Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Understanding Perinatal CBT: How Therapy Can Support You Through Pregnancy and Parenthood

Becoming a parent is a profound life transition, and it’s completely normal to experience emotional ups and downs along the way. For some, these feelings can become overwhelming. Perinatal Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a focused, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, low mood, or intrusive thoughts during pregnancy or after birth. As a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director, I often work with parents and parents-to-be who feel isolated, guilty, or frightened by the intensity of their emotions. Perinatal CBT offers structured, compassionate support tailored to your unique journey.

One of the core benefits of CBT is that it helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. In the perinatal period, it’s common to experience harsh self-criticism, worry about your baby’s wellbeing, or doubt your ability to cope. CBT provides practical tools to challenge these patterns, build confidence, and reconnect with your values. We focus on real-life situations—such as sleep deprivation, birth recovery, or feeding challenges—to help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Importantly, perinatal CBT is a collaborative process. In therapy, we create a warm, non-judgemental space where you can speak freely and feel heard. Whether you’re experiencing postnatal depression, perinatal anxiety, birth trauma, or simply need space to process a difficult transition, CBT can help you make sense of what’s happening and find relief. Every step is tailored to you and your baby’s wellbeing, with your voice at the centre of the work we do together.

If you're considering perinatal therapy or CBT for postnatal mental health, you're not alone—and support is available. You deserve care that acknowledges both your emotional and physical experience of becoming a parent. If you’d like to explore how we might work together, I invite you to get in touch for a confidential conversation.