumstances and events in your life or you may just feel that you want a new direction, whatever it is it is hard to do it on your own. Think of me as accompanying you on your journey and being the back-up support team. The counselling space is here for you to tell your story, say things out loud, be reflective, kick new ideas around and try them on for size. You will find a calm, gentle space where your voice will be heard.
My passion for wanting to support mums was borne out of my own difficult journey into motherhood. A challenging pregnancy and a traumatic birth followed by severe postnatal depression and PTSD fuelled my drive to working with mums to make their journeys more manageable and enjoyable. Having worked hard on recovering from this difficult start to motherhood, I went on to train as a counsellor at the University of Edinburgh (MSc) and Chrysalis (Postgraduate Diploma). I have completed numerous trainings on trauma - specifically birth trauma and continue to participate in CPDs to inform my practice as a perinatal mental health therapist
My passion for wanting to support mums was borne out of my own difficult journey into motherhood. A challenging pregnancy and a traumatic birth followed by severe postnatal depression and PTSD fuelled my drive to working with mums to make their journeys more manageable and enjoyable. Having worked hard on recovering from this difficult start to motherhood, I went on to train as a counsellor at the University of Edinburgh (MSc) and Chrysalis (Postgraduate Diploma). I have completed numerous trainings on trauma - specifically birth trauma and continue to participate in CPDs to inform my practice as a perinatal mental health therapist
I am a professionally qualified and experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. I have undertaken extensive continued professional development which has included training in the Dynamics of Attachment in Adult Life; Therapeutic Assessment; Infant Observation and Therapeutic Supervision. I have a particular interest in the relationship between shame and trauma.
I am a professionally qualified and experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. I have undertaken extensive continued professional development which has included training in the Dynamics of Attachment in Adult Life; Therapeutic Assessment; Infant Observation and Therapeutic Supervision. I have a particular interest in the relationship between shame and trauma.
I have particular experience in supporting people with pregnancy related issues.
You might be feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself. Maybe you’re not sure what’s wrong, or maybe things have felt difficult for a while and it’s starting to get too much. You might be tired of overthinking or feeling like you’re stuck in the same patterns. Whatever it is, you don’t have to go through it on your own. In our sessions, we’ll talk about what’s been going on for you, in your own time, and gently figure out what might help you feel a bit more settled, clearer, and more like yourself again.
I have particular experience in supporting people with pregnancy related issues.
You might be feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself. Maybe you’re not sure what’s wrong, or maybe things have felt difficult for a while and it’s starting to get too much. You might be tired of overthinking or feeling like you’re stuck in the same patterns. Whatever it is, you don’t have to go through it on your own. In our sessions, we’ll talk about what’s been going on for you, in your own time, and gently figure out what might help you feel a bit more settled, clearer, and more like yourself again.
My passion lies in supporting women and men through the emotional complexities of pre-conception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.
I will offer you a safe, compassionate space to bring (or find) your true self - free from judgement. A space to pause, explore your thoughts and feelings, be truly heard, and find joy in your life. I can teach you practical tools to cope with anxiety or depression, help you process birth trauma, and understand and accept yourself.
My passion lies in supporting women and men through the emotional complexities of pre-conception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.
I will offer you a safe, compassionate space to bring (or find) your true self - free from judgement. A space to pause, explore your thoughts and feelings, be truly heard, and find joy in your life. I can teach you practical tools to cope with anxiety or depression, help you process birth trauma, and understand and accept yourself.
I’m a Senior Perinatal Therapist in a local specialist service (4.5 yrs) offering 1:1 counselling to new & expectant parents, postnatal therapy groups.
Integrating 30 years of clinical experience & extensive training I work with adults, new parents & couples facing difficulties in their relationships, becoming a parent or dealing with life issues. I offer a safe space to explore difficulties using a relational approach, based in the psychodynamic tradition, exploring your current problems & how your past may be impacting you - within the context of an ongoing professional relationship. As well as 25 yrs counselling I’m a qualified Occupational Therapist with 13 yrs NHS experience in Community Mental Health & LD Teams (& personal experience of SEND & neurodiversity).
I’m a Senior Perinatal Therapist in a local specialist service (4.5 yrs) offering 1:1 counselling to new & expectant parents, postnatal therapy groups.
Integrating 30 years of clinical experience & extensive training I work with adults, new parents & couples facing difficulties in their relationships, becoming a parent or dealing with life issues. I offer a safe space to explore difficulties using a relational approach, based in the psychodynamic tradition, exploring your current problems & how your past may be impacting you - within the context of an ongoing professional relationship. As well as 25 yrs counselling I’m a qualified Occupational Therapist with 13 yrs NHS experience in Community Mental Health & LD Teams (& personal experience of SEND & neurodiversity).
I have supported people experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, sexual assault, infertility, pregnancy and parenthood.
Therapy can be a space to explore how past relationships and experiences might be influencing you today. We might also reflect on how your identity, and the way the world responds to it, affects your sense of self. Therapy isn’t about ‘fixing’ you, rather it’s an opportunity for deeper understanding and imagining what new ways of being might look like.
I have supported people experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, sexual assault, infertility, pregnancy and parenthood.
Therapy can be a space to explore how past relationships and experiences might be influencing you today. We might also reflect on how your identity, and the way the world responds to it, affects your sense of self. Therapy isn’t about ‘fixing’ you, rather it’s an opportunity for deeper understanding and imagining what new ways of being might look like.
Exhausted, anxious, or just not feeling like yourself since having children? You’re craving calm, clarity, and confidence and a space where you’re really seen, without interruption or judgement. I support mothers through overwhelm and emotional ups and downs with mindfulness, nervous system awareness, and practical tools. The goal? Feeling steadier, more connected, and like you again.
