07899 054 668 
Spa House 18 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP
07899 054 668 Spa House 18 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP
07899 054 668
Spa House 18 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP
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Harley Street Therapy for Perinatal Issues in London and Tunbridge Wells
Depression that occurs up to two years after giving birth is known as postnatal depression.
Speaking from experience, several themes seem to stand out for clients who come to therapy for postnatal depression such as:
Unresolved family and friendship issues: Tensions, resentments, or past disagreements that go unresolved (prior to a child being born) tends to come back and affect the person overwhelmingly.
Unresolved grief: from our past.
Adjusting: To the unforeseen changes that occur in life when a new baby arrives.
Over compensating: Feeling the need to ‘make it up’ to people on your return to work after having time on maternity leave and putting your needs last.
Competition: A real or perceived experience of competitive parents within the latest baby and toddler group. This often impacts self-worth and self-esteem.
Heightened awareness: Feelings of anxiety and going deeper into overthinking and worry.
The feeling of loneliness: even if we have people around us we may still feel a sense of withdrawal and isolation.
If you suspect you may be experiencing postnatal depression, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Postnatal depression can have significant impacts on your well-being and the bonding between you and your baby.
While it's natural to feel overwhelmed or have mood fluctuations in the early stages of motherhood, if these feelings persist for more than two weeks and interfere with your daily functioning, it is crucial to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Seeking support is a sign of strength and taking care of your mental health is vital for both you and your baby's well-being.
If you are experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues during pregnancy perinatal counselling in London and Tunbridge Wells can provide support.
Perinatal counselling can be helpful for...
Perinatal counselling can provide support for expectant mothers, new mothers, and their partners to help manage the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Perinatal counselling can address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and adjusting to parenthood.
Perinatal counselling can be beneficial for women and partners who have experienced previous trauma, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or traumatic childbirth.
Perinatal counselling can help to promote healthy attachment between parents and their newborn, which can have long-term benefits for the child's emotional and cognitive development.
Perinatal counselling can help to reduce the risk postpartum depression other mental health problems, which can have a negative impact on both the mother and baby.
Perinatal counselling can incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Process: Counselling provides a safe space to understand and express emotions related to postnatal depression, while CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Coping strategies: Both counseling and CBT help individuals develop effective coping strategies to manage postnatal depression symptoms, such as stress and anxiety.
Self-care and self-compassion: Counselling and CBT emphasise the importance of self-care and self-compassion, guiding individuals to prioritise their well-being.
Strengthening relationships: Counselling and CBT improve communication skills and help individuals rebuild and strengthen relationships and support networks affected by postnatal depression.
Long-term well-being: Counselling and CBT equip individuals with tools to prevent relapse, recognise early warning signs, and maintain mental well-being beyond therapy sessions.
Our Tunbridge Wells counselling service offers reliable therapy to help you work with issues relating to postnatal depression effectively.
If you're experiencing postnatal depression in London, don't hesitate to seek help and book a session with a therapist. You can navigate through this challenging time and find effective ways to cope with postnatal depression, improving your well-being and overall mental health. Take the first step towards healing and book your appointment today.
Postnatal anxiety, also known as postpartum anxiety, is a type of anxiety disorder that affects new mothers after childbirth.
It is a common condition that can cause feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness, and can interfere with a mother's ability to care for herself and her baby.
Some common signs and symptoms of postnatal anxiety include excessive worrying, feeling overwhelmed or on edge, having trouble sleeping even when the baby is asleep, experiencing the physical symptoms of anxiety such as a racing heart or sweating. You may be feeling that you don't know where you are with yourself emotionally.
While postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression are both mood disorders that can occur after childbirth, they are distinct conditions.
Postnatal anxiety is characterised by excessive worry and fear, while hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable are associated with postnatal depression.
Although these are the proposed differences, it doesn't mean you cannot experience a combination of both.
While postnatal depression has been extensively researched and reported on, postnatal anxiety has historically been overlooked or misdiagnosed, atleast, at the time of writing.
However, in recent years there has been growing recognition of the prevalence and impact of postnatal anxiety, and more research is being conducted to better understand the condition and develop effective treatments.
Postnatal anxiety affects approximately 10 - 15% of new mothers and can occur at any time during the first year after childbirth. Symptoms can persist for several months or even longer if left untreated.
If a woman suspects she may be experiencing postnatal anxiety, the first step is to speak with a healthcare provider.
This can be a primary care physician, obstetrician, or mental health professional.
These providers can assess symptoms, offer treatment options, and refer to specialists if needed.
It's important to remember that postnatal anxiety is a treatable condition and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
1. Identify triggers and underlying issues: A therapist can help you identify the root causes of anxiety. Issues may may include issues based in the past, or social isolation, dealing with change and loss. among other factors.
2. Teach coping skills: A therapist can teach relaxation, and other relevant techniques, to help manage anxiety symptoms.
3. Provide emotional support: Therapy provides a safe space to express and process emotions without judgment, which can be particularly helpful for women struggling with feelings of guilt or shame.
- New mothers
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Fatigue
- Baby blues
- Persistent pressure
- Impact
- Self-care
- Baby care
- Relationships
- Guilt
- Emotional well-being - Hormonal changes
- Anxiousness
- Stressors
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Lack of interest
- Loss of pleasure
- Crying
- Withdrawal
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Negative self-image
- Social isolation
- Self-help strategies
Yes. Harley Street Counselling and Training provides specialist postnatal counselling and emotional support from our Tunbridge Wells practice at Spa House (TN1), serving clients across West Kent including Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, as well as from our Central London rooms on Harley Street.
Yes. All postnatal counselling and emotional wellbeing support is available securely online UK‑wide. This allows you to access specialist help from the comfort of your home, which can be especially valuable during the early months of parenthood.
Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to explore overwhelming emotions, intrusive thoughts, changes in identity, and the pressures of early parenthood. Therapy can help you understand what you are experiencing, reduce feelings of isolation, regulate mood, and rebuild confidence. It also supports you in developing coping strategies, improving communication, and reconnecting with a sense of stability during a challenging period.
The duration of postnatal depression varies widely. Some people experience symptoms for a few weeks or months, while others may continue to struggle for a year or longer. Early support—such as counselling—can significantly aid recovery and help prevent symptoms from becoming more entrenched.
Partners and family members can play a vital role by offering emotional support, helping with practical tasks, encouraging rest and self‑care, and gently supporting the person to seek professional help. Understanding the condition, being patient, and maintaining open communication can make a meaningful difference to recovery.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of postnatal depression, including previous depression or anxiety, relationship difficulties, stressful life events, limited social support, complications during pregnancy or birth, and hormonal changes. However, anyone can experience postnatal depression, even without identifiable risk factors.
Yes. Postnatal depression can affect fathers and partners as well as mothers. Partners may experience sadness, irritability, fatigue, or emotional withdrawal. Seeking support is important for their wellbeing and for the overall health of the family system.
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