Therapy for perinatal mental health

Does your pregnancy feel more like a struggle than a miracle?

Are you suffering from severe pregnancy sickness that saps all the joy from your life?

Did your birth leave you feeling shaken and bruised?

Are stress, low mood, depression or anxiety making it hard for you to enjoy family life and be the parent you want to be? Perinatal mental health difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, so if you are struggling now is the time to seek support from a qualified clinical psychologist or mental health professional.

Understanding Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This critical phase can be a vulnerable time for new and expectant parents, with significant changes in their lives, relationships, and identities.

Perinatal mental health difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Common perinatal mental health challenges include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These conditions can impact an individual’s ability to care for themselves and their baby, maintain relationships, and navigate daily life. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health difficulties and seek support from a qualified clinical psychologist or mental health professional.

Importance of Support and Therapy

Support and therapy are crucial for individuals experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. A clinical psychologist or specialist psychotherapist can provide evidence-based psychological therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their mental well-being.

Therapy can also enhance a person’s sense of self and hope during challenging circumstances. By working with a clinical psychologist, individuals can develop coping strategies, improve their relationships, and increase their overall sense of well-being. Moreover, therapy can help individuals maintain their productivity and fulfill their roles as parents, partners, and professionals.

In addition to individual therapy, support groups and online resources can provide a sense of community and connection for individuals experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. These resources can offer valuable information, guidance, and reassurance, helping individuals feel less isolated and more empowered to manage their mental health.

By prioritising perinatal mental health support and therapy, individuals can take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. With the right support and guidance, individuals can navigate the challenges of parenthood and build a strong foundation for their mental well-being.

Our team of psychologists specialising in perinatal mental health can help with:

Psychological therapy is about helping you to get control back so you can live a fulfilling life. Often the physical, emotional and practical demands of pregnancy and parenthood can cause our bodies and brains to respond in ways that don’t help us. Psychological therapy shows you how to work with your mind and body so you can enjoy your life again.

Common difficulties we help with:

Pre or post-natal depression or low mood
Recovery from birth trauma
Anxiety
Physical symptoms like severe pregnancy sickness.
Fear of childbirth
Stress at work
Parenting support
Grief and baby loss

Our team can offer CBT, EMDR, Compassion Focussed Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

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Dr Rosie Gilderthorp, Perinatal Clinical Psychologist

Book your free consultation

Sessions are available online or in our comfortable office in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

You will attend a free consultation online, we will then allocate you to the best psychologist or therapist for you and you will agree a plan for therapy together.

Session fees: £140 for Clinical Psychology or £110 for Psychotherapy (initial 30-minute online consultation is free)

Evidence-based therapy from HCPC registered psychologists

Working with:

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Client stories - Sarah

I came to therapy because the pain I was experiencing from IBS was stopped me from having a social life and holding me back at work. Understanding why my brain works the way it does was super helpful for me, it really unlocked the treatment process. I now feel comfortable stepping up in my career and my IBS doesn’t stop me doing anything I want to do anymore. I would recommend therapy with Rosie to anyone. She put me at ease immediately as I was feeling apprehensive at the beginning. The methods she taught me were ideal as I could access mindfulness activities on my phone and use them throughout my busy day.

I can truly say the methods and strategies Rosie used with me have given me back my life. I have in turn been better able to help and support others.

Need urgent support?

We do not provide emergency services. If you or someone you care about requires urgent support with their mental health you should contact the NHS urgent support service here.