Perinatal Mental Health
Therapy that focuses on perinatal mental health is intended to explore the period of time in one’s life that’s focused on building a family. This can include fertility related considerations, the prenatal and postpartum experience, losses related to this, as well as the experience of parenting itself.
This form of therapy does not only focus on mothers but fathers, non-biological parents, and any form of family structure that’s acclimating to the challenges of starting a family. We know that this time in someone’s life can come with many challenges and many joys, which our team is here to support.

Perinatal Mental Health

Therapy that focuses on perinatal mental health is intended to explore the period of time in one’s life that’s focused on building a family. This can include fertility related considerations, the prenatal and postpartum experience, losses related to this, as well as the experience of parenting itself.
We know that this time in someone’s life can come with many challenges and many joys, which our team is here to support.
Recognizing The Need For Support During The Perinatal Period
From baby blues to more serious situations, the perinatal period is a time of vulnerability. It’s important to know when to reach out for help.
Some examples of scenarios when it would be advised to seek help are:

Difficulty managing the adjustment to pregnancy or parenthood.
Pervasive feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, lethargy, and/or overwhelm.
Preoccupation with the safety of your baby, pervasive worry.
Feelings of wanting to harm yourself or your baby.
Recognizing the need for support during the perinatal period
From baby blues to more serious situations, the perinatal period is a time of vulnerability. It’s important to know when to reach out for help.
Some examples of scenarios when it would be advised to seek help are:
Difficulty managing the adjustment to pregnancy or parenthood.
Pervasive feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, lethargy, and/or overwhelm.
Preoccupation with the safety of your baby, pervasive worry.
Feelings of wanting to harm yourself or your baby.

“Becoming a mother leaves no woman as it found her. It unravels and rebuilds her, it cracks her open, takes her to her edges, it’s both beautiful and brutal; often at the same time.”
— Nikki McCahon

Our approach to working within the perinatal period
Working with a therapist at Resilient Self Therapy can help with building a better understanding of the impact that the perinatal period is having on your mental health. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum OCD are real and serious conditions that can affect any parent, not just moms.
We take a holistic approach to assessing and understanding the unique challenges and needs that our clients are having related to their experience as an emergent or established parent.
We welcome the opportunity to work with anyone who is seeking support around this pivotal time in their life.

Our approach to working within the perinatal period
Working with a therapist at Resilient Self Therapy can help with building a better understanding of the impact that the perinatal period is having on your mental health. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum OCD are real and serious conditions that can affect any parent, not just moms.
We take a holistic approach to assessing and understanding the unique challenges and needs that our clients are having related to their experience as an emergent or established parent.
We welcome the opportunity to work with anyone who is seeking support around this pivotal time in their life.
Common Questions about Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mental Health
What does “perinatal” refer to?
Perinatal refers to the period of time just prior to pregnancy and for a year after giving birth. During this period, it’s possible that the biological parent and/or their partners can experience symptoms related to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar, or psychosis, requiring the care of a trained professional.
What does postpartum depression refer to?
Postpartum depression is a medical condition that many parents experience after having a baby. It’s strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and tiredness that last for a prolonged period after giving birth. Approximately 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads experience Postpartum Depression.
I’m worried about my partner who just gave birth, what should I do?
Do you allow infants to be present at their parent’s therapy session?
Yes! We know how hard the adjustment to regular life can be following the birth/adoption of a new baby, including making it to appointments. If your need during the early days is to have your infant with you during your session, we’ll meet you there. Once childcare routines are established, we’re also here to support you in attending your session solo, given the importance of dedicated time for self care.
Is this type of therapy only for the birth parent?
No way! The whole family system is affected by the addition of a new family member and we love working with anyone who is looking to explore how this time in their life is affecting their identity, mental health, and relationships.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had children, can Resilient Self Therapy still help with struggles I’m having as a parent?
We love working with clients at any stage of parenting. Whether you’re adjusting to the new role as a parent, having stumbled upon a rough patch, or even struggling with issues with your adult children, we’re well versed in supporting various stages of parenting.
Common Questions about Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mental Health
What does “perinatal” refer to?
Perinatal refers to the period of time just prior to pregnancy and for a year after giving birth. During this period, it’s possible that the biological parent and/or their partners can experience symptoms related to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar, or psychosis, requiring the care of a trained professional.
What does postpartum depression refer to?
Postpartum depression is a medical condition that many parents experience after having a baby. It’s strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and tiredness that last for a prolonged period after giving birth. Approximately 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads experience Postpartum Depression.
I’m worried about my partner who just gave birth, what should I do?
Do you allow infants to be present at their parent’s therapy session?
Yes! We know how hard the adjustment to regular life can be following the birth/adoption of a new baby, including making it to appointments. If your need during the early days is to have your infant with you during your session, we’ll meet you there. Once childcare routines are established, we’re also here to support you in attending your session solo, given the importance of dedicated time for self care.
Is this type of therapy only for the birth parent?
No way! The whole family system is affected by the addition of a new family member and we love working with anyone who is looking to explore how this time in their life is affecting their identity, mental health, and relationships.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had children, can Resilient Self Therapy still help with struggles I’m having as a parent?
We love working with clients at any stage of parenting. Whether you’re adjusting to the new role as a parent, having stumbled upon a rough patch, or even struggling with issues with your adult children, we’re well versed in supporting various stages of parenting.