CBT FOR MOTHERS AND PARTNERS
Birth Trauma and Perinatal
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for pregnancy has emerged as a vital tool in addressing perinatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, and childbirth trauma.
CBT for Pregnancy, Perinatal and Postnatal
Pregnancy and childbirth are transitional times for parents, and they can also
bring about significant stress and emotional challenges. For some individuals,
the journey through pregnancy and childbirth can result in traumatic experiences
that impact their mental wellbeing
CBT offers a structured and evidence-based approach to addressing these
challenges, providing individuals with the skills and strategies needed to
navigate their emotions and thoughts effectively.
CBT interventions during the perinatal period, delivered by specialist perinatal therapists, focus on reducing the impact and developing coping strategies for
this emotional and challenging period.
During pregnancy, many parents-to-be may experience anxiety about childbirth,
concerns about their changing bodies, or worries about their ability to parent.
Others may have experienced past mental health difficulties, and these may
reappear during or after pregnancy.
Recognising the Impact of Birth Trauma
Many women feel pressure to appear grateful, resilient and emotionally strong after giving birth. As a result, they may hide their distress or dismiss their own emotional needs. Some mothers experience:
01
Flashbacks
02
Nightmares
03
Panic attacks
04
Intrusive memories
05
Overwhelming fear when thinking about future pregnancies
06
Emotionally numb, disconnected or constantly on edge
How Online EMDR Therapy Can Help
Online EMDR therapy offers a flexible and accessible way for new mothers to access specialist trauma support without leaving home. This can be particularly valuable during the early months of parenting, when travel, recovery, and childcare responsibilities can make attending appointments difficult.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) helps the brain process distressing memories so they feel less overwhelming over time. Sessions are carefully paced and supported by grounding techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and a strong therapeutic relationship.
Working with a trauma-informed clinician experienced in perinatal mental health is important. Effective therapy combines evidence-based treatment with compassion and sensitivity to each family’s unique experience.
How Does Our Online Therapy Clinic Work?
Three simple steps from your first booking to a personalised treatment plan.
Book a therapy session
We are here to help you navigate your mental health and wellbeing. Book your first session with one of our experts and we can figure things out together, and come up with a bespoke treatment plan.
Confidential, Flexible, Accessible and Effective
We specialise in evidence-based remote therapy. With online therapy you can access it with the convenience that suits you.
Begin the journey to be your best self.
We offer expert tailor-made interventions for your unique needs.
Clinical Expertise & Care Standards
Explore our frequently asked questions to understand our trauma-informed methodologies, professional clinical standards, and specialised executive workplace support programmes
What is birth trauma, and can it affect my mental health?
Birth trauma can refer to a childbirth experience that is physically traumatic or experienced as traumatic by the parent. It can affect mothers and birth partners and may contribute to difficulties such as anxiety, intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling constantly on edge or symptoms of post-traumatic stress. At The Online Therapy Clinic, specialist perinatal therapists provide tailored CBT and trauma-focused support to help you work through these difficulties.
Can CBT help with anxiety and depression during pregnancy or after birth?
Yes. CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment that can help with difficulties such as anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period. At The Online Therapy Clinic, specialist perinatal therapists use CBT to help you understand patterns in your thoughts and emotions and develop practical strategies to manage your difficulties. NICE recommends psychological interventions such as CBT for depression and anxiety during the perinatal period where clinically appropriate.
Can EMDR help with birth trauma?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) can be used as a trauma-focused psychological treatment for people experiencing PTSD following a traumatic birth. NICE specifically recommends trauma-focused CBT or EMDR for PTSD resulting from traumatic birth, miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. At The Online Therapy Clinic, EMDR is delivered online by experienced clinicians and can be incorporated into an individually tailored treatment approach.
Can I have online therapy after giving birth if I cannot travel to a clinic?
Yes. The Online Therapy Clinic provides remote therapy, allowing you to access specialist support from home. This can be particularly useful during pregnancy or the early months of parenthood when recovery, travel and childcare responsibilities can make attending appointments difficult. Therapy can be tailored to your circumstances and treatment needs.
Do I need to have PTSD to receive therapy for birth trauma?
No. You do not necessarily need a formal PTSD diagnosis to seek support after a difficult or distressing birth. NICE recommends that women who have experienced a traumatic birth and wish to talk about their experience should be offered advice and support. A specialist therapist can assess your difficulties and discuss whether CBT, EMDR or another appropriate therapeutic approach may be suitable for you
