Exploring Perinatal Therapy in CA

The perinatal period refers to the period around childbirth, from the start of pregnancy through about the first year of the baby’s life. It includes prenatal (before birth), natal (during birth), and postnatal (after birth). This is a time of major changes for the mother and all primary caregivers. We offer perinatal therapy in CA to support the well-being of parents and the whole family unit during this transformative and sometimes turbulent period.

Common issues treated in perinatal therapy include:

Support around pregnancy planning
Prenatal and postpartum depression
Anxiety related to pregnancy or parenting
Birth trauma or fear of childbirth
Adjustment difficulties to parenthood
Grief from pregnancy loss or fertility challenges

Perinatal therapy helps individuals process their experiences, manage stress, and develop coping strategies for the significant life changes that come with becoming a parent. It involves various therapeutic techniques tailored to each individual’s needs and often combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and emotional support.

Personal Empowerment Through Perinatal Therapy

Perinatal therapy enhances your inner strength so you can better manage the ups and downs of parenthood effectively by:

Teaching you coping strategies: Your therapist will teach you mindfulness techniques that will help you focus on the present moment, reduce physical tension, and create a sense of calm.
Helping you build self-confidence: You are strong and capable! Through affirmations and goal-setting, your therapist will guide you to recognize these strengths and capabilities.
Encouraging you to make informed decisions: Your therapist will help you make informed decisions by providing evidence-based information about birth plans, parenting approaches, and mental health care options.
Fostering a more positive mindset: Our perinatal therapists help you reframe negative thoughts and focus on strengths. Further, your therapist will encourage self-compassion and celebrate small wins. Over time, you’ll notice yourself automatically doing this more, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perinatal Therapy

Many of our clients who utilize perinatal therapy are mothers. Birth mothers typically experience the most direct physical and hormonal changes during this period. However, perinatal care, including therapy, applies to mothers, fathers, and any primary caregiver facing the stress, anxiety, and sometimes tricky adjustment of the early stages of parenting. All primary caregivers are welcome and encouraged to reach out to us for perinatal therapy.

The duration of perinatal therapy varies depending on individual needs. For example, some moms require a few sessions before their due date to work through a fear of labor that has arisen during their pregnancy. A few sessions help by addressing their concerns, providing coping strategies, and building confidence for childbirth. Others may seek ongoing support while trying to get pregnant, throughout their pregnancy, and into the postpartum period to manage anxiety, depression, or the emotional adjustments of parenthood. Each journey is unique and can include as many sessions as is needed.

Absolutely. The perinatal period often comes with sleepless nights, fluctuating hormones, and shifting roles in the home, which is why some couples find the perinatal period to be overwhelming. If you and your partner find yourselves in this boat, a perinatal therapist in CA can help you navigate to smoother seas by providing practical tools to improve communication. Further, they offer a safe space to discuss your concerns and guide you through challenges so you can feel more supported in your new roles as parents.

Meet the Compassionate Therapists Who Will Support Your Perinatal Journey

Jennifer Edwards, ASW

Jennifer brings over a decade of experience in social work, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and family therapy. As a perinatal therapist, she works collaboratively with clients, using a strengths-based, holistic approach to help them navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. Jennifer integrates therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, and EFT to create a tailored plan that supports personal growth and well-being. Exclusively offering TeleHealth sessions, Jennifer’s compassionate approach helps empower families during this transformative period.

Sairah Abbasi, LCSW

With a deep commitment to fostering healing, Sairah uses a person-centered approach to help clients manage stress, improve relationships, and build self-worth. As a perinatal therapist, she addresses women’s health issues, such as miscarriages and endometriosis, while offering support through life’s challenges.

Sairah draws from therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR to meet each client’s unique needs. She works with individuals and couples via TeleHealth, ensuring flexible access to care. Sairah’s empathetic style creates a safe space for clients to find balance during the perinatal period.