Perinatal mental health support in Tunbridge Wells
Perinatal Therapy in Tunbridge Wells
The journey to parenthood is often portrayed as a time of pure joy. The reality is more complex. Alongside the excitement, many people experience significant emotional challenges, during pregnancy, after birth, or both.
At a glance
- Affects 1 in 5 mothers during pregnancy or the first year
- Treatable with specialist psychological therapy
- Support from pregnancy onwards through the postnatal period
- Available online and in-person in Tunbridge Wells
Recognising perinatal mental health difficulties
Perinatal difficulties can show up in different ways. Many parents dismiss early signs as normal tiredness or stress, but it is worth paying attention to how you are feeling:
Emotional changes
Mood swings, persistent tearfulness, numbness, or irritability that feels out of proportion. Feeling disconnected from yourself or your baby.
Anxious thoughts
Excessive worry about your baby's safety or health. Intrusive thoughts about harm. Fear that something terrible will happen. Difficulty switching off.
Behavioural changes
Withdrawing from your partner, family, or friends. Avoiding being alone with your baby. Excessive checking behaviours. Difficulty bonding or feeling detached.
What we can help with
Postnatal depression
More than "baby blues." A persistent low mood, hopelessness, or emptiness that doesn't lift. Feeling overwhelmed, tearful, or unable to enjoy time with your baby. Learn more about depression and how we treat it.
Postnatal anxiety
Constant worry about your baby's safety or wellbeing. Difficulty sleeping even when your baby sleeps. Racing thoughts and physical tension that won't ease.
Birth trauma
When the experience of giving birth leaves lasting psychological wounds. Flashbacks, nightmares, or avoiding reminders of the birth. Read more
Perinatal OCD
Unwanted, distressing intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby. These are surprisingly common and do not mean you will act on them, but they can be deeply frightening. Read more
Bonding difficulties
Feeling detached from your baby, or struggling to experience the connection you expected. This is more common than people realise, and it can improve with the right support.
Antenatal depression and anxiety
Low mood, persistent worry, or fear during pregnancy. Concerns about the birth, your baby's health, or your ability to cope as a parent.
You are not alone, and it is not your fault
Perinatal mental health difficulties affect a significant proportion of new parents. Yet shame and stigma often keep people silent. Contributing factors can include hormonal and physical changes, sleep deprivation, complicated birth experiences, previous mental health difficulties, relationship strain, and pressure to be a "perfect parent."
Whatever the cause, struggling does not make you a bad parent. It makes you human.
How we help
Our Clinical Psychologists in Tunbridge Wells and Kent offer sensitive, specialist support for perinatal mental health, drawing on evidence-based approaches including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts
- EMDR for birth trauma and past experiences affecting your current wellbeing
- Compassion-Focused Therapy when harsh self-judgement or guilt are prominent
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build a meaningful parenting experience alongside difficult feelings
- Parent-infant work to support bonding and the developing relationship with your baby
We provide a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can be honest about your struggles without fear of being seen as an inadequate parent.
What to expect from therapy
Free phone consultation
A chance to talk through what you are experiencing. We will listen without judgement, answer your questions, and match you with the right psychologist for your needs.
Assessment
Your first session explores your experience in depth, understanding your difficulties and what is maintaining them. Together we will agree a treatment approach.
Therapy
Working through the specific challenges you are facing, whether that is depression, anxiety, trauma, intrusive thoughts, or difficulties bonding with your baby.
Moving forward
Building confidence as a parent, strengthening your relationship with your baby, and developing tools to maintain your wellbeing going forward.
You don't have to do this alone
Getting support during the perinatal period benefits you and your baby. Treatment can ease your distress, strengthen your relationship with your child, and help you find your feet as a parent.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health covers psychological difficulties during pregnancy and the first year after birth. This includes antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, PTSD following birth trauma, OCD related to the baby, and adjustment difficulties. Up to 1 in 5 women experience perinatal mental health problems.
Can I have therapy while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, psychological therapy is safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In fact, therapy can be preferable to medication during this time. Our psychologists have specialist training in perinatal mental health and understand the unique challenges of this period.
Is it normal to struggle after having a baby?
Adjusting to parenthood is one of the biggest life changes, and it is very common to experience emotional difficulties. While 'baby blues' in the first two weeks are normal, persistent low mood, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts beyond this point may benefit from professional support. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Our perinatal specialists
Our HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists have experience supporting parents through pregnancy and the postnatal period, using evidence-based approaches adapted to the unique challenges of this time.
Dr Nicola Meynen
Nicola has a special interest in perinatal mental health. She is a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with over 20 years of experience treating depression, anxiety, and stress during the perinatal period.
Dr Ellie Cavalli
Ellie has expertise in perinatal mental health and adjustment to life changes. She uses psychodynamic and mentalisation-based approaches, with over 15 years of experience.
Dr Abbie Barnes
Abbie takes a flexible, collaborative approach using CBT, ACT, CFT, and EMDR. She has a decade of NHS experience across mental and physical health settings, supporting people through low mood, anxiety, and trauma.
Dr Tamsin Lovell
Tamsin specialises in emotional regulation, attachment, and relationships using relational approaches and EMDR. She has over ten years of NHS experience working with individuals and families.
Dr Rachel Whatmough
Rachel works with postnatal difficulties and adjustment to parenthood using CBT, ACT, CFT, and mindfulness. She has over 20 years of experience across NHS, charity, and private settings.
Dr Catherine Lankester
Catherine uses CBT, CFT, ACT, and mindfulness to support people through anxiety, depression, and trauma. She has over 15 years of experience across NHS and private settings.
