Perinatal therapy in Chicago can help you prepare for parenthood.
Is what I’m feeling during pregnancy or postpartum normal, or should I talk to someone?
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring a wide range of emotions—joy, fear, anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, and everything in between. Some emotional ups and downs are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to manage them alone.
If your feelings feel intense, persistent, or are affecting your ability to function, connect, or care for yourself, it may be helpful to talk to someone. Perinatal therapy in Chicago can provide support, validation, and tools to help you feel more grounded during this major life transition.
How do I cope with anxiety or depression during pregnancy or after having a baby?
Anxiety and depression during pregnancy or postpartum can feel isolating, especially when you expect this time to feel joyful. You may feel constant worry, sadness, irritability, exhaustion, or guilt—and it can be hard to know what’s normal.
Therapy can help you understand these feelings, identify triggers, and develop healthy coping strategies. Through perinatal therapy in Chicago, you can create space to care for yourself while learning how to manage the emotional demands of motherhood.
For additional support, you can also read about The Importance of Therapy for Moms and How It Can Transform Motherhood.
When should I start perinatal therapy—during pregnancy or after birth?
Perinatal therapy can be helpful at any point—during pregnancy, after birth, or even while trying to conceive. Some people start therapy to prepare emotionally for parenthood, while others seek support after noticing changes in mood, stress, or identity.
Starting during pregnancy can help you build tools and support systems before your baby arrives, but it’s never “too late” to begin.
Can therapy help with intrusive thoughts or overwhelm as a new mom?
Yes. Many new mothers experience intrusive thoughts, racing worries, or a constant sense of overwhelm, especially during the postpartum period. These thoughts can feel frightening or confusing, but they are more common than many people realize.
Therapy provides a safe place to talk about these experiences without judgment. Perinatal therapy can help reduce shame, understand what’s driving these thoughts, and develop ways to manage them with more confidence.
How do I adjust to the identity shift of becoming a parent?
Becoming a parent often changes how you see yourself. You may feel like parts of your old identity have shifted, or like you’re struggling to balance who you were before with who you are now.
Therapy can help you explore this transition, reconnect with yourself outside of parenting, and make space for your needs, values, and sense of self. This is an important part of emotional well-being during the perinatal period.
If you’re looking for broader support, you can also learn more about therapy for women.
What kind of therapy is best for postpartum depression or anxiety?
The best therapy for postpartum depression or anxiety depends on your individual experience, symptoms, and needs. Many therapists use approaches like CBT, mindfulness, relational therapy, and trauma-informed care to help manage symptoms and process emotions.
At Empowered Therapy, perinatal therapy is tailored to your unique experience so you feel supported, understood, and equipped with practical tools for healing.
COVERED BY INSURANCE
GET STARTED
Put yourself first and begin the process to feel like YOU again!
FILL OUT THE FORM
Your first step to healing starts here. Connect with us—form, call, or email.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Our team will help you schedule a convenient appointment with a therapist who is the right fit for you.
FEEL LIKE YOU AGAIN
Start your tailored sessions and rediscover your true self, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is perinatal therapy?
Perinatal therapy is specialized mental health support for individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It focuses on the emotional, psychological, and relational changes that can happen before and after becoming a parent.
How is perinatal therapy different from general therapy?
Perinatal therapy focuses specifically on the challenges that can come with pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, parenting adjustment, and reproductive experiences. It offers targeted support for issues like postpartum depression, prenatal anxiety, birth trauma, and identity changes.
Do I need a diagnosis to start perinatal therapy?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to start therapy. Many people begin perinatal therapy simply because they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or want support during a major life transition.
Can partners attend perinatal therapy sessions?
Yes, in some cases partners can join sessions if it feels helpful. Perinatal therapy can support communication, shared adjustment, and relationship dynamics during the transition into parenthood.
Your Voice Heard.
BE A REAL PARTNER IN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE.
If you’re interested in trauma therapy, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.