November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025Material has been updated
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Your Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy: How a Psychologist Can Help

Pregnancy is often described as a joyful time - but for many expectant parents, it can also bring waves of worry, sadness, or unexpected stress. If you’ve found yourself feeling anxious, tearful, or “not like yourself,” you’re not alone. Many people in the United States seek help from a psychologist for pregnant women to manage the emotional ups and downs that can come with this major life change.

A psychologist who specializes in pregnancy provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help expectant mothers navigate challenges such as anxiety, mood swings, relationship tension, or fears about childbirth and parenting. These clinicians understand both the psychological and physiological shifts that occur before and after birth - and how they can affect your mental health.

In this guide, you’ll learn what perinatal psychologists do, how therapy during pregnancy works, practical coping techniques to try at home, and when to reach out for professional support. Whether you’re experiencing mood changes for the first time or continuing therapy from before pregnancy, emotional care during this season can make a meaningful difference for you and your baby.

Your Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy: How a Psychologist Can Help — pic 2

A psychologist for pregnant women helps expectant parents manage emotional health before and after birth. They specialize in how hormonal, psychological, and social changes affect well-being and relationships. Sessions may include talk therapy, coping skills, and support for adjusting to parenthood.

Pregnancy isn’t only a physical transformation - it’s also a profound psychological transition. Many women describe feeling pulled between excitement and fear, gratitude and guilt, or confidence and doubt. A psychologist who focuses on perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mental health helps you make sense of these mixed emotions in a safe, confidential space.

Understanding the Role of a Perinatal Psychologist

Perinatal psychologists are trained to recognize how biological, emotional, and environmental factors intersect during pregnancy. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), up to one in five women experience significant mood or anxiety symptoms during this period - a reminder that emotional changes are common, not a sign of weakness.

These psychologists use approaches such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts like “I’m not ready to be a good mother.”

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages self-compassion and mindful acceptance of difficult emotions.

  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Focuses on communication and role transitions, such as shifting identities from partner to parent.

  • Mindfulness-based therapy: Teaches grounding and relaxation techniques to manage stress and sleep difficulties.

Depending on your needs, therapy may explore relationship stress, trauma history, loss, or fears about childbirth and parenting.

Your Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy: How a Psychologist Can Help — pic 3

What Sessions May Look Like

In early sessions, a psychologist for pregnant women typically begins by learning about your background, medical history, and current stressors. The goal isn’t to “diagnose” but to understand your unique context - your relationships, sleep patterns, physical symptoms, and emotional triggers.

Over time, therapy may help you:

  • Develop healthy coping routines (rest, journaling, exercise, social support).

  • Recognize when anxious thoughts stem from hormonal changes vs. real external pressures.

  • Build emotional regulation tools, such as breathing or body-awareness practices.

  • Strengthen communication with your partner or support system.

Many clients find therapy especially valuable when they feel pressure to appear happy all the time. It can be a relief to express doubts or frustrations without fear of judgment.

Therapy during pregnancy is safe and evidence-based. In fact, early emotional care can reduce the risk of postpartum depression and strengthen bonding after birth.

Common Concerns Psychologists Address During Pregnancy

A psychologist for pregnant women may support clients through a variety of emotional experiences, such as:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability

  • Excessive worry about the baby’s health

  • Difficulty sleeping despite fatigue

  • Guilt or shame over “not feeling happy enough”

  • Conflicts with a partner, family, or workplace

  • Past trauma resurfacing during pregnancy

If these experiences begin to interfere with your daily life - or make it hard to connect with loved ones - therapy can help restore stability and confidence.

When to Reach Out

It’s time to consider professional support if:

  • Mood swings or anxiety last more than two weeks.

  • You withdraw from social contact or struggle to function at work or home.

  • You notice changes in eating, sleep, or focus that persist.

  • You experience panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, or a sense of detachment.

Remember: asking for help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It means you care enough about yourself and your baby to seek guidance.

If you ever experience thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for free, 24/7 confidential help. If there’s immediate danger, call 911.

Why Do Emotional Changes Happen During Pregnancy?

