At AIB Psychology we recognise the range of challenges that the journey and transition to parenthood can create. At times this can be a difficult area to talk about as there is often a societal expectation of this being a positive time in one's life. Within our service we have clinical psychologists and therapists who are experienced in working with a range of perinatal presentations and are passionate about ensuring you have a safe and secure place to explore your worries and concerns; whilst offering you the most appropriate therapeutic approach to support you.
Presentations we can offer support within include:
Our Perinatal Specialists
Dr. Amanda Walker
Clinical Psychologist, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Extensive experience in mother and baby units and community perinatal services. Specialist training in perinatal trauma and attachment.
Dr. Alex Stanbury
Clinical Psychologist
Specialized experience in perinatal mental health, with particular expertise in postnatal depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties.
Gay Horvath
CAT and EMDR therapist
Decades of experience in perinatal psychology, with specialist knowledge in birth trauma, pregnancy loss, and family adjustment.
Specialized Therapeutic Approaches
Our perinatal interventions are specifically adapted to account for the unique physical, hormonal, and psychological changes during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Evidence-based approach adapted for pregnancy and postnatal period, helping to manage anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts specific to motherhood.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Specialized trauma therapy for birth trauma, pregnancy loss, and previous traumatic experiences affecting current pregnancy or parenting.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Particularly helpful for maternal guilt, self-criticism, and shame often experienced during the perinatal period.
Attachment-Based Interventions
Supporting the development of secure attachment between parent and baby, addressing bonding difficulties and attachment concerns.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Adapted mindfulness techniques for pregnancy and early parenthood, helping with present-moment awareness and emotional regulation.
Partner and Family Work
Including partners and family members in treatment to provide comprehensive support during this significant life transition.
Support Throughout Your Journey
Pre-Conception
Support for anxiety about pregnancy, previous pregnancy loss, fertility difficulties, and preparing mentally for pregnancy.
Pregnancy (Antenatal)
Managing pregnancy anxiety, depression, health anxiety, relationship changes, and preparing for birth and parenthood.
Birth and Early Postnatal
Processing birth experiences, supporting early adjustment to parenthood, and addressing immediate postnatal mental health concerns.
Extended Postnatal Period
Ongoing support for postnatal depression, anxiety, identity changes, returning to work, and longer-term adjustment to parenthood.
When to Seek Support
During Pregnancy (Antenatal)
- Persistent worry about baby's health or development
- Overwhelming anxiety about birth or becoming a parent
- Feeling disconnected from pregnancy or unborn baby
- Difficulty sleeping due to worry (beyond physical discomfort)
- Loss of interest in pregnancy or preparing for baby
- Thoughts of harm coming to baby or self
After Birth (Postnatal)
- Persistent sadness, crying, or feeling empty
- Overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks
- Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to baby
- Difficulty bonding with baby or feeling disconnected
- Extreme fatigue beyond normal new parent tiredness
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby
- Feeling like you're not coping or failing as a parent
Remember: It's normal to experience some anxiety and adjustment difficulties during pregnancy and after having a baby. However, if these feelings are persistent, overwhelming, or interfering with your daily life, professional support can help.
Our Treatment Process
Initial Assessment
Comprehensive assessment of your mental health, pregnancy/postnatal experience, support systems, and specific concerns. We take time to understand your unique situation and needs.
Safety and Stabilization
If needed, we first focus on safety planning and stabilizing symptoms to ensure you and your baby are safe and supported.
Specialized Treatment
Evidence-based therapy approaches specifically adapted for the perinatal period, taking into account hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the unique challenges of this time.
Family Integration
Where appropriate, including partners and family members to strengthen your support network and improve family functioning during this transition.
Ongoing Support
Flexible ongoing support that can adapt to the changing needs of pregnancy and early parenthood, with options for more or less intensive support as needed.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health difficulties are common, affecting up to 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. With the right support, recovery is absolutely possible.
- You are not alone - perinatal mental health difficulties are very common
- It's not your fault - these difficulties can happen to anyone
- Treatment works - evidence-based therapies are highly effective
- Early intervention leads to better outcomes for both parent and baby
- Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment
Emergency Support
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek immediate help:
- Contact your GP or health visitor immediately
- Call the Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Go to your nearest A&E department
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Perinatal Mental Health Crisis Line: 0300 365 1234
Ready to Get Support for Your Perinatal Mental Health?
Contact us to discuss how our specialist perinatal team can support you during this important time. We offer flexible appointments to work around your needs.
Book Consultation