I offer birth trauma counselling and postnatal trauma counselling in Edinburgh at 22 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7RN and online across the UK. Moving into motherhood is a complete shift in how we see ourselves, our bodies, our minds and our relationships. As a woman it is one of the biggest transitions we can experience.
Matrescence is a time when hormones shift, we go through a potentially traumatic experience where we do not feel in control and we come out the other side with a whole new role to contend with. Partners go through their own version of this: Patrescence and it is a journey back to ourselves or to a new version of ourselves.
Perhaps you are not feeling connected with your baby in the way you were expected? You are feeling more distant from your partner? After the initial rush of visitors has subsided early motherhood can be a lonely place. You are not alone and if you need somewhere to understand these changes and feeling I offer a free call to see if postnatal depression counselling is for you.
NICU Experiences
Perhaps you have had a baby spend time in the neonatal unit. Your motherhood journey did not begin as you had hoped and you need somewhere to discuss how this has impacted you, your baby and your family. I recognise how challenging it is to spend time in the NICU and the various emotions experienced during this time. I offer a place to process your less typical journey into matrescence and move into a place where you can thrive. Becoming a mother is a complete identity shift and you have had to enter this under more challenging conditions compared to most-let me support you in this next phase.
Birth Trauma
Birth can be a chaotic and unexpected experience for many whether this is medical interventions, emergency caesearians or feelings that you did not consent. Medical trauma can arise if birth is not what was planned. I offer you counselling to support through this challenging time. The shift to motherhood can be challenging enough without a negative birth experience, counselling can be an act of self compassion after a deeply challenging event.
Postpartum Anxiety/Depression
Motherhood is not always what we expect. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions-joy, fear, anxiety, deep sadness, anger and sheer exhaustion. Changes in hormones can impact the way we feel in ourselves and on top of this we are navigating keeping a little being alive. It is not easy.
I am here to support you and hold space for all the emotions you may be feeling. Early motherhood can put pressure on relationships such as the “communication gap” which may have arisen with your partner, it can change the way we see ourselves, our bodies, our minds and our lives. Talking about this and making space for you at this time is important. If you want a space to explore how you really are right now send me a message and we can arrange an introductory call to see if we are a good fit.
Birth trauma doesn’t just live in the mind, it heavily registers as physical tension or a constant state of high alert in the body. In our quiet Drumsheugh Gardens space we use gentle therapeutic approaches to safely unpack the flashbacks, panic, and hyper vigilance left behind by a difficult delivery. We work in a controlled environment, where your nervous system can finally learn to feel safe again.
Not at all. I have intentionally chosen my West End location (EH3) because it acts as a quiet, low-stimulus sanctuary away from busy medical or hospital settings. It sits right by the peaceful Drumsheugh Gardens and Dean Village, a short stroll away from the Modern Art galleries. The building has a private entrance and is easily accessible by public transport or car.
Yes, for many mothers navigating birth trauma, finding childcare or being separated from their baby creates an extra layer or barrier and anxiety. You are completely welcome to bring your infant to the West End Practice. Alternatively, many clients find our online therapy or local outdoor walk-and-talk therapy options a much easier fit in early motherhood.
I work from my West End Practice at 22 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7RN.
Not based in Edinburgh? I offer online therapy across Scotland and the UK: 1to1, couples and group sessions.