Perinatal therapy is for women and men experiencing difficulties with your mental health, adjusting to parenthood or developing a relationship with your baby during pregnancy or in the postnatal period.
Becoming a parent can be one of the most rewarding yet also one of the most challenging and emotional experiences of our lives. It is normal and understandable that our mental health might be affected during this time. We know that up to 20% of all men and women becoming parents will experience a mental health difficulty either during the pregnancy or in the postnatal period. It might be that an existing problem gets worse, or you develop a mental health problem for the first time.
The most common mental health difficulties that happen during this period of time include feeling low in mood or depressed, feeling overly anxious or worried about a range of things including the health and safety of your baby, feeling overwhelmed by parenthood and all that it entails and difficulties bonding with your baby.
We know that without the right help and support, mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the postnatal period can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman, the child, and the wider family. At Sage, our trained professionals have experience of working with women, their partners, babies, and families experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties during pregnancy and in the postnatal period, using evidence-based therapy models.
Dr Romen Toki had the privilege of working with children and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds in the UK and now in the UAE.
Dr Bisi Laniyan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience in the mental health and wellbeing sector.
Emma, a 30-year-old first-time mother, sought treatment at Sage Clinic for postnatal depression following the birth of her daughter. Despite the joy of becoming a mother, Emma found herself overwhelmed by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, and inadequacy in the weeks following childbirth. She struggled to bond with her baby, experienced frequent crying spells, and felt exhausted both physically and emotionally.
Emma's and her psychologist explored her symptoms of postnatal depression included persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, difficulty sleeping even when her baby slept, loss of appetite, and a lack of interest in activities she once enjoyed. She often felt irritable and easily overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, experiencing frequent bouts of crying and emotional distress. One of the most challenging aspects of Emma's experience was the overwhelming sense of shame and guilt she felt for not being able to cope with motherhood as she had expected. She compared herself to other mothers who appeared to have it all together, feeling like a failure for struggling to bond with her baby and manage daily tasks.
Emma was introduced to therapy as the main intervention for her postnatal depression at Sage Clinic. During her therapy sessions, Emma worked closely with her therapist to explore the underlying factors contributing to her depression and develop coping strategies to manage her symptoms effectively. Sessions provided a safe and supportive space for her to express her feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy without judgment. She learned to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about herself as a mother, recognizing that it's okay to ask for help and that no one has it all figured out.
In addition to individual therapy, Emma's partner attended some sessions to provide support and gain a better understanding of Emma's experience with postnatal depression. Together, they explored ways to strengthen their relationship, communicate more effectively, and share the responsibilities of caring for their baby.
Through therapy, Emma gained insight into the importance of self-care and prioritizing her own well-being as a mother. She learned practical strategies to manage stress, improve sleep hygiene, and cultivate a support network of family and friends. Emma also participated in support groups for mothers experiencing postnatal depression, finding solace and encouragement from others who shared similar struggles.
Though Emma's journey with postnatal depression was not without its ups and downs, as she progressed through her therapy sessions, she began to notice significant improvements in her mood and overall well-being. She felt more confident in her ability to navigate the challenges of motherhood and embraced her role as a mother with greater self-compassion and resilience., whilst enjoying moments with her baby
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We know it’s likely to have been a struggle to get this far, but we are with you every step of the way. Our process is simple – we work with you to develop a unique plan and provide the a level of support according to your needs, whilst ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes.
Book an appointment by calling us on +971 4 575 5684 (or you can book online) and tell us what you are having difficulty with.
We offer availability with highly experienced therapists suited to your needs and book the appointment for you.
Meet the practitioner and begin the road to self-improvement. Have any concerns? Let us know so we can assist.
Our goal is to support individuals, couples, families and groups experiencing challenges with mental, behavioral or emotional wellbeing to overcome these challenges, learn new skills, and thrive at life.