Exhausted, anxious, or just not feeling like yourself since having children? You’re craving calm, clarity, and confidence and a space where you’re really seen, without interruption or judgement. I support mothers through overwhelm and emotional ups and downs with mindfulness, nervous system awareness, and practical tools. The goal? Feeling steadier, more connected, and like you again.
They may be struggling with postpartum anxiety or low mood, intrusive thoughts, mum guilt, postpartum rage, overwhelm or feeling they have lost themselves after having a baby.
I offer an integrative approach drawing on Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Compassion Focused Therapy to help you understand the roots of your struggles and create meaningful change. Our work is collaborative, gentle, and tailored to you, supporting deeper self understanding and acceptance, emotional resilience, and a kinder relationship with yourself.
They may be struggling with postpartum anxiety or low mood, intrusive thoughts, mum guilt, postpartum rage, overwhelm or feeling they have lost themselves after having a baby.
I offer an integrative approach drawing on Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Compassion Focused Therapy to help you understand the roots of your struggles and create meaningful change. Our work is collaborative, gentle, and tailored to you, supporting deeper self understanding and acceptance, emotional resilience, and a kinder relationship with yourself.
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.
I have a specialist interest in obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, trauma, perinatal difficulties and working with couples.
Overwhelmed? Lost? Your past weighing you down? If this is you, you are not alone. Life is tough for us all and it’s no surprise we sometimes feel a bit stuck. My primary aim is to create a safe environment where we can work together to move towards your goals. We will explore, discover and try out new skills and strategies for improvements in the long term.
I have a specialist interest in obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, trauma, perinatal difficulties and working with couples.
Overwhelmed? Lost? Your past weighing you down? If this is you, you are not alone. Life is tough for us all and it’s no surprise we sometimes feel a bit stuck. My primary aim is to create a safe environment where we can work together to move towards your goals. We will explore, discover and try out new skills and strategies for improvements in the long term.
You're not really sure what you're looking for. Maybe you've tried therapy before and it didn't work as well as you'd hoped, or maybe it's your first time and you're lost in a sea of information. Maybe you've heard it's important to find the right 'fit' for you, but you're not sure you know what that means.
I'll tell you straight up: I won't be the right fit for everybody. But if my profile and website resonate with you, I might be exactly what you didn't know you were looking for.
If you find 'just talking' keeps you stuck, let's try movement, creativity, nature, play, nervous system work, and tuning in to your bodily wisdom.
You're not really sure what you're looking for. Maybe you've tried therapy before and it didn't work as well as you'd hoped, or maybe it's your first time and you're lost in a sea of information. Maybe you've heard it's important to find the right 'fit' for you, but you're not sure you know what that means.
I'll tell you straight up: I won't be the right fit for everybody. But if my profile and website resonate with you, I might be exactly what you didn't know you were looking for.
If you find 'just talking' keeps you stuck, let's try movement, creativity, nature, play, nervous system work, and tuning in to your bodily wisdom.
Hello and a warm welcome. Counselling is a process in which a trained therapist can help you to understand and deal with difficult emotions that you may be experiencing. These can be linked with previous difficult life experiences. People often seek counselling when they are going through challenging times in their lives. You may be feeling low, anxious or depressed. I can help you make sense of what is happening and try to help you to find ways of dealing with this.
Hello and a warm welcome. Counselling is a process in which a trained therapist can help you to understand and deal with difficult emotions that you may be experiencing. These can be linked with previous difficult life experiences. People often seek counselling when they are going through challenging times in their lives. You may be feeling low, anxious or depressed. I can help you make sense of what is happening and try to help you to find ways of dealing with this.
Appointments available in person in Edinburgh and online throughout the UK.
I specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy as I’ve seen how exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and making small, intentional changes can help people move beyond feeling stuck and create meaningful, lasting change.
Appointments available in person in Edinburgh and online throughout the UK.
I specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy as I’ve seen how exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and making small, intentional changes can help people move beyond feeling stuck and create meaningful, lasting change.
It can be extremely daunting to start your journey in therapy and this is why I have a very professional and relaxed approach. After an assessment, we would be able to establish how we can work together and what that would entail. This is often the beginning of an amazing journey.
It can be extremely daunting to start your journey in therapy and this is why I have a very professional and relaxed approach. After an assessment, we would be able to establish how we can work together and what that would entail. This is often the beginning of an amazing journey.
Hello. My name is Anna Shepherd. I have been a Psychotherapist for over 20 years. I offer Art Psychotherapy, Talking Therapy, EMDR and Mindfulness. Seeking help can feel a bit daunting. I offer a confidential space in which you will be supported to explore whatever brings you to therapy. I will meet you with gentle compassion, curiosity, warmth and humour. Meaningful connection will be the cornerstone of our work and together we will find helpful ways to ease whatever distress has brought you here.
Hello. My name is Anna Shepherd. I have been a Psychotherapist for over 20 years. I offer Art Psychotherapy, Talking Therapy, EMDR and Mindfulness. Seeking help can feel a bit daunting. I offer a confidential space in which you will be supported to explore whatever brings you to therapy. I will meet you with gentle compassion, curiosity, warmth and humour. Meaningful connection will be the cornerstone of our work and together we will find helpful ways to ease whatever distress has brought you here.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
Nearby Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Counsellors Searches for Edinburgh
- Cumbernauld
- Cupar
- Dalkeith
- Dunfermline
- Falkirk
- Glenrothes
- Haddington
- Kirkcaldy
- Larbert
- Livingston
- Musselburgh
- North Berwick
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.