Emotional changes during pregnancy are linked to shifts in hormones, brain chemistry, physical stress, and life transitions. Understanding what’s happening inside your body and mind can make mood swings or anxiety feel less frightening - and more manageable with the right support.

Hormonal and Brain Chemistry Changes

Pregnancy brings dramatic fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin, which affect mood regulation and stress response. These hormones prepare your body for birth and bonding, but they can also heighten emotional sensitivity.
For example, sudden tears over a small frustration don’t mean you’re “overreacting” - they may reflect your body’s adaptive hormonal state.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that hormonal shifts can alter neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which influence how we experience pleasure and calm. Combined with changes in sleep and appetite, these fluctuations may increase vulnerability to anxiety or sadness, especially for those with a past history of depression or trauma.

Psychological and Identity Transitions

Beyond biology, pregnancy challenges your sense of identity. You may find yourself re-evaluating your values, independence, and relationships.
Many clients describe feeling both eager and uncertain - excited to meet their baby, yet anxious about whether they’ll “do it right.”

A psychologist for pregnant women helps normalize these mixed emotions. Through gentle questioning and reflective exercises, they can help you separate realistic concerns (like financial readiness or labor fears) from anxious thoughts that spiral into guilt or self-criticism.

Here’s the thing: these doubts are part of healthy adjustment. You’re not supposed to “have it all figured out” right away - your brain and heart are learning new roles.

Your Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy: How a Psychologist Can Help — pic 4

Social and Cultural Pressures

Cultural expectations can amplify emotional stress. In the U.S., many women report feeling pressure to appear endlessly happy, even when they’re exhausted or overwhelmed. Social media, family opinions, and unsolicited advice can reinforce perfectionism - making it harder to admit vulnerability.

Therapy can help you navigate these pressures by identifying your own boundaries and values. For example:

  • How do you want to define a “good mother”?

  • What myths or comparisons could you release?

  • Who in your circle genuinely supports you - and who drains you?

By answering these questions, therapy fosters self-trust - a vital skill for parenting.

Physical Discomfort and Stress Load

Pregnancy also brings physical demands that affect emotional balance. Sleep disruption, nausea, back pain, or medical complications can all strain your coping capacity. When fatigue accumulates, even small frustrations may feel magnified.

A psychologist for pregnant women can help you recognize these patterns and teach body-based coping tools such as:

  • Gentle mindfulness or guided imagery for relaxation

  • Breathing exercises to regulate the nervous system

  • Progressive muscle relaxation for sleep improvement

Some psychologists collaborate with OB-GYNs, doulas, or physical therapists to ensure your emotional and physical care are aligned - a “whole-person” approach that honors both body and mind.

Feeling emotionally sensitive during pregnancy doesn’t mean you’re unstable. It often means your body’s stress system is working overtime. Rest, connection, and therapy can help rebalance it.

Past Experiences and Trauma Activation

Pregnancy can resurface memories or grief that you thought were resolved - especially if you’ve experienced loss, abuse, or medical trauma. Certain sensations, hospital settings, or even prenatal tests can trigger emotional flashbacks.

Perinatal psychologists are trained to recognize trauma responses and use trauma-informed techniques such as grounding, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), or somatic awareness to help you feel safe in your own body again.
You’re encouraged to share past experiences at your own pace - there’s no rush or pressure. Healing is a gradual process that unfolds through safety and trust.

The Good News: Emotional Awareness Builds Resilience

Although emotional fluctuations are common, awareness is powerful. When you understand why your feelings change - hormones, identity shifts, stress, or past trauma - they lose some of their hold.
You can then respond with curiosity rather than fear, and ask for help sooner instead of later.

A psychologist for pregnant women can teach you to view emotions as signals, not threats. Sadness may signal exhaustion; irritability may signal unmet needs. By decoding these messages, you strengthen both emotional intelligence and resilience - qualities that support healthy parenting.

How Can Therapy Help During Pregnancy?

Therapy during pregnancy provides a confidential space to process fears, regulate emotions, and strengthen relationships. A psychologist for pregnant women uses evidence-based methods to help clients manage anxiety, depression, or adjustment stress - promoting emotional wellness for both parent and baby.

