My approach to therapy is to create a calming and supportive connection with you so that we can address the complex emotions that come with pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
For the last ten years I’ve worked with people who are pregnant or postpartum and feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lost, or just not themselves. I understand how pregnancy and birth can impact your mental health.
It’s important to work with someone who understands the challenges that come during all aspects of the reproductive journey. I’ve done research in this field, I’ve grown into a parent myself, and I’ve supported hundreds of parents towards a happier, more adjusted postpartum period.
My graduate research focused on cross-cultural understandings of postpartum adjustment. In North America we don’t have a recognized postpartum period. In other cultures, the postpartum period is recognized in the same way we would recognize a bereavement period.
So, just like we wouldn’t expect someone who’s grieving to cope by themselves, we shouldn’t expect someone to cope during the postpartum period on their own. You may have physical support from your partner, your family, and your community, but you may be coping with the emotional aspects all by yourself. It’s difficult- not because there is something wrong but because this overwhelming transformation is too big to grapple with on your own.
I believe that most of the time the source of your emotional discomfort is not biological but situational. I see people have success when they process their uncomfortable feelings and view themselves in a more empowering way. Therapy helps to integrate your experiences to make them feel more manageable.
I’m a mother of two young kids. My experiences of being pregnant, birthing, and growing in to the parent I am today were transformative and challenging. My graduate research helped me understand that what I was experiencing was normal, but it reminded me that nobody has an easy time. My own experiences help me go deeper in my practice and my work with clients.
Clinic hours: Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am – 5pm
604-787-9982
tanya@pomegranate-midwives.com
