Menu
Menu
Perinatal and Postpartum Counselling Calgary
Your Mental Health During and After Pregnancy
Welcome to Virtuous Circle Counselling, your trusted partner in mental wellness during the perinatal period. We specialize in perinatal and postpartum counselling in Calgary, offering compassionate and professional support for individuals navigating the complex emotions and experiences of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or adjusting to life after birth, our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way.
What is Perinatal and Postpartum Counselling?
Perinatal counselling refers to therapy that is provided during the perinatal period, which includes both prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) stages.
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, our perinatal counselling is designed to support individuals and families as they navigate the emotional, psychological, and physical changes that come with pregnancy, childbirth, and the early stages of parenthood. This type of counselling addresses a range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship challenges and stress management.
Postpartum counselling, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the period after childbirth, helping new parents manage the emotional and mental health challenges that often arise. Our postpartum counselling offers a safe and supportive space to explore feelings of sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, and more, helping new parents adjust to their new roles and maintain their mental well-being.
Who Needs Perinatal and Postpartum Counselling?
Perinatal and postpartum counselling is beneficial for anyone who is experiencing emotional or psychological challenges related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the early stages of parenthood. It is particularly helpful for individuals who are:
- Experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.
- Struggling with perinatal mood disorders, including prenatal depression or anxiety.
- Coping with traumatic birth experiences or pregnancy loss.
- Adjusting to the new demands of parenthood and the changes in family dynamics.
- Managing pre-existing mental health conditions that are affected by pregnancy or childbirth.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues, perinatal counselling at Virtuous Circle Counselling can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenges.
Postpartum Depression and Its Symptoms
Postpartum depression is a common condition that affects many new mothers and can also impact new fathers. It typically begins within the first few weeks after childbirth but can occur anytime within the first year. Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary in severity and may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
- Intense irritability or anger.
- Difficulty bonding with the baby.
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
- Anxiety or panic attacks.
- Fatigue or insomnia.
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help. At Virtuous Circle Counselling, our experienced therapists provide postpartum depression psychotherapy and postpartum depression treatment tailored to your unique needs, offering effective strategies to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Does Perinatal Include Postpartum?
Yes, the term perinatal includes both the prenatal and postpartum periods. It refers to the time from conception through the first year after birth, encompassing all the emotional, psychological, and physical changes that occur during this time. At Virtuous Circle Counselling, our perinatal mental health services are designed to support you through every stage of this journey, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery.
Common Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
There are several common mental health conditions and concerns that can arise during the perinatal period, including:
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): A type of depression that occurs after childbirth, characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Perinatal Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy or postpartum, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Postpartum PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder that can develop after a traumatic childbirth experience.
- Perinatal Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder that manifests during pregnancy or the postpartum period, characterized by mood swings between mania and depression.
- Perinatal OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder that develops during pregnancy or postpartum, often involving intrusive thoughts and compulsions related to the baby’s safety.
Our perinatal mental health services in Calgary are equipped to address these conditions and more, providing a comprehensive approach to mental health care during this critical time.
How to Get a Perinatal Mental Health Referral
If you are experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy or the postpartum period, the first step is to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in perinatal mental health. At Virtuous Circle Counselling, we accept referrals from doctors, midwives, and other healthcare providers. You can also self-refer by contacting us directly to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced therapists.
When Does Postpartum Depression Start?
Postpartum depression typically begins within the first few weeks after childbirth, although it can develop anytime within the first year. The exact timing can vary from person to person, and some individuals may begin to experience symptoms during pregnancy, which is known as prenatal depression.
It’s important to monitor your mental health closely during the perinatal period and seek help if you notice any concerning changes in mood, behavior, or thought patterns.
What to Expect During a Perinatal Counselling Session
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, our approach to perinatal and postpartum counselling is tailored to meet your unique needs. Here’s what you can generally expect during a counselling session:
- Assessment and Goal Setting: In the initial sessions, your counsellor will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your mental health history, current concerns, and goals for therapy.
- Developing Coping Strategies: Your therapist will work with you to develop effective coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mental health concerns.
- Exploring Emotions and Experiences: Counselling provides a safe space to explore your emotions and experiences related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood, helping you process these experiences and move forward.
- Building Support Networks: Your therapist can help you identify and build a support network, including family, friends, and community resources, to support you through the perinatal period.
Choose Virtuous Circle Counselling for Perinatal Support
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in perinatal and postpartum counselling, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. We understand that every person’s experience is different, and we strive to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate this challenging time.
Take the First Step Towards Healing Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with perinatal or postpartum mental health concerns, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Virtuous Circle Counselling today to learn more about our perinatal and postpartum counselling services in Calgary and take the first step towards healing. Your mental health is important, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Book Your Appointment Online
We are currently accepting new clients however being a good fit is everything in a therapeutic alliance. When you’re ready, please contact us for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we match your needs and goals.
Our Alberta Locations
WestMount Corporate Campus
4838 Richard Rd SW Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3E 6L1
Phone: (587) 856-8369
Crowfoot West Business Centre
600 Crowfoot Crescent NW Suite 340
Calgary, AB T3G 0B4
Phone: (403) 797-0660
North Campus
160 Quarry Park Blvd SE Suite 300
Calgary, AB T2C 3G3
Phone: (587) 782-4277
Our Edmonton Locations
ELM Business Park
9426 51 Ave NW Suite 201
Edmonton, AB T6E 5A6
Phone: (587) 741-2364
Our British Columbia Locations
Landmark 6
1631 Dickson Ave Suite 1100
Kelowna, BC V1Y 0B5
Phone: (778) 654-5396
Our Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Sunday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 8pm
Our Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 8pm
Sunday: 8am to 8pm
Copyright 2023 © All rights Reserved. Virtuous Circle Counselling
We at Virtuous Circle Counselling acknowledge Moh’kinstsis, the lands where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet, in what we currently call Calgary. We acknowledge that we are visitors on Moh’kinsstis and acknowledge the Blackfoot are those who named this area as Moh’kinsstis. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize the ancestral territories, cultures, and oral practices of the Blackfoot people, the Îyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Dene people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.