Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting Therapy

Woman sitting on a couch holding a baby with one hand and pinching between her eyes with the other, looking stressed. She looks like she needs Postpartum Therapy or Parenting Therapy.

About

At Ello, we recognize that the journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting is often fraught with emotional complexities and unexpected challenges. These life transitions can be overwhelming and may not always unfold as anticipated. Our approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, as we have experienced many of these challenges firsthand.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and fear. It is common for individuals to experience conflicting feelings about their changing bodies, impending parenthood, and the responsibilities that come with it. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these emotions deeply.

During therapy sessions, clients can learn to articulate their feelings, understand their origins, and develop coping strategies to manage them effectively. This process often involves identifying triggers that exacerbate negative emotions and working through them in a supportive environment.

Resolving Trauma in Pregnancy and Birth

For some individuals, pregnancy and childbirth may be accompanied by traumatic experiences. Addressing these traumas is crucial for emotional healing. By confronting trauma in a supported manner, individuals can begin to reclaim their narratives surrounding pregnancy and birth.

Postpartum

The postpartum period can be deeply challenging and transformative. Hormonal changes, physical recovery from childbirth, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to new roles can lead to feelings of isolation or inadequacy.

Mental health services for postpartum individuals are crucial in addressing the emotional and psychological challenges that can arise after childbirth. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of women experience some form of pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, including postpartum depression (PPD), which can significantly impact their ability to care for themselves and their newborns. You are not alone, and you deserve to feel better.

Parenting

Therapy for parents involves creating a safe space for you to honestly explore your parenting challenges, provide practical strategies for navigating the complexities of parenting and balance the demands of parenthood with self-care. 

In addition, we offer specialized treatment for pregnancy after loss (PAL) and pregnancy after infertility, acknowledging the profound challenge that comes with balancing worry with being hopeful. 

Click below to set up your initial appointment, or if you are still unsure, book a free 15-minute consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Common mental health symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum include depression, anxiety and baby blues.

Depression can involve persistent sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, fatigue or insomnia, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or difficulty bonding with your baby.
 
Anxiety can involve persistent worry and panic attacks, which can include a racing heart, shortness of breath, feelings of detachment, obsessive or compulsive behaviours such as checking baby, and feeling nervous or on edge.

You should seek professional help if you are experiencing ongoing distress, reduced functioning in daily life, suicidal thoughts, or just want to feel better about your pregnancy, birth or postpartum experience.

If you are in Canada and need immediate support, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at:

9-8-8

During your first session, your therapist will guide you through the therapy process, ask questions to understand your problem better and get to know you from a holistic perspective. Many individuals and couples find hope and relief in their first session after taking the critical first step toward improvement. This initial session frequently leads to new realizations and insights. 

At Ello, we understand that pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting are complex experiences through which both individuals and couples need support. As such, we treat both depending on your needs.

You and your therapist will work together to figure out a schedule that fits your needs and lifestyle, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Research has shown that individuals and couples who attend counselling regularly often find the most positive results. It’s all about creating a supportive routine that helps you thrive!

It is common to feel concerned about counselling costs, but viewing it as a valuable investment in your well-being is essential. Taking this step for yourself can lead to meaningful change, and the cost of not seeking help can be much greater. Remember, many extended health care plans offer coverage for these services. Your health and happiness truly deserve this investment.

$160 per hour for both individuals and couples. 

Our Specialists