Help, Support & Advice – Counselling for the perinatal period:
-
Planning & Preparation
-
Pregnancy
-
Postpartum
-
Parenting
We Promote Parent & Infant Wellbeing
“I was at my lowest point ever when I sought help. I wish I’d done it sooner.” Sandra, 34.
“I didn’t enjoy being a mother. I loved my baby, but I felt trapped and suffocated by her. I felt like I’d made a terrible mistake – I just wasn’t the Mum I thought I’d be.” Fiona, 39.
At the Centre for Perinatal Psychology we are interested in the wellbeing of all members of your family, whatever that constellation may be – mother, father, infant, siblings, grandparents. We do not only attend to the emotional health of mothers, but consider the impact of struggles on all members of the family – having a baby is a family affair.
That said, we also hear that some mothers feel that they alone are the source of the current struggles within the family. In the words of one mother, “I’m the problem. Everything else is fine – I have a wonderful partner and a beautiful daughter, a lovely home, good family. But I’m unhappy and I’m failing as a mother.” No matter where the source or sources of the struggles may lie, we will work with you on your wellbeing.
Becoming a parent is meant to be a time of joy but it often does not live up to expectation. Parents can feel they have failed in their most important and desired role. We are all too aware of the external pressures that are placed on families as well as the internal pressures that individuals may place on themselves.
We are interested in promoting parent wellbeing across the spectrum from those with a diagnosis of mental illness to those who have a vague dissatisfaction in their parenting role. Additionally, we are keen to foster the social and emotional development of babies and believe parents must be well supported to help facilitate this.
Some common reasons people come to us for help include:
- Fertility issues and assisted conception
- Unexpected fetal, neonatal or infant outcomes
- Perinatal loss
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Birth trauma
- Adjustment following a premature or multiple birth
- Adjustment to parenthood
- Antenatal and postnatal depression
- Antenatal and postnatal anxiety
- Gender disappointment
- Difficulties feeling attached or bonded with your baby
- Unsettled or sickly infants
- Changes in your couple relationship
- Lack of enjoyment in parenting
- Feeling irritable or guilty
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Single parenthood
- Same sex parenting
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Challenging behaviour from your infant or toddler
- Parenting strategies and approaches
We are used to seeing people with these concerns
We understand the intensity and complexity of issues that arise when having, or trying for, a baby, and we can help you through.
With our specialised knowledge and experience in perinatal and infant psychology, you are in safe hands.
Search for your nearest psychologist by Location. Or Contact us to make an appointment or an enquiry.
Please note: The Centre for Perinatal Psychology is not a crisis service. If you need immediate help, please call 000 for an Emergency response, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
