Welcoming a child into your family is a profound, beautiful journey—yet it can bring emotional and psychological challenges that may feel overwhelming. At Wholesome Psychology, we offer evidence-based, compassionate perinatal mental health counseling to individuals and families in Edmonton and St. Albert. Our experienced therapists are here to support you through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood transitions, helping you find balance, self-compassion, and resilience. For support specific to perinatal mental health, visit our detailed page on perinatal mental health.

Understanding Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional and psychological wellbeing during the stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is completely natural to experience a range of emotions as you anticipate, welcome, and adjust to new life with your baby. However, sometimes these feelings can become distressing or difficult to manage—potentially affecting your daily functioning, relationships, and sense of self. If you're interested in the broader impacts on mental health during pregnancy, our mental health during pregnancy resource can help.

Common perinatal mental health concerns include:

• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Perinatal and postpartum anxiety
• Birth trauma and traumatic delivery experiences
• Intrusive thoughts or fears about parenting or your baby's safety
• Adjustment difficulties and loss of identity
• Grief following miscarriage, stillbirth, or fertility challenges (perinatal loss)
• Sleep disturbances and physical changes impacting mood

Signs You May Benefit from Perinatal Mental Health Support

If you are pregnant or in the postpartum period and noticing any of the following, you are not alone—and support is available:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness
• Anxiety, panic attacks, or uncontrollable worrying
• Intense irritability, anger, or unexplained mood swings
• Difficulties bonding with your baby (bonding with your child)
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or enjoyable activities
• Ongoing fatigue or sleep issues not explained by your baby's schedule
• Thoughts of self-harm or feeling unable to cope

The perinatal period can feel isolating, yet it’s important to recognize that help is available—and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. With the right care, you can build resilience, improve your wellbeing, and nurture a healthy parent-child attachment. Explore more about parenthood transition and support.

How We Support Perinatal Mental Health at Wholesome Psychology

At Wholesome Psychology, our therapists specialize in perinatal mental health, offering a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your experiences and emotions. We use evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care—to support you on your path to healing.

Our approach is compassionate and collaborative. We honour your lived experience and expertise in your own life, helping you develop practical strategies tailored to your needs. Whether you are facing depression, anxiety, grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed, our team is here to walk alongside you as you rediscover hope and joy in this season.

Our Perinatal Mental Health Services Include:

• Individual counseling for pregnancy and postpartum adjustment
• Support for birth trauma, loss, and grief
• Anxiety and depression management strategies
• Parent-infant attachment support (parenting support)
• Partner and family counseling to strengthen relationships
• Referrals and connections to additional resources as needed

Who We Help: Our Clients in Edmonton & St. Albert

Our perinatal mental health services are open to all individuals and families in Edmonton, St. Albert, and surrounding communities. We work with:

• Pregnant and new mothers and birthing people
• Partners and co-parents experiencing perinatal distress
• Families facing fertility issues or perinatal loss (fertility support)
• LGBTQ+ families and non-traditional parents (LGBTQ+ therapy)

No matter your journey, our therapists honour diverse experiences and offer a welcoming, inclusive environment for healing.

Why Choose Wholesome Psychology for Perinatal Mental Health?

• Local expertise: We serve Edmonton & St. Albert, understanding the needs and resources specific to our community.
• Warm, authentic care: We prioritize compassionate, culturally informed support grounded in your values.
• Collaborative approach: Every counseling plan is tailored to your goals—your voice matters here.
• Confidential, safe space: You can share honestly and openly, knowing you are respected and supported.

At Wholesome Psychology, your wellbeing is our priority. Learn more about our approach and meet our caring team of psychologists and therapists.

Your Questions Answered

How common are perinatal mental health concerns?

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum, affecting up to one in five individuals. Recognizing symptoms and reaching out for support fosters early intervention and improved outcomes. If you’re looking for more information, see our article on postpartum mental health.

Is it normal to feel anxious or sad during pregnancy or after birth?

Yes—emotional changes are common, but when feelings become distressing or difficult to manage, professional counseling can offer relief and help you regain a sense of control. We also offer parenting support for various stages.

Will counseling help with perinatal mental health?

Research consistently supports the benefits of talk therapy like CBT and supportive counseling for people experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety, or trauma. Counseling helps you develop coping strategies, process your thoughts and emotions, and start your healing journey. If trauma is a concern, you may wish to learn about trauma therapy.

Are your perinatal mental health services inclusive of LGBTQ+ families?

Absolutely. Our practice honours all family structures, and we offer affirming care to LGBTQ+ parents in Edmonton and St. Albert. Learn more about our inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ therapy.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with perinatal mental health challenges, connecting with a caring professional can make all the difference. You are not alone. Our team at Wholesome Psychology is ready to support you.

Learn more about our full counseling services or contact us today to book a confidential appointment in Edmonton or St. Albert. Your wellbeing matters—and together, we can nurture your growth, resilience, and hope.