What Therapy Looks Like for Expectant Mothers

When you begin therapy during pregnancy, your sessions are tailored to your emotional, relational, and physical needs. Some clients come in for stress management or relationship guidance, while others seek help for deeper mood or trauma-related issues.

Sessions usually include open discussion, reflection, and skill-building. A psychologist for pregnant women listens without judgment, helping you name emotions that might feel confusing or contradictory. They might say, “You can be excited about your baby and still grieve the loss of your old routines.”

This approach helps you integrate both joy and fear - rather than feeling you must choose one or the other.

Evidence-Based Approaches Commonly Used

Therapists working with pregnant clients often draw from several research-backed approaches recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches how to identify anxious or perfectionistic thoughts and replace them with realistic, compassionate ones.

  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on role changes, communication with partners, and adjusting to new responsibilities.

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines awareness practices and breathing exercises to reduce stress and rumination.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages living by personal values, even in the presence of discomfort.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: For clients with past losses or abuse, therapy centers on restoring a sense of safety and control.

Your psychologist might also integrate gentle behavioral goals, such as daily self-care rituals, guided imagery, or prenatal journaling.

Your Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy: How a Psychologist Can Help — pic 5

Emotional Benefits for You and Your Family

Therapy isn’t just about preventing depression or anxiety; it’s about promoting emotional connection - within yourself, your baby, and your support system.

Benefits may include:

  • Lower stress hormones (such as cortisol), which support fetal development.

  • Improved relationship satisfaction and communication with partners.

  • Better sleep and energy management through coping and relaxation skills.

  • Stronger postpartum adjustment, reducing the risk of perinatal mood disorders.

Here’s the thing: emotional health during pregnancy isn’t only about avoiding distress - it’s about building resilience that lasts into parenthood.

Early therapy doesn’t mean you’re “broken.” It’s proactive emotional care - the same way prenatal vitamins support physical health, therapy supports mental well-being.

Common Topics Explored in Therapy

Every pregnancy story is unique, but several themes often arise:

  • Fear of labor or medical procedures: Talking through specific fears helps you regain a sense of control.

  • Body image changes: Therapy helps challenge critical inner dialogue and foster self-acceptance.

  • Work–life balance: Many clients process guilt around maternity leave or productivity.

  • Past miscarriages or loss: Gentle exploration can help you grieve while staying grounded in the present.

  • Relationship tension: Sessions can include partners to strengthen teamwork before the baby arrives.

These discussions allow you to express feelings openly, without judgment - something that may be harder to do with friends or family who expect constant positivity.

Practical Tools You Might Learn

A psychologist for pregnant women often equips clients with techniques that can be used between sessions. Examples include:

  • Grounding exercise: Focus attention on five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste - a quick way to calm racing thoughts.

  • Breathing practice: Slow inhalation through the nose for four counts, hold for two, exhale for six - helps regulate your body’s stress response.

  • Self-compassion statement: “I’m learning as I go. It’s okay to need support.”

  • Couples check-in: Setting aside ten minutes a day to talk about emotions, not logistics.

These skills build emotional muscle - the kind that helps you stay centered during labor, sleepless nights, or moments of doubt.

When Therapy May Be Especially Important

Certain situations make therapy particularly valuable:

  • Past trauma, anxiety, or depression

  • Complicated pregnancy or medical risk

  • Limited family or social support

  • Major life changes (moving, financial stress)

  • A partner who’s also struggling emotionally

In these cases, your therapist can coordinate with your obstetrician, midwife, or primary care provider to ensure whole-person care. This collaboration is standard in the U.S. and helps bridge emotional and physical health.

If you ever experience intrusive thoughts about harm or hopelessness, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or 911 if in immediate danger. Help is available 24/7, and reaching out can be life-saving.

The Long-Term Payoff

Therapy during pregnancy can create lasting benefits - for both you and your child. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that lower maternal stress supports healthier fetal brain development and early attachment.

By investing in emotional health now, you’re setting the stage for a more grounded, confident postpartum experience - and modeling healthy coping for your growing family.

When Should You See a Psychologist During Pregnancy?

