Is Counseling During Pregnancy Right for You? 6 Considerations

Pregnant or not, the decisions to seek counseling can feel like quite the inner-battle. You are feeling overwhelmed, worrying about the same things over and over, and your stressors are outweighing your current coping mechanisms. 

You’ve thought about seeking counseling for months, maybe years, but actually doing it feels next to impossible. 

And yet, everyone you talk to who sees a therapist (if they’re willing to share) says it’s been a game changer. The line I’ve heard most over the years is “Why doesn’t everyone do this”? Also common: “I wish I’d come sooner.”

I’m not going to try to convince you, because I know you need to exercise your right to choose what’s best for you. I know my own voice of I-don’t-wanna is strong, and I have to honor her position (though do try not to give her the last word too often).

BUT it is my passion to inform women of their choices,  big and small, and feel strongly that being emotionally empowered while walking the reproductive path is crucial. 

It can mean difference between feeling connected versus isolated, self-compassionate versus guilt-stricken, and resourced versus confused about what or who can help during the time(s) you need it most. 

Okay, so how do you choose whether counseling is right for YOU? 

Now that you’re pregnant - or even if you are planning to be soon - therapy or supportive counseling may be helpful if you: 

1. are only thinking/worrying/ruminating about pregnancy OR doing everything in your power not to.
2. have risk factors for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)*
3. have been pregnant and/or given birth to a baby before and you have some lingering feelings of disappointment or disempowerment by the experience.
4. your difficulty focusing is getting in the way of your "to do" list and you feel accountability will help.
5. like the idea of establishing trust with a professional who can be part of the support team postpartum IF needed (spoiler alert: counseling can be a protective factor for PMADS). 
6. are a human woman who has a hunch that it may be helpful to access more support during one of the most life-altering times in your life.

*Risk factors include: 

• family and/or personal History of PMADS, 
• history of mood disorders; personal or family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, or OCD􏰂; 
• significant mood reactions to hormonal changes (e.g., with puberty, PMS, hormonal birth control, pregnancy loss); 
• endocrine dysfunction (e.g., history of thyroid imbalance or other endocrine disorders); 
• decreased fertility􏰂; 
• social factors such as inadequate social support, interpersonal violence, financial stress/poverty

Does any of this resonate with you? I'll be adding more in coming weeks about the specific benefits you gain during this unique and time-limited experience, but if you're ready, go ahead make that call. (More on finding a therapist here, here, and here). 


Yours in wellness, self-care and compassion,

Shana
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​Think I may be the right fit for you or a loved one? Feel free to email me at contact@shanaaverbach.com or call 415-963-3546 for a free 20-minute consultation call.

Want lots more education about PMADS and access to maternal mental health support anywhere in the country and beyond? Check out Postpartum Support International!

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