Perinatal Counselling in Calgary

Support through pregnancy, postpartum, and caregiver transitions

The perinatal period, which includes pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenting, brings profound psychological, identity, and relational changes. Even when these changes feel deeply meaningful, they can also be overwhelming, stressful, or confusing. Experiencing intense, unexpected, or distressing thoughts and feelings during this time is common and valid.

At Monarch Psychology in Calgary, we offer perinatal counselling to support people navigating emotional challenges before, during, and after pregnancy, including postpartum adjustment, identity shifts, relationship changes, and mood concerns. We support birthing and non-birthing parents and partners, and we recognize the unique challenges of the perinatal period for those from equity deserving communities. Our approach is grounded in connection, evidence-informed care, and deep respect for the complexity of the perinatal experience.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step can feel difficult, and support is here when you’re ready. You can book an appointment directly or reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your questions, get matched with a therapist, and feel confident about your next steps.

Lori Helfenbaum

Registered Social Worker (She/Her)

Paige Ellis

Registered Social Worker (They/Them)

Natasha Thibodeau

Registered Social Worker (She/Her)

Monika Pakstas

Registered Social Worker (She/Her)

What Perinatal Experiences Can Feel Like

The perinatal period may involve:

Fluctuating mood, anxiety, or emotional sensitivity
Adjusting to a new or changing identity as a parent
Fear, worry, or uncertainty about pregnancy, birth, or parenting
Distress about changes in body, sleep, or energy
Challenges bonding or connecting with your newborn
Intrusive thoughts about harm to your baby
Grief for what has changed or feels lost
Intense fear related to past experiences of miscarriage, infant loss, or difficult births
Relationship stress with partners, caregivers, or family
Caregiver burnout
Guilt about not feeling ‘happy enough’
Processing birth memories or unanticipated outcomes

These responses can feel confusing, isolating, or painful, even when there is also love, joy, or excitement. However, they are very common responses.

When Support Might Be Helpful

Counselling may be helpful if you notice:

Persistent worry, sadness, or anxiety related to pregnancy or postpartum
Difficulty adjusting to changes in roles or routines
Feeling overwhelmed by expectations or pressure
Disconnect between how you feel and how you hoped you would feel
Changes in appetite, sleep, energy, or motivation that impact functioning
Relational strain or challenges in navigating caregiving roles
Past trauma becomes activated during pregnancy or postpartum
Exacerbation of existing mental health concerns
Fears that you may harm your baby

Support is available even if you are not in crisis. Therapy can help you understand your experience, address stuck points, and find connection and confidence as you navigate change.

How Counselling Supports You During the Perinatal Period

Perinatal counselling at Monarch Psychology in Calgary focuses on understanding your current experience and identifying what support will help you and your family.

Therapy can help you:

Process emotions related to pregnancy, birth, or postpartum adjustment
Build strategies for mood regulation, stress management, and coping
Identify your needs and explore ways to get those needs met
Renegotiate your identity and find joy and purpose
Strengthen communication and support within relationships
Develop more self-compassion
Connect with resources and supports that fit your goals
Make meaning of experiences that feel unexpected or disorienting

We use evidence-based approaches designed for the perinatal period, integrating emotional support with practical tools that fit your pace and comfort.

What to Expect in Perinatal Counselling

Therapy begins with a collaborative conversation about your experience, exploring what feels most challenging, your strengths, and the support you would find most meaningful.

In counselling, you can expect:

A warm, non-judgmental space to explore how you’re feeling without needing to censor yourself
Therapists that understand the unique challenges of the perinatal period
Support for those from equity-deserving communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+, differently abled, neurodiverse, or larger-bodied people; practical support that honours your needs and priorities
Respectful attention to your personal and relational context
Pacing that aligns with your energy and comfort
Specialized support for intersecting concerns such as grief, disordered eating, and trauma

Therapy supports your emotional well-being as you navigate the physical, psychological, and social changes of the perinatal period.

Common Questions About Perinatal Counselling

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed during the perinatal period?

Yes. The perinatal period involves major life transitions (not to mention hormonal shifts for birthing parents) that can affect mood, identity, sleep, body, relationships, and sense of safety. Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally sensitive is common and understandable.

What if my mood concerns started before pregnancy?

Counselling can support you whether mood challenges began before, during, or after pregnancy. Therapy explores symptoms in the context of your experience and goals.

Will counselling focus only on the baby or child?

No. Perinatal counselling supports you, including your feelings, identity, relationships, and coping, not just caregiving tasks or infant-focused behaviours. Our therapists will bring up any concerns they have about the safety of a baby, but the general focus is on the parent.

Can partners participate in counselling?

Yes. With your consent, partners or co-parents can be included in sessions when that feels supportive and appropriate.

Do I need a diagnosis to access perinatal counselling?

No. You do not need a diagnosis. Many people seek support for stress, mood changes, identity shifts, uncertainty, or adjustment difficulties.

Is perinatal counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling when provided by Registered Psychologists or Social Workers. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can provide receipts or information about direct billing where available.