It’s normal to feel emotional shifts during pregnancy - but if sadness, fear, or irritability last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be time to see a psychologist for pregnant women. Reaching out early helps protect both your mental health and your baby’s development.

Recognizing When Feelings Go Beyond “Normal”

Hormonal and emotional changes are part of pregnancy, but sometimes they go beyond typical ups and downs.
You might notice:

  • Persistent sadness or tearfulness

  • Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby

  • Constant worry or panic

  • Changes in sleep or appetite

  • Guilt, shame, or thoughts of being “a bad mom”

  • Trouble concentrating or functioning day-to-day

If these symptoms continue for more than two weeks or feel overwhelming, that’s not something you should ignore - it’s a signal that extra support could help.

Here’s the thing: seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed at being strong. It means you’re taking a proactive, responsible step for your well-being.

When Emotional Stress Becomes a Health Concern

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), untreated anxiety or depression during pregnancy can increase stress hormones and interfere with sleep, appetite, and prenatal bonding.
Working with a psychologist for pregnant women can help you lower these stress levels and feel more in control of your emotions.

Early intervention also reduces the risk of postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety disorders, which can develop after birth if emotional distress goes unaddressed.

Depression or anxiety during pregnancy is not your fault. It’s a health condition, not a personal weakness - and it’s highly treatable with therapy and support.

Red Flags That Deserve Immediate Attention

Some experiences during pregnancy require prompt help from a licensed clinician or crisis support. Seek immediate assistance if you:

  • Have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

  • Feel detached from reality or experience hallucinations

  • Can’t sleep or eat for days despite exhaustion

  • Experience panic attacks that prevent daily functioning

In the U.S., you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) anytime for free, confidential help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough.” Emotional safety is as important as physical safety during pregnancy.

What Happens After You Reach Out

When you contact a psychologist for pregnant women, you’ll likely start with a brief consultation - either in person or via telehealth - to discuss your concerns. From there, the therapist will help you identify short-term goals, such as:

  • Reducing anxiety or panic attacks

  • Restoring healthy sleep and appetite

  • Processing fears around childbirth

  • Strengthening communication with your partner

You’ll collaborate on a treatment plan that fits your preferences and comfort level. Therapy might include cognitive-behavioral tools, mindfulness exercises, or relationship work - whatever supports your specific needs.

Your Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy: How a Psychologist Can Help — pic 6

Normalizing the Decision to Get Help

Many people hesitate to seek therapy because they fear judgment. Maybe you’ve thought, “Other moms have it worse,” or, “I should be grateful.”
But comparing suffering doesn’t make it smaller - it just keeps you stuck in silence.

The truth? Even small amounts of emotional pain deserve attention. Therapy isn’t just for crises; it’s for building resilience before, during, and after challenges.

You don’t have to wait for rock bottom. If something feels off, that’s reason enough to reach out.

Empowerment Through Early Care

By connecting with a psychologist early in pregnancy, you’re not only protecting your mental health but also setting your child up for a calmer, more nurturing start in life.
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that maternal stress management positively influences fetal brain development and postnatal bonding.

Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s an act of love, both for yourself and your baby.

Self-Help and Coping Strategies During Pregnancy

Simple daily habits can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and support emotional balance during pregnancy. A psychologist for pregnant women often teaches self-help techniques such as grounding, journaling, and mindful breathing - tools you can start using right away to feel calmer and more connected.

1. Build Emotional Awareness With Journaling or Reflection

Pregnancy brings rapid changes - physical, hormonal, and emotional. Writing about your thoughts can help you track patterns and notice triggers before they spiral.
You don’t need long essays; even two or three sentences a day can help.

Try prompts like:

  • “Today I felt most anxious when…”

  • “One thing that made me smile was…”

  • “Something I need more of right now is…”

Many psychologists for pregnant women recommend journaling as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy, because it promotes self-reflection and helps externalize worries that might otherwise stay stuck in your mind.

2. Practice Breathing and Grounding Techniques

Here’s the thing: your nervous system responds quickly to stress during pregnancy, but it can also be retrained to calm down.

Try this 4-2-6 breathing pattern:

  • Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts.

  • Hold for 2 counts.

