Therapy for Pregnancy & Postpartum
Pregnancy and the postpartum period should be filled with joy, but for many people, it’s also filled with anxiety, overwhelm, unexpected emotions, and struggles that no one warned you about. Whether you’re dealing with prenatal anxiety, postpartum depression, birth trauma, or the enormous adjustment of new parenthood, you deserve support that honors both the beauty and the difficulty of this season.
At Storywell Counseling, we provide compassionate, specialized care for the full spectrum of pregnancy and postpartum mental health. We understand that becoming a parent or navigating pregnancy complications is one of life’s biggest transitions, and we’re here to help you through it with expert, judgment-free support.
What is Pregnancy & Postpartum Counseling?
Pregnancy and postpartum counseling addresses the unique mental health challenges that can arise during conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first year (or more) after having a baby. This specialized therapy recognizes that perinatal mental health issues are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Common issues we address:
During pregnancy:
Prenatal anxiety or depression
Fear of childbirth or medical procedures
Anxiety about the baby’s health or your own
Pregnancy after loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death)
Complicated feelings about pregnancy (ambivalence, regret, or difficulty bonding)
High-risk pregnancy stress
Hyperemesis, bed rest, or other pregnancy complications
Partner relationship strain during pregnancy
Identity shifts and fear about becoming a parent
After birth:
Postpartum depression
Postpartum anxiety or panic attacks
Postpartum OCD (intrusive, scary thoughts about the baby)
Postpartum PTSD (often from traumatic birth experiences)
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Overwhelming guilt or feeling like you’re failing
Rage or irritability you can’t control
Loss of identity or grief for your pre-baby life
Relationship struggles with your partner
Returning to work anxiety
Sleep deprivation effects on mental health
Special circumstances:
NICU experiences and medical complications
Adoption or surrogacy journeys
Single parenthood
Multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
Postpartum after fertility treatments
How We Support Pregnancy & Postpartum at Storywell Counseling
We use evidence-based therapies specifically effective for perinatal mental health, tailored to your unique situation and what feels right for you.
Our approach includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
EMDR for Birth Trauma
Person-Centered Support
Psychoeducation
Partner and relationship support
Building your support system
What Makes Our Trauma Therapy Different
We understand the full complexity of perinatal mental health. This isn’t just about baby blues or feeling a little down. We recognize the full range of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and know how to treat them effectively.
We create a judgment-free zone. You can tell us about your scary intrusive thoughts, your ambivalent feelings about parenthood, your frustration with your baby, or your regrets. We won’t be shocked or tell you you’re a bad parent. These thoughts and feelings are more common than you think, and sharing them is the first step toward feeling better.
We address the parts no one talks about. The rage. The intrusive thoughts. The difficulty bonding. The resentment toward your partner. The grief for your old life. The feeling that you’ve made a terrible mistake. These are real experiences that deserve real support.
We recognize that partners struggle too. Postpartum mental health issues don’t just affect birthing parents. Partners can experience depression, anxiety, and overwhelm too. We provide support for all parents.
We offer flexible support for exhausted parents. We know finding childcare and getting out of the house can feel impossible. That’s why we offer telehealth appointments so you can connect with us from home during nap time.
We help you beyond the immediate crisis. Our goal isn’t just to help you survive, it’s to help you actually enjoy parenthood and find yourself again within this new identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy
How do I know if what I’m experiencing is normal or if I need help?
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, tired, and emotional in the early weeks. But if you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety that interferes with daily life, scary intrusive thoughts, difficulty bonding with your baby, or thoughts of harming yourself, that’s beyond typical adjustment and you should seek help. When in doubt, reach out—we can help you determine what’s typical and what might benefit from treatment.
I’m afraid if I tell someone how I’m really feeling, they’ll take my baby away.
Having intrusive thoughts or difficult feelings about parenthood does not mean your baby will be taken away. These are symptoms of a treatable medical condition. We’re here to help you, not report you. The only time we would need to involve authorities is if you have a specific plan to harm your baby and intent to act on it—which is very different from intrusive thoughts you don’t want to have.
Can I do therapy while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Absolutely. Therapy is completely safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If medication is recommended, we can help you have informed conversations with your doctor about safe options during pregnancy and nursing.
My baby is six months (or a year, or two years) old. Is it too late to address postpartum issues?
Not at all. Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders can emerge anytime in the first year and beyond. Whenever you recognize you’re struggling is the right time to get help.
Will therapy help if I’m also exhausted from sleep deprivation?
Sleep deprivation absolutely affects mental health, and we acknowledge that reality. While we can’t give you more sleep, we can help you develop coping strategies, address the mental health symptoms, work on sleep training approaches if appropriate, and help you find ways to get more rest (even if it’s not perfect sleep).
What if my partner doesn’t understand what I’m going through?
We can provide couples sessions or help you communicate your needs more effectively. We can also offer educational resources for your partner to help them understand perinatal mood disorders. You’re not making this up, and your partner’s understanding and support can make a huge difference in your recovery.
I feel guilty for not enjoying every moment. Does that make me ungrateful?
No. The pressure to cherish every moment is unrealistic and harmful. Parenthood is hard, exhausting, and sometimes frustrating, alongside being beautiful and meaningful. You can love your child deeply while also struggling with the demands of parenting. These feelings don’t cancel each other out.