Pregnancy Therapy Services
Feel like you again.
Pregnancy therapy and pre-pregnancy consulting services by Therapy For Moms – Houston, Tx.
Pregnancy and Pre-Pregnancy Therapy Offerings
For people who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be valuable tools to support during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that while therapy can be a valuable resource during pregnancy, it should always be conducted under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional who has experience working with pregnant women and understands the physiological aspects of hormones and how they affect the body and brain. The specific benefits and goals of therapy may vary from person to person, so an individualized approach is essential.
Here are five ways in which these therapeutic approaches can be beneficial:
Reducing Anxiety and Stress:
Pregnancy often comes with heightened anxiety and stress, which can have physical and emotional implications for the mother and the baby. CBT and talk therapy can help women manage and reduce these feelings by teaching coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and reframing negative thought patterns.
Managing Perinatal Mood Disorders:
Some women may experience mood disorders such as depression or anxiety during pregnancy. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating these conditions by identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. Talk therapy can provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space to discuss and explore these feelings.
Enhancing Coping Skills:
Pregnancy can bring about significant life changes and challenges. CBT and talk therapy can help women develop effective coping skills to navigate these changes, make important decisions, and deal with the stressors associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
Improving Communication and Relationships:
Pregnancy can impact a woman's relationships, including those with her partner, family, in-laws and friends. Therapy can help women improve their communication skills, express their needs, and address any relationship difficulties they may be experiencing.
Preparing for Parenting:
CBT and talk therapy can help women prepare for the emotional and psychological aspects of becoming a parent. It can provide a safe space to discuss fears, expectations, and concerns, and to develop a plan for addressing postpartum issues and self-care.
Therapy for Pregnant Mothers
Therapy with pregnant mothers is generally focused on addressing their emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy, but there are certain issues that are relatively rare or less commonly addressed openly. Therapy is a safe space to explore such topics.
Additional topics for pregnant moms might include:
Pregnancy Loss and Grief:
While pregnancy loss is not rare, it is less commonly discussed openly or addressed, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Therapy can provide support for women who have experienced miscarriages or stillbirths.
Fears and Phobias Related to Pregnancy and Childbirth:
Some pregnant women may have intense fears or phobias related to pregnancy and childbirth, such as tokophobia (fear of childbirth) or fear of needles or medical procedures. These specific fears are relatively rare but can be distressing.
Pregnancy and Substance Use Disorders:
Substance use during pregnancy, though not common, can be a complex issue. Therapy can help address addiction and provide support for substance use disorders during pregnancy.
Complex Medical Conditions:
Women with rare or complex medical conditions during pregnancy may require specialized therapy to address the emotional and psychological aspects of their health challenges. This might include conditions like gestational diabetes, hyperemesis gravidarum, or multiple gestations (e.g., twins or higher-order multiples).
High-Risk Pregnancies:
Women with high-risk pregnancies, such as those with pre-existing medical conditions or complications like preeclampsia, may experience unique emotional challenges. Therapy can offer support for managing the stress and anxiety associated with these situations.
Loss of Independence or Identity:
Some women may struggle with the loss of independence and identity during pregnancy, especially if they feel their life is dramatically changing. This is more common in cases where women had highly independent or career-focused lives before pregnancy.
Cultural and Religious Factors:
The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on pregnancy and parenting can be a less common but important aspect of therapy. It’s essential to address any conflicts or concerns related to cultural or religious expectations and practices.
Previous Trauma or Abuse:
Some women may have experienced previous trauma or abuse, and pregnancy can bring up unresolved emotions or fears. Addressing past trauma is less common but can be crucial in therapy with pregnant women.
Extreme Fertility or Infertility Challenges:
While infertility is a well-known issue, women who have experienced extreme challenges in achieving or avoiding pregnancy (e.g., multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization) may require specialized therapy to address the emotional impact of their unique fertility journey.
We regularly address these topics in practice at Therapy for Moms.
- Parenting (infants, toddlers pre-teens and adolescents)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
- PTSD
- Grief/Bereavement
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Birth Trauma
- Infertility
- Infant Loss/Miscarriage/Stillborn
- Relationships, Communication & Family Dynamics
- Setting boundaries
- Working motherhood
- Relationships with in-laws and parents
- Trauma
- Stress and Stress Management
Schedule a Session
Therapy sessions are available by appointment only and offered in-person or via telehealth. Interested in becoming a client? Please complete the form below.
Need a consultation? Let’s connect for 10 minutes