  • Exhale gently through your mouth for 6 counts.
    Repeat for one minute.

For grounding, use the “5-4-3-2-1” exercise: name five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste. These methods help shift focus from anxious thoughts back to the present.

Gentle breathing and mindfulness are safe in pregnancy - just avoid breath-holding longer than a few seconds.

3. Set Up a Supportive Routine

Emotional health thrives on predictability. You can support your well-being by creating a flexible, nurturing daily rhythm:

  • Eat regularly, with plenty of hydration.

  • Aim for consistent bedtime routines.

  • Move your body gently - short walks, prenatal yoga, or stretching.

  • Schedule rest breaks and quiet time without screens.

  • Plan small “joy moments” (music, art, or time outdoors).

If you notice your routine slipping due to fatigue or nausea, talk about it in therapy. A psychologist for pregnant women can help you design realistic adjustments that match your energy level.

4. Communicate Openly With Your Partner or Support System

Many pregnant clients feel pressure to “stay strong,” but bottling emotions often increases anxiety. Sharing how you feel - even briefly - helps reduce isolation.
You might say:

“I’m not asking you to fix this; I just need to talk it through.”

Therapists often teach couples “emotion check-ins,” short daily conversations about feelings rather than logistics. These five-minute talks can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen emotional connection before the baby arrives.

If you don’t have close family nearby, community support groups (online or local) can help fill the gap.

5. Limit Information Overload

Between social media, pregnancy apps, and endless online advice, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Information fatigue can heighten fear and self-doubt.

Try setting boundaries:

  • Choose two trusted sources (for example, your OB-GYN and one reputable website).

  • Set time limits for reading pregnancy content.

  • Replace doom-scrolling with relaxation activities - guided meditation, music, or gentle stretching.

You deserve calm more than constant comparison.

6. Balance Preparation With Rest

Many parents feel pressure to plan every detail - from birth plans to nursery paint colors. While preparation brings comfort, rest is equally vital.
Your mind and body are doing complex work 24/7. Giving yourself permission to pause strengthens emotional regulation and prevents burnout.

Even a five-minute rest in silence can help recalibrate your nervous system.

7. Know When Self-Help Isn’t Enough

Self-care tools can make a big difference, but they don’t replace professional care when symptoms persist.
If you find that worry, sadness, or guilt dominate your days - or you no longer enjoy things that once mattered - reach out to a therapist or counselor.

You can start by searching the Postpartum Support International (PSI) directory or Psychology Today’s “pregnancy” filter for licensed providers in your state. Many offer telehealth sessions covered by insurance.

If you ever have thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or 911 if you are in immediate danger. Help is free, confidential, and available anytime.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Pregnancy can make you feel like you’re constantly falling short. Instead of measuring yourself against impossible standards, try to notice tiny victories - finishing a meal, resting when tired, or expressing how you feel.

Every act of self-care counts toward emotional stability and healthy adjustment. Therapy reinforces this mindset, helping you practice self-kindness instead of criticism.

Support From Loved Ones: How Partners, Friends, and Family Can Help

Emotional wellness during pregnancy isn’t only about the expectant parent - it’s also about the support network around them. Loved ones can make a real difference by offering empathy, practical help, and patience. A psychologist for pregnant women often works with partners and families to strengthen communication and emotional safety at home.

Understanding What Emotional Support Really Means

Support doesn’t always mean “fixing” problems. Sometimes, the most meaningful help comes from listening without judgment.
Pregnancy can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and dismissing feelings with comments like “You’ll be fine” or “It’s just hormones” may unintentionally isolate the person you care about.

Instead, try:

  • “That sounds really tough - do you want to talk about it?”

  • “I’m here for you, even if I don’t know what to say.”

  • “What would make things feel easier right now?”

These statements convey empathy and presence - two things that can significantly lower emotional distress.

Partners: How to Stay Connected Emotionally

Partners often want to help but feel unsure how. Here are a few simple ways to stay emotionally connected:

  1. Check in regularly. Ask how your partner is feeling - not just about the pregnancy, but about themselves.

  2. Offer reassurance. Small gestures like a hand squeeze or a text can mean a lot.

  3. Share the load. Offer to handle small tasks such as scheduling appointments or preparing meals.

  4. Attend therapy sessions together. Many psychologists for pregnant women include couples therapy or joint check-ins to strengthen teamwork before birth.

