Pregnancy Counselling Brisbane

Counselling during pregnancy is normal.

Boss Mind Therapy aims to give expectant parents practical skill sets to best support themselves and each other as they transition from couple to family.

It has long been advocated that women, at minimum, are entitled to have obstetrician and midwifery assistance and support during pregnancy and birthing. Sadly, there is little exposure in the media to teach women that psychological care as preparation for birth and parenting is paramount for ensuring a happy and lasting family life.

We believe that fear is the biggest hurdle in birthing and parenting. When we can get to the core belief that drives our fear, we can go beneath that fear layer and expose the emotion that needs validation, allowing healing to take place and breakthrough into a space of safety.

When we are safe, especially during birth, we allow our body to innately progress through the stages of birthing without fear. When fear exists in the mind, the body hears this and can stall the natural progression of birth all together. We wish that every mother approaches her birthing experience with a calm mind, having learnt to let go of fear and honour her body to welcome birth as intended. This is a practice and one that we empower every mother to achieve.

We wish to highlight one practice today, which you can start immediately. This is self-care.

Psychology tells us that our brain stalls when we feel overwhelmed, stressed, tired or anxious. This is not only harmful but hurtful to ourselves. We cannot proceed in this state of distress, and should we push to do so; we could re-wire the brain to seek and remain in a state of unrest.

If you are aware of feelings that are unsettling or intrusive thoughts, this is your cue to complete your chosen self-care practice.

Self-care does not have to be a warm bath, a weekend away, a trip to the gym, although all of these are perfectly great ways to self-care.

Self-care can be simple and able to be completed anywhere you are.

Self-regulation – practice sitting with your emotions and letting them be.

Self-awareness – practice voicing your emotions to your support person

Co-regulation – practice soothing your emotions

These self-care practices take little downtime and build long-term muscle memory when completed numerous times throughout your day. Like any muscle, if exercised, it builds strength. Your mind will be become quicker to identify emotions, engage positive coping strategies and empower you to deal with any situation that arises.

It is best to share your self-care practice with your partner. At times, we cannot see we are in a stress storm. Those closest to you may see your warning signs, prompting them to signal that you need self-care and offer you the necessary support to practice.

There is always a time in some parenting journeys that we have to step back and ask if self-care is enough. Like anyone, new parents are susceptible to depressive episodes.

It can be challenging for those who have not experienced depression to empathise. Perhaps this insight may assist.

Imagine you are on a bus heading home from a long day at work.

You get a phone call from your boss. They tell you that you are needed, and you must go straight back to work.

You’re angry and tired. You have just finished working a big day. You ask when they expect these big days to end? They tell you, “it’s impossible to say… days… weeks… maybe a month or two.” You ask if you can have a break to rest first? “Unfortunately, no one can do what you do. Just hurry. It has to be you.”

You make your way back to the office. You walk back in the doors, and the monotony of the workspace smacks you in the face. Nothing has changed. The same boring unappreciated work. Over and over again.

You’re exhausted.

You want to run and hide.

You wish it weren’t like this.

You tell yourself to snap out of it.

This is your job, after all.

You start to hear thoughts that convince you that you should give up. You start to feel a darkness envelope you. You are stuck. You are so very stuck.

If you are worried about someone, gently tell them so. Remember, you will not make matters worse by talking about your concerns for their well-being. Chances are they are waiting for someone to offer support but could be blocked by the shame of speaking out. It is not about fixing all their problems, but being present and talking can make them feel better and seek the help they need to recover.

So here’s how you can get the conversation started.

Empathy – try using phrases like “that sounds difficult” or “what you are going through must be difficult.” Offer support – recommend they speak with their GP.

Research supports that depression that lasts longer than two weeks or impacts a persons safety has an excellent recovery rate when professional support is engaged.

Perhaps they say they have tried help in the past, but it wasn’t a good fit. Remind them that there are many more options for psychologists, counsellors, and GP’s to choose from like all industries. Finding theirs may take another try, and gently highlighting that staying still will only feel more despair and moving towards a solution is as good as when you find it.

So to recap, we remind you to:

Find your self-care practice.

Share your self-care practice with your partner.

Ask for help if you are feeling unpleasant thoughts.

Please get in touch with us if you wish to speak with a counsellor about any concerns or questions you may have about preparing for birth and beyond.

We are Boss Mind Therapy, and we are excited to be part of your positive pregnancy journey.

Click here to contact me for a free, no-obligation phone call. My clinic is conveniently located in Arana Hills in Brisbane North. Also available for zoom appointments if required.