Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety

Your mental health matters

Pregnancy and Postpartum are vulnerable periods for mental health.

Everything changes during the transition to motherhood. EVERYTHING.

Many moms experience depression, anxiety, and overall stress associated with the changes and transition. In fact, 1 in 5 moms will experience depression, anxiety, or other Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) during pregnancy and the first 12 months postpartum.

Even without a Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorder, the transition to motherhood is not a breezy walk in the park. It is HARD.

This is NOT what you expected

Very little sleep, worrying, troubling and intrusive thoughts, panic, constant crying, feeling like a bad mother - this is not what you signed up for. Yet, here you are.

You dream of your old life and the person you used to be - fun, independent, free. Who was that person? This image feels like an increasingly distant memory. In between the feedings, diaper changes, planning, and worrying, you find yourself looking at your unrecognizable life and wondering, "Why did I do this?" And then you are hit with a wave of mom guilt and shame.

The days are hard, and the nights are hard. Everything is much harder than you expected. You feel alone in this new world and your struggle, and you question if you are even suited for it. Maybe you believe you are a bad mom, or fear that you will be a bad mom. People on social media do not seem to be struggling like you are. You believe this means YOU are failing.

You're exhausted, and you finally get baby to sleep, but you cannot fall asleep. Your mind is too busy to allow you to rest. Too many things to do, to organize, to research, to worry about.

You never thought you would ever get to the point where a shower feels like a luxury! Since becoming a parent, self-care has felt almost impossible. You are in survival mode - JUST GET THROUGH THE DAY. You wonder if you will ever feel better.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Being a New Mom is hard!

Where is the village? Many moms are navigating parenthood with little to no support, and they are doing this with very little sleep and self-care. On top of this, there are many messages about what being a mom "should" be like. Moms can feel like a failure when their expectations do not match the hard reality.

Mom's mental health matters!

It is time to take care of yourself so that you can better take care of baby. It is not selfish or a sign of weakness to seek help. In fact, seeking help shows tremendous strength and courage.

You won't always feel this way. Postpartum depression and anxiety are extremely treatable.

And you do not have to suffer alone. I am here to listen and support. We will make a plan to get you feeling like your old self again. We will start slow and work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

With everything you have going on, I know therapy is the last thing you want to be doing. But this is important.

Start Feeling Better ASAP

Depression and anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum are extremely treatable with therapy. You will start feeling like yourself again soon. We will make that our number 1 priority.

Book a FREE, 20-minute phone consultation

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I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C)

After my own rocky transition into motherhood in 2017 (traumatic birth) and my personal healing journey that followed, I made it my mission as a Psychologist to become an experienced and trusted specialist in Perinatal Mental Health. I took many, many trainings in this area, have been working with perinatal women since I opened my private practice in 2018. In 2020, I became certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International.

You have enough to worry about - you deserve to trust your therapist's abilities. This is why I include all my perinatal training and experience here .

I am here to help you feel like yourself again.

Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) Perinatal Postpartum Birth Trauma

Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Pregnancy and Postpartum

Every client is different, and we will develop a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and goals. However, the following is an example of what the therapy for postpartum depression and anxiety might look like.

Symptom Relief

Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety can involve difficult and distressing symptoms, including intrusive thoughts and worries, low energy, hopelessness, and difficulty sleeping. We prioritize symptom relief first to help you feel more like your self again ASAP! This work involves supportive conversation, information, and lots of coping tools.
Deeper Healing Conversations

Once you are feeling stronger and more like yourself, we can explore some deeper connected issues. Some of these deeper healing issues include: traumatic birth, grief and loss, body image, expectations of motherhood vs. reality, relationship changes and challenges, identity and lifestyle changes, and resurfacing childhood experiences. We go deeper because you deserve long-lasting change.
note: this does not necessarily need to be done right away. Some clients work on symptom relief, take a break from therapy, and then return for some deeper work. We will explore which approach is right for you.
Future Concerns and Worries

Sometimes, moms with postpartum depression and anxiety have concerns and worries about the future. This might include family planning or return to work. If you have any future concerns or worries, we can save them for later in the work or for when they feel relevant.

Convenient and accessible postpartum therapy from the comfort of your own home.

Virtual therapy makes accessing postpartum help more convenient. There is no need to bundle baby up, pack a diaper bag, or deal with traffic, and parking. Just find a private space and turn on your device.

Virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. We are increasing the accessibility of postpartum therapy while maintaining effectiveness.

No matter where you are in Alberta - a city like Calgary or Edmonton, or perhaps somewhere more rural, help is available now. I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a specialist in Perinatal Mental Health.

I am also happy to extend offerings for virtual perinatal therapy to all residents of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Getting help has never been easier.

Babies and support people are welcome

You are welcome to bring your baby to the session. I wouldn't want a lack of childcare to interfere with someone seeking help for postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. You may find the presence of your baby to be a distraction from our session, and in that case, if childcare is available, it might be best to come alone. We can discuss this option during our phone consultation.

Some women also decide to bring a partner or other support person to the session. This decision is entirely up to you and if you think it would be helpful. We can discuss this further in our phone consultation.