Supporting your partner emotionally can also reduce your own stress. Studies show that partners who feel involved report higher satisfaction and lower anxiety around childbirth.

Family and Friends: Being Helpful Without Overstepping

Loved ones often want to offer advice - but what helps most is practical, respectful support.
Try focusing on what the expectant parent actually needs, not what you think they should do.

For example:

  • Offer to drop off meals or help with errands.

  • Ask permission before touching their belly or sharing pregnancy news.

  • Avoid commenting on weight or body changes.

  • Let them vent without trying to correct or minimize their feelings.

If you’re unsure what would be helpful, simply ask:

“How can I support you best this week?”

This approach respects autonomy and strengthens trust.

How Friends Can Help When You Don’t Live Nearby

Distance doesn’t limit support. Even if you’re miles away, small gestures can show care:

  • Send a supportive text or voice message once a week.

  • Schedule virtual coffee chats or online prenatal classes together.

  • Mail small care items like snacks or self-care gifts.

Emotional connection matters more than proximity. Regular check-ins can help prevent isolation, especially if the person is on bed rest or navigating high-risk pregnancy.

Creating a Calm, Supportive Home Environment

Pregnancy can heighten sensitivity to noise, conflict, or clutter. Creating a peaceful space at home can help reduce stress for everyone involved.

Try:

  • Soft lighting and soothing music.

  • Decluttering shared areas to create calm.

  • Using gentle tones during discussions, especially when emotions run high.

If disagreements arise, taking short breaks before continuing the conversation can prevent escalation and support emotional balance

When to Encourage Professional Support

Sometimes, no matter how much love and patience family members offer, professional help becomes essential.
Encourage your loved one to reach out for therapy if you notice:

  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness

  • Withdrawal from social contact

  • Constant anxiety or panic attacks

  • Expressions of guilt, fear, or shame

You might say:

“You’ve been under a lot of stress lately - have you thought about talking with a therapist who works with pregnant women?”

Offering to help with research or scheduling can make this step easier.

If they ever express thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, don’t leave them alone. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or 911 in immediate danger.

Support Goes Both Ways

Emotional care during pregnancy benefits everyone - not just the expectant parent.
When partners and family members learn to communicate openly, validate emotions, and share the load, they build resilience as a team.

Small acts of empathy can ripple outward, strengthening the foundation for a healthier, more connected family.

References

  1. Klemetti R., Mental Health and Well-being During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood, 2020.
  2. Hayes S.C., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change, 2011.
  3. Bardacke N., Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond, 2012.
  4. Stasenko M., The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions, and Compulsions, 2020.
  5. Murkoff H., What to Expect When You're Expecting, 2016.
  6. Klein S., The Better Baby Book: How to Have a Healthy, Smart, and Happy Pregnancy, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist is a mental health professional focused on assessment and intervention through psychotherapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication, and often combines this with therapy. The two can work in a coordinated manner.

How can I find out if my health insurance covers psychological therapy?

The most reliable method is to contact your insurance provider's customer service. Ask specifically about coverage for "psychology" or "mental health," including details on the copay per session and whether you need a referral from your primary care physician.

What should I do if I feel my therapist isn't the right fit for me?

It is perfectly normal and acceptable to look for a different therapist. You can inform your current psychologist that you have decided to end the sessions. For a better choice next time, try to identify what wasn't working - whether it was their communication style, therapeutic approach, etc. - and use that information to guide your new search.

Is everything I say in therapy confidential?

Yes, with specific legal exceptions. Your conversations are protected by professional confidentiality and data protection laws. Psychologists are legally obligated to break confidentiality only if there is an imminent risk to your safety or the safety of others, or in cases of suspected abuse of minors or vulnerable persons.

How long does it usually take to start noticing improvement?

There is no universal timeline. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions from sharing their burden, while others may need several months to see significant change. The process depends on your goals, the type of therapy, and your individual circumstances. Consistency and open communication with your therapist are key.

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