
CBT for Perinatal Mums & Dads
The perinatal period starts in the beginning of pregnancy and lasts until the end of the first year in a child’s life. During this time 20% of women are affected by mental health conditions which include depression and anxiety. Dads can also be affected by this transition in their lives and can experience mental health symptoms.
Welcoming a new baby into your life can be an exciting and joyful time but it can also bring a range of emotional and mental health challenges. Many new parents experience anxiety, stress or self-doubt during the perinatal period, which includes pregnancy and the first year after birth. If you are a mum or dad navigating this life transition and finding it overwhelming, I would be happy to help.
I offer individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specifically tailored for new and expectant parents, providing support for the emotional and mental health struggles that can arise during the perinatal period. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, overwhelming self-criticism or simply feeling lost in your new role, my therapy sessions are designed to give you the tools and confidence to manage these challenges, so you can feel more grounded and calm as you care for your child.
The Challenges of the Perinatal Period
For both mums and dads, the perinatal period brings significant physical, emotional and psychological changes. These changes can often feel like a lot to manage, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious or even depressed. It is common for new parents to experience:
- Postnatal Depression (PND): Both mums and dads can experience postnatal depression, a form of depression that occurs after the birth of a baby. It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, low energy and a lack of interest in daily activities.
- Anxiety and Worry: New parents often worry about the health and wellbeing of their baby as well as their own ability to cope with parenthood. Constant anxiety about being “good enough” or fearing that something might go wrong can be emotionally draining.
- Perfectionism and Self-Criticism: It is common to feel pressure to be the “perfect parent.” Many new parents struggle with self-criticism, feeling that they are not meeting expectations or worrying that they are making mistakes that could affect their child’s well-being.
- Birth Trauma: If the birth experience did not go as expected or was particularly traumatic, this can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both mums and dads can be affected by birth trauma, either directly or vicariously.
- Relationship Strain: The arrival of a new baby can put a strain on relationships, as couples adjust to new roles, lack of sleep and increased responsibilities. Communication and emotional connection can become difficult during this time.
It is important to know that these challenges are not a reflection of your ability as a parent. Many new parents experience these feelings and with the right support, it is possible to manage them and find a sense of balance.
How CBT Can Help Perinatal Parents
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach that can help you manage the emotional and mental health challenges of the perinatal period. CBT works by helping you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and teaches you how to change unhelpful thinking patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression or self-criticism.
Through one-to-one therapy sessions, we will work together to address the specific challenges you are facing as a new or expectant parent.
Here is how CBT can support you:
- Managing Anxiety and Worry: If you are feeling overwhelmed by constant worry about your baby’s health, your parenting abilities or the future, CBT can help you challenge anxious thoughts and develop healthier, more balanced perspectives. You will learn practical strategies to manage anxiety in the moment, reducing its impact on your daily life.
- Challenging Perfectionism and Self-Criticism: Many parents feel immense pressure to be perfect, leading to harsh self-criticism and feelings of failure. In therapy, we will explore these unhelpful thinking patterns and work on replacing them with more compassionate, realistic thoughts. You will learn how to be kinder to yourself and recognise that it is okay to not have all the answers.
- Coping with Postnatal Depression: If you are experiencing postnatal depression, CBT offers a structured, practical approach to managing symptoms. We will focus on identifying negative thought patterns that are contributing to feelings of sadness or hopelessness and work on gradually building positive behaviours and thought processes that support your recovery.
- Processing Birth Trauma: If you or your partner have experienced trauma related to the birth, CBT can help you process and make sense of these emotions.
- Improving Emotional Connection and Communication: The perinatal period can put stress on relationships and CBT can also be helpful in improving communication between partners. We can work on identifying the ways in which anxiety or stress might be impacting your relationship and develop strategies to foster emotional connection and understanding.
Why choose me as your therapist if you are a perinatal mum or dad?
- I have worked for 5 years in the perinatal sub-team of the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital (national NHS service specialising in anxiety disorders). I worked with expectant and new parents on a daily basis helping them to understand what maintains their symptoms and what strategies they can use to improve their quality of life and emotional wellbeing.
- I am a mum of two: this puts me in a better position to understand your experience of parenthood and the challenges it may bring.
A Compassionate Approach to Your WellBeing
As a therapist and a mother, I understand that the perinatal period can be an incredibly sensitive time, filled with a range of emotions. I offer a warm, empathetic and non-judgmental space where you can share your feelings openly. Whether you are a mum or dad, my goal is to provide support that is tailored to your unique experience as a parent, helping you feel more equipped to navigate this life transition.
You do not have to go through these challenges alone. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-criticism or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood, CBT can help you regain a sense of confidence and wellbeing.
Take the First Step
If you are ready to start feeling more confident and supported in your journey through parenthood, I invite you to reach out for a free telephone consultation. Together, we will discuss your needs and determine how CBT can best support you during this important time.
Contact me to learn more about how CBT can help you manage the emotional challenges of the perinatal period. Let’s work together to help you feel more empowered as you care for yourself and your growing family.