Counselling during Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a particularly challenging time for a woman’s mental health, and it can also serve as an opportunity to connect proactively with professional support. A pregnant woman experiences a multitude of rapid changes to her body, brain, and her hormonal system, often along with lifestyle, relationship, and identity shifts. Finding a counsellor that specializes in perinatal mental health is an excellent way to support a more positive postpartum adjustment.
If you are pregnant, you may find yourself thinking:
“How am I going to cope when the baby arrives?”
“My partner doesn’t seem to understand how hard this pregnancy has… I feel so alone.”
“I’m worried that I am going to fall apart after the baby comes…”
“My mom and sister both had serious postpartum anxiety… is this going to happen to me?”
The perinatal period (prenatal + 1 year postpartum) is a time of significant change. It should come as no surprise that approximately 1 in 7 women, and 1 in 10 partners, will experience a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) (Canadian Psychological Association).
There are also many individuals who may not meet all of the criteria for a PMAD diagnosis, and yet still experience significant anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy.
We can help facilitate a smoother transition into parenthood with Prenatal Mental Health Planning.
Using evidence-based methods, this Prenatal Mental Health Planning appointment includes:
- an assessment of perinatal mental health risk factors
- education on common emotional changes during pregnancy + postpartum
- practical coping strategies tailored to your needs
- a personalized Postpartum Wellness Plan
- resources to support you at home
This session is ideal for those experiencing anticipatory anxiety, if you are wanting to reduce your risk of postpartum challenges, or simply are hoping to feel more confident going into parenthood. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend this session. If you are a couple looking for support, please book a ‘Couples Support’ or ‘Couples Counselling‘ session.
Prenatal Mental Health Planning
Sara Longman
This is a 75-minute, one-time education session with our Perinatal Mental Health specialist
It is designed to help you feel more prepared, informed, and supported as you move through your pregnancy and into postpartum.
This service is recommended from 12 weeks of pregnancy onward.
Follow-up counselling sessions are of course available if you’d like ongoing support.
Therapy during pregnancy can help you to…
Assess mental health symptoms & risk factors for PMADs.
Your therapist will assess any current Perinatal Mood & Anxiety symptoms, and look at potential risk factors for postpartum challenges. You’ll be able to discuss what may be “normal” for you. From here, treatment planning will support improved mental health outcomes postpartum.
Learn new coping skills & strategies for postpartum resilience.
We’ll look at what you are already doing that supports your mental health, and talk about customized strategies to add to your toolbox. Counselling can help you learn self-compassion, approaches to reframe negative thinking, and practice balanced mindsets to help you adjust to life with a baby.
Increase self-awareness & prepare for expected challenges.
A significant life event (like pregnancy), has a way of triggering past emotions and old wounds. A counsellor can help you to explore these patterns and develop a plan for navigating them. Knowing what challenges may be ahead supports resilience and overall mental health.
Feel more informed & prepared for postpartum.
Women are often taught how to prepare for the physical changes of pregnancy + labour and delivery, but the psychological, relational, and spiritual discussions are often overlooked. This is where Prenatal mental health counselling can come in.
MATRESCENCE: the transition into motherhood
The critical transition period which has been missed is MATRESCENCE, the time of mother-becoming… during this process, this rite of passage, changes occur in a woman’s physical state, in her status within the group, in her emotional life, in her focus of daily activity.”
― Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t need to go through this alone. Counselling during pregnancy can help support you in this life-changing time, as well as lead to improved mental health outcomes.
We have a team of counsellors that can help you deal with the distressing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, we’ll be happy to match you with a counsellor who can help you feel more like yourself.
Our Pregnancy Mental Health Counsellors
Sara Longman
Alexandra Stewart
