CBT Therapy for Postnatal Depression
Understanding Postnatal Depression
After having a baby, you may find that your experience is very different from what you expected.
You might feel persistently low, emotionally numb, anxious, irritable or overwhelmed, or find that things which would normally bring pleasure or connection feel difficult to engage with.
You may also notice yourself withdrawing from other people, becoming highly self-critical, comparing yourself with other parents, or feeling that you should be coping better than you are. These thoughts and behaviours can reinforce low mood and make it harder to access support or recognise what you need.
Therapy can offer a space to understand what has been happening in the context of the changes, pressures and expectations surrounding new parenthood, and help you develop different ways of responding to difficult thoughts, emotions and situations.
We recommend that you consult your GP or Midwife about your feelings prior to consulting for psychological help.
AVAILABLE FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE
We're Ready to Help You
We offer all prospective clients an hour long, informal and confidential chat to discuss your postnatal concerns for just £30.
There's no pressure to undertake any therapy going forward, no judgement from us and we're very friendly and easy to talk to!
♦ Ongoing sessions:
Typically weekly or fortnightly, tailored to your needs.
♦ Location:
Comfortable private setting near Wolverhampton / Wombourne, with free parking.
Secure online therapy available with Paul across the UK.
♦ Fees:
Ongoing sessions: £90/hr
What Can Cause Postnatal Depression?
Postnatal depression can often emerge from a combination of life experiences and environmental factors that challenge a new mother's sense of self and agency.
The transition into motherhood can bring about significant changes in identity, relationships, and daily routines, which may feel overwhelming when coupled with a lack of support or understanding from family and friends.
Experiences such as feeling unprepared for the demands of parenthood, facing financial stress, or dealing with previous trauma can contribute to feelings of isolation and inadequacy.
Additionally, societal pressures to portray a perfect motherhood can intensify feelings of guilt or sadness when reality falls short, making it essential to recognise these influences as valid and worthy of exploration and support.
Postnatal Depression Symptoms
Postnatal Depression symptoms are similar to those associated with general Depression and generally fall into two main groups, emotional and physical:
Emotional Symptoms
- Persistent sadness or low mood.
- Excessive crying.
- Feeling overwhelmed.
- Intense irritability or anger.
- Severe mood swings.
- Difficulty bonding with the baby.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little).
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much).
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Physical aches and pains.
Take the Depression Test
Find out if you have the signs and symptoms linked to depression by taking the PHQ-9 depression test here.
Psychological therapy with paul
CBT Therapy Options for Postnatal Depression
ABOUT PAUL
Meet Paul Lee MSc
Hello, I'm Paul and I've been working with people as a psychologist, psychotherapist and coach since 2009. I have expert knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and adopt a non-medicalised philosophy when helping people overcome mental health challenges. This means that I will frame your current difficulties as being the result of what has happened to you rather than what is wrong with you.
What to Expect from Therapy
Therapy isn't something that is simply done to you. Although your therapist can provide understanding, guidance and practical psychological strategies, meaningful change usually develops through what you discover, practice and begin to do differently in your everyday life.
At Tranceform, we see therapy as a collaborative process. We'll work together to understand the patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviour that may be keeping the problem going, while helping you explore different ways of responding. Sometimes this involves questioning long-held assumptions, reducing avoidance or experimenting with behaviours that initially feel unfamiliar.
The aim isn't to make you dependent upon therapy or to promise a quick fix. It's to help you develop greater understanding, confidence and agency so that, over time, you become better equipped to manage difficulties for yourself.
Therapy provides the guidance. You provide the practice. We create the change together.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP