I currently work in specialist perinatal mental health services and have particular experience supporting people during pregnancy, after birth and through the transition to parenthood. The perinatal period is one of the times when women are at greatest risk of experiencing mental health difficulties. Alongside the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy and birth, becoming a parent often brings profound changes in identity, relationships and responsibilities, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, OCD or difficulties adjusting to parenthood. For some, difficult birth experiences, pregnancy or baby loss, or an episode of postpartum psychosis may also lead to trauma. Together, we can develop an understanding of what you are experiencing and find practical ways of managing difficult thoughts and emotions, while also considering your relationship with your baby and your transition into parenthood.

 

For many people, becoming a parent also prompts reflection on their own experiences of being parented. For some, this brings up warm and supportive memories; for others, it may reconnect them with painful experiences, unmet emotional needs or difficult family relationships. Sometimes these experiences resurface in unexpected ways during pregnancy or early parenthood. Therapy can provide a safe space to process these memories and experiences, while also exploring how they may shape your attachment patterns, your relationships, your experience of becoming a parent, and your relationship with your baby. Together, we can recognise what you want to carry forward from your own upbringing and what you may wish to do differently, so that you can move into parenthood in a way that feels more intentional and aligned with your values.

 

For some parents, the transition to parenthood also brings additional challenges. I have particular experience supporting autistic parents and parents with ADHD to navigate the sensory, practical and emotional demands of pregnancy, birth and caring for a new baby. Together, we can better understand the challenges you may be experiencing, develop practical strategies that work for you, and recognise the unique strengths that neurodivergence can bring to parenting.

 

Alongside my perinatal work, I also have experience working with children and young people with learning disabilities in both outpatient and residential settings. Through this work, I developed a particular interest in supporting parents—whether you are adjusting to the birth of a baby with additional needs or raising a child with learning disabilities. While this journey often brings immense love, pride and joy, it can also involve grief, uncertainty, changes to expectations and practical challenges that are not always recognised by others. Therapy provides a space to process these experiences, understand your child’s unique profile of strengths and needs, recognise your own strengths as a parent, and think together about how to support your child’s social and emotional development while caring for your own wellbeing.