There are many facets to counselling in the area of pregnancy and parenting.

Postnatal depression

Do you think you may be suffering from postnatal depression?  Postnatal depression can start any time up to two years after the birth of your baby.  It is not uncommon for women to suffer in silence.  You need not be one of those people.

Postnatal depression (PND) is a dreadful illness which, if ignored, can lead to devastating consequences.  You may feel isolated, like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  Are you struggling to look after your baby as well as yourself?

I have more than ten years’ experience with the Basingstoke National Childbirth Trust (NCT) supporting women suffering from postnatal depression.  Having experienced severe PND myself, I can understand how it feels not to be able to manage even the simplest of tasks.  It is important to remember that it is not your fault.

Many people I have worked with have expressed feelings of guilt for having PND.  I can promise you that, given the right support, it is possible to make a full recovery from PND.

As an experienced counsellor, I provide expertise and environment where you can explore your feelings in a confidential and comfortable way.  In Harmony’s private counselling room, many clients comment upon their sense of relief gained from release of pent-up emotions.

Sometimes it is necessary to visit your GP and consider taking medication in order to aid your recovery.  This may be an action we can jointly decide upon should you decide to pursue counselling.  Talking about your feelings coupled with taking medication, is often an effective method for managing postnatal depression.

Why not contact me and give Harmony a try?

Pregnancy choices

Life does not always go according to plan and some mothers find themselves needing to make difficult choices when facing unintended pregnancy.

I am a qualified pregnancy choices practitioner and can help you explore this difficult decision-making process.  Together we can explore your circumstances and feelings, enabling you to decide upon a way forward.

Harmony is based in The Pregnancy Choices Centre   (http://basingstokepcc.org.uk/) in central Basingstoke where I work in partnership, offering support to women facing difficult life choices.  Much of this work involves working holistically with a client, using the Head/Heart Egan Based Model (HHEBM). (Egan G. (1994) The Skilled Helper – a problem management approach to helping – 5th edition, Chapter 2, page 20.  Brooks Cole).

Client autonomy is maintained at all times and in the confidential environment of the private counselling room you can find warmth, acceptance and a way forward.

Why not contact me to see if I can help?

The loss of a baby

Nothing can prepare you for the loss of your baby.  This can be an impossibly difficult time for you as a parent, often beyond words.

I have experience of listening to bereaved parents, being able to show deep empathy and understanding.

Whether your loss has been post-birth, or through a late pregnancy delivery, I can provide support.

The grief process experience after baby loss is intense, often generating a real, physical pain.  I understand those feelings and am here for you to express how you are feeling.  In addition to extreme sadness, many feel anger at their loss, and this is perfectly normal.

Harmony offers a place where you can come and be yourself, without judgement, and with full acceptance.  Counselling for baby loss is not a quick process and it is usually a long road to recovery.  Many clients find life is never the same again, but in time, they discover a way to live through such an experience, feeling ultimately stronger.

Why not contact me to see if I can help?

Miscarriage

Defined as the loss of a pregnancy, up to twenty-four weeks.  Miscarriage can often feel like an unrecognised loss.  This is because you have experienced a genuine loss on the inside, yet it is not possible for others to see anything on the outside.

Miscarriage can come as a terrible shock with unbearable emotional and physical symptoms.  There is a difference between an early miscarriage (experienced within the first twelve weeks), and a late miscarriage (between weeks twelve and twenty-four).  However, at whatever stage you lose your baby, there is still a grieving process that needs to be experienced.  This often involves the natural stages of grief such a shock, numbness, denial and anger.

At Harmony’s private counselling room you can talk through some of the above feelings.  Sometimes it can help to give names to your babies, even though they have not been born. However, some women just simply want to move on from their experience.  The choice is entirely yours and I can accompany you every step of the way.

Sometimes it can help to write a letter to your baby or to create a memory box/tribute.  These are all activities that can take place within the counselling room should you wish.

Why not pick up the phone and give Harmony a try?