This program is created by a psychologist and based on psychological theories, principles and research. This means that it can go beyond the traditional peer support approach to provide information and strategies that are carefully combined to address the common thoughts and feelings facing parents after a distresing birth. The program is therefore evidence-based and highly relevant for parents affected by a traumatic or distressing birth experience.  

I believe that many parents could benefit significantly from such psychological support even if they have not developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or postnatal depression/anxiety after their birth – because a difficult birth can create a ripple effect, impacting confidence, self-esteem, relationships and the adjustment to parenthood. That’s why I took great care to create this program!

It’s important to know that this is a group program and not 1-1 support. However, I deliberately keep group size small so I can think about each group member as we move through the program and you will be able to ask me your questions during the weekly sessions and in the closed facebook group. I will also carefully consider your suitability for the group when you enrol to ensure it is best for you – and call you after completion to chat about any further support and next steps for you. 

If you are currently struggling with frequent unwanted distressing thoughts about your birth experience and the memories or associated feelings are affecting your day-to-day life, then individual therapy is likely to be best for you. I’d advise you to start by chatting to your GP about what you are experiencing and potential referral options.

If you have a diagnosis of depression/anxiety and are already accessing professional support, you are very welcome to apply to join the program. We can chat prior to the start to ensure that the group is a suitable pathway for you.

If you are generally doing well but would value some additional time, support and tools to deal with your birth experience, an online group program like this sounds right for you.

As this program is a small group program, facilitated live online, I can only run it every few months. I am likely to be running this program in April, July and October in 2024. Spots are limited to keep group size small. If you’d like to be notified when I open enrolments, please join the waitlist. 

When deciding whether or not to do this program, it might be important for you to know that you are choosing a program that has been designed and led by an experienced perinatal clinical psychologist. The program is evidence-based: built on psychological principles and research about birth trauma, as well my clinical experience of working individually with parents who have had difficult, distressing or traumatic births. 

As a registered health progressional, I am prohibited from using testimonials from my clients (which is why you won’t see any on this website!)

Please bear in mind, as with any psychological intervention, there are numerous factors involved in determining how valuable the program might be for you. It is impossible for me to promise or guarantee a particular result, but we can discuss my suggested next steps for you individually at the end of the program.

Absolutely not! Birth is complex and there is no ‘right way’ to give birth. I believe women should be supported to birth in whatever way feels safest to them, based on their own concerns, preferences, needs and research. I am aware that there are many different factors involved in a difficult birth experience, which is discussed in more depth in the program. 

Of course! We understand that difficult feelings about birth can linger for many years if you have had the right support to process your experience. 

Each session lasts about an hour and you may wish to continue some of the activities in your own time afterwards.  If you can carve out 1-2 hours a week across the six weeks to dedicate to healing from your birth, then this course is very doable for you.

If you can’t make a session, you will receive access to a content summary so you can catch up on what you missed. You can also email me questions before each group which I’ll then answer for you in the session.

I plan to offer this program in 2025, but am not yet sure exactly when it will be running.  If you’d like to be notified when I open enrolments, please join the waitlist.

PLEASE ENROL MINDFULLY – important information

• The content in the program is a culmination of eight years of clinical psychology training and a further eight years of clinical practice in anxiety, trauma, women’s health and perinatal psychology. The content of the course is based on strategies that I teach within the framework of individual psychological therapy but has been adapted to suit a non-clinical population.
• Although the course runs for six weeks, you will have ongoing access to the session summaries and materials shared during the program. You’ll also have access to any new resources that are added to the program during the next 12 months.