Pre-Natel & Post-Natel Counselling
I cherish my mission as a counsellor is to support you mental well being during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
Becoming a parent is an emotional rollercoaster. Pregnancy can be nerve-racking and life as a new parent can be so overwhelming. The worry of what is to come, or the stress of whether we are ‘doing it right’, the lack of sleep can all be both exhausting and anxiety-inducing.
It can also highlight other aspects of our lives that we may be experiencing difficulties with, such as relationships or learning to love a new version of ourselves.
You may have experienced a difficult pregnancy or birth and becoming a parent has not allowed you the time or opportunity to recover and process what you have been through.
It is my job to help both expectant parents and new parents with their emotional well-being and mental health.
I’m a qualified counsellor, (registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) a postpartum doula and a baby massage instructor. I have both the knowledge and skills to be able to help parents from pregnancy and beyond.
I’m passionate about making the transition into parenthood enjoyable and empowering. It’s not my job to ‘tell you what to do’ instead, I’m here to support and walk alongside you as you journey through this phase of life.
Did you know?
- 1 in 2 mothers are suffering with poor mental health
- 1Perinatal mental health problems affect between 10 to 20% of women during pregnancy and during the first year after having a baby
- 61% of new mothers are socially isolated and suffer from loneliness
- 1 in 3 women who give birth may experience birth trauma
Together in our counselling work, you will have the opportunity to explore any thoughts and feelings you may be experiencing, to be met with only warmth, care and understanding.
Together we can work and explore:
- Pre-natal anxiety and depression
- Preparing for Baby
- Birth preparation support
- Birth processing and recovery
- Postnatal anxiety and depression
- Relationships issues
- Session’s throughout pregnancy, postpartum and baby’s first year
I offer a free 20 min ‘meet and greet session so we can decide if I am the right therapist for you.
To book your 1st session, please click on the link below pre-natal & post-natal Counselling Page
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:
I am trained as an ‘integrative’ counsellor. This means I apply the core model of Person-Centred Counselling. Person-centred counselling is a non-directive approach of counselling, it means the client is free to bring and explore whatever they may need to. Person-Centred counsellors believe that it is the clients who have the answers, we are just here to help to them explore what they need. ‘Integrative’ means that we can use aspects of other modalities such as CBT, psychodynamics and Gestalt if both client and counsellor felt it would be beneficial.
Do I need to be suffering from depression or anxiety to attend counselling?
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?
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?
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?
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.