Perinatal Mental Health Therapy: Managing Pregnancy Challenges

Support for the Emotional Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful time — but for many, it’s also emotionally overwhelming. If you’re finding this stage more difficult than you expected, you’re not alone. While physical symptoms are widely discussed, the mental and emotional challenges of pregnancy often go unspoken. As a therapist and a mother, I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for those navigating the emotional weight of pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Can Feel So Hard

Even if you were excited to become pregnant, you may be surprised by feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability, or fear. Hormonal changes, personal or medical history, unexpected life stressors, or past trauma can all make pregnancy emotionally complicated.

And if this pregnancy wasn’t fully planned, or brings up conflicted feelings, it may be even harder to talk about — especially when others expect you to feel nothing but joy.

You don’t have to carry that emotional load alone.

11 Signs You May Benefit from Therapy During Pregnancy

• Feeling more anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed than usual
• Trouble sleeping (beyond typical physical discomfort)
• Frequent worry about your baby, health, or future
• Feeling emotionally “numb” or disconnected
• Crying more often, or feeling emotionally unstable
• Past trauma being triggered during pregnancy
• Shame or guilt about your emotions
• Feeling isolated or unsupported
• Relationship tension with a partner or family
• Panic attacks or obsessive thoughts
• Difficulty connecting with the pregnancy or imagining life as a parent

How Therapy Can Help During Pregnancy

You may not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. This is a vulnerable time — and support can make a meaningful difference.

In our work together, we’ll create a space where you can speak honestly, feel emotionally safe, and explore what’s really going on underneath the surface. Therapy can help you:

• Understand and manage difficult emotions
• Reduce anxiety, panic, or obsessive thoughts
• Heal from past losses or trauma that resurface during pregnancy
• Develop tools to stay grounded and self-compassionate
• Strengthen your relationship with yourself and your growing baby

My Approach to Perinatal Therapy

I use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and reframe anxious or self-critical thinking
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices to reduce emotional reactivity and increase calm
• Trauma-informed care, including EMDR if needed, to support those with prior pregnancy, birth, or personal trauma
• Attachment-based support to help deepen emotional connection with your baby and prepare for postpartum transitions

Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.

You’re Not Alone — and You Deserve Support

Many pregnant people feel like they “should” be coping better or hesitate to reach out for help. But therapy isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s an investment in your well-being and your future as a parent.

If you’re ready to feel more grounded, clear, and emotionally supported, I’d love to connect.

Reach out to schedule a free consultation. I’m here to help you navigate this chapter with care and clarity.