Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal refers to the time frame from conception through the first year after giving birth. I’m a certified perinatal mental health counselor, which means I’ve taken required courses, trained for 2+ years and passed an exam which qualifies me as competent in this specialty.
Perinatal Mental Health Support and Counselling
Navigating the journey from conception through early parenthood can bring a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical changes. My perinatal mental health support is designed to help individuals and families manage fertility challenges, pregnancy-related anxiety or depression, prenatal stress, and the transition into life with a newborn. Through evidence-based counselling and a supportive, non-judgmental approach, I work with clients to improve their wellbeing, strengthen coping skills, and feel more confident during this transformative stage. Whether you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or adjusting to life postpartum, specialized perinatal care can make a meaningful difference in your emotional health and overall wellbeing.
Perinatal Mental Health FAQs
Who is the body or institution that provides certification in perinatal mental health?
Postpartum Support International, “the leading organization devoted to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders”. For more information on PSI: www.postpartum.net
Who do you treat?
I work a lot with people prior to conception who are having fertility challenges trying to conceive (ttc). Many clients have worked with me prior to conception, through their pregnancies, and as they adjust to parenting. I also work with pregnant people who may be having mood or anxiety concerns, whether or not they had difficulty conceiving, and postpartum people who may be adjusting to a new baby, or adding another baby to their family.
Do you diagnose or screen people for postpartum disorders?
I do provide screenings to help with diagnosis, and I am also happy to work with you and your physician(s) in coordinating your care. I would need a release of information from you giving me permission to communicate with your other provider (s).
Do I have to do art therapy as part of my treatment?
I would never force anyone to do art therapy, however it can be a useful tool for people to have creative outlets for expression, and this is especially true for people who may be finding it difficult to verbalize what’s going on emotionally. No prior art experience is required. For people who identify as creatives, being able to connect in this way may be especially valuable when parenthood feels all consuming, and makes us question our identity. I will work with you to provide what feels right for you.
How will perinatal counseling help me?
Perinatal counseling can help with every stage from trying to conceive through birth and the transition to parenting. Some examples of ways it can assist are: working through ambivalence about having children, or exploring ways of managing various fertility challenges; learning anxiety management techniques for pregnancy related stress or anxiety; exploring the identity shifts and adjustments that come with becoming a parent. Art therapy techniques may be offered to assist with insight acquisition.
