Perinatal Counselling in Perth & Joondalup

Pre-Natel & Post-Natel Counselling

Perinatal Counselling

Holding You Through Pregnancy, Postpartum & the Complex Transition Into Parenthood

Becoming a parent is one of the most profound emotional journeys you’ll ever take. But somewhere between the feeding schedules, fractured sleep, and constant questions about whether you’re “doing it right” – something else starts to surface:

You don’t quite recognise yourself anymore.

The version of you who felt grounded, capable, maybe even joyful — now feels foggy or far away.

You love your baby.

But your identity feels blurred.

Your relationship feels strained.

And you’re wondering when this new version of life is supposed to start feeling like you again.

This is where I come in.

 As a therapist, postpartum doula, baby massage instructor, and Circle of Security facilitator, my role is to support your emotional wellbeing through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

I understand – both professionally and personally — that the transition to parenthood isn’t always linear, glowing, or easy.

It’s a time of immense change. And often, unseen emotional weight. Whether you’re navigating:

  • Anxiety or low mood during pregnancy

  • A difficult birth experience or traumatic delivery

  • Loneliness or emotional overwhelm in the postpartum period

  • A growing disconnection in your relationship

  • The quiet grief of losing the “old you”

— you don’t have to carry it alone.

Did you know?

Jo Bealey Perinatal Counselling

 

 

  • 1 in 2 mothers report poor mental health

  • 1 in 3 women may experience birth trauma

  • Over 60% of new mothers feel socially isolated

  • And up to 20% face perinatal mental health difficulties in the first year

These challenges are real—but so is the support available to you. You don’t have to navigate this alone. You’re not broken. You’re adjusting. And it’s okay to need support while you do.

Postnatal Counselling

In our counselling work, we’ll explore:

  • Prenatal anxiety or depression

  • Birth preparation and emotional readiness

  • Processing birth trauma or unexpected delivery experiences

  • Postnatal mental health support

  • Identity loss and the shifting sense of self

  • Relationship strain and emotional disconnection

  • Ongoing support throughout pregnancy, postpartum and baby’s first year. 

What to Expect

I don’t tell you what to do.

I walk beside you – with knowledge, care, and deep emotional attunement.

Whether you choose to work together in-person (Joondalup / Perth) or online, you’ll be met with warmth, safety, and a pace that respects your nervous system and capacity.                                   You’re allowed to feel all of it.                                                                And you’re worthy of support that meets you where you are.

Let’s Begin, Gently

I offer a free 20-minute meet-and-greet session so you can decide if I’m the right therapist for you.

Click below to book your first session – and take that first, compassionate step toward feeling more seen, more supported, and more yourself again.

 

Ready to begin?

Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, relationship shifts or personal overwhelm — you’re welcome here.

If you’re wondering, “Is counselling right for me?” no problem.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers

FAQ

I haven't had counselling before, what can I expect?

Answer:
Counseling is essentially about creating a safe and confidential space where you are given the opportunity to talk about any difficulties you maybe experiencing in your life. Each session lasts one hour and we organise these to be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. These sessions can be held online, over the phone or face to face (if I’m local to your area). We will first meet for a FREE 30min session and we can decide if counselling is right for you, and we are a good fit.

What modality or theory is your counselling based?

Answer:

My approach is integrative, which means I draw from a blend of evidence-based therapies to best support your unique needs. At the heart of my work is Attachment Theory –  understanding how your early relationships shape the way you connect with others (and yourself) now.

I also work from a Person-Centred perspective, meaning I see you as the expert of your own experience. My role is to offer presence, attunement and compassion – not to diagnose or direct, but to walk alongside you as you make sense of your story.

In addition to this, I integrate:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – especially in my work with couples, helping to rebuild emotional safety and repair relational patterns.

  • Mentalizing Theory – supporting you to better understand your own mind and the minds of others so that emotional reactivity can shift into clarity and connection.

  • Polyvagal Theory – recognising how your nervous system responds to threat or safety, and working with your body (not against it) to build greater regulation and emotional resilience.

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – a powerful, trauma-informed approach that helps you process distressing memories without reliving them.

Every client is unique, and every session is shaped to honour that. Our work together will be collaborative, trauma-informed, and paced with care – so you feel supported in both understanding what’s shaped you and moving gently towards the life and relationships you want to create.

The therapy process is always collaborative – you won’t be “fit into” a model. Instead, I tailor our work to meet youwhere you are, and where you want to go.

Do I need to be suffering from depression or anxiety to attend counselling?
Answer:
Whilst many people find it hugely beneficial to attend counselling for help with depression and anxiety, you do not need to be diagnosed with any mental health disorder to seek counselling. You may feel you need some extra emotional support, or an opportunity to talk to someone in confidence. However, If I feel that you may need more in-depth specialised mental health support, we can discuss a referral.
Do I need to discuss present issues only?
Answer:
Person-centred counselling allows the client to bring to a session whatever they would like to. Quite often a client will come with what is called ‘presenting past’. This means that past events, relationships or traumas can affect their way of being today. Counselling sessions are not always linear and it is very common and natural to dip in and out of a client’s history and lived experience.
Do I need to commit to counselling sessions for the long term?
Answer:
Counselling sessions are available for as long as you may need. At the beginning of our work, we have 6 sessions together. This is the advisable amount of time for us to develop a therapeutic relationship and explore what is needed. At the end of our 6 sessions, we will review how you feel and whether you would like to continue.
Are you a member of a professional body?
Answer:
Yes, I trained with the examining body CPCAB and I am a member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am fully insured and by requirement, I receive my own supervision. This supervision allows me to discuss my work with clients (no names are given) to ensure that I am always working to the best of my ability and with your best interest at heart. I will always work ethically and ensure that I keep us both safe. At the beginning of our sessions, we will sign a client/counsellor contract to ensure what boundaries and expectations are held during our time together.