I help new mums manage postpartum anxiety & low mood, through CBT & online postpartum therapy.
I can help you to overcome feelings of depression and ‘baby blues’ so that you can start feeling like yourself again.
Are you feeling as though you have lost your identity since becoming a mum?
Do you find that you are always looking after your baby but this is leaving you with no energy to look after yourself?
Do you find yourself scrolling social media, comparing yourself to other mums who look like they are doing it much better?
Do the pregnancy and birth-related physical changes in your body leave you feeling unattractive or less desirable?
Are you often feeling undervalued and overlooked by your partner or other family members?
If you have answered yes to any of the above questions then you’re not alone - and it doesn’t have to be that way.
Who am I?
My name is Sophie Harris. After becoming a mum and battling with my own mental health during this time, I decided to use my 13 years of NHS experience to specialise in CBT for pregnancy and postnatal mental health. I am passionate about using the skills that I have acquired over my years of experience to help women confidently step into their new role both as a woman and a mother.
How can I help?
I offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you during pregnancy. Sessions are offered online via a secure video conferencing platform. The sessions are flexible around your needs and it is a safe space that you can attend with your baby if needed. The session length is 50 minutes and can be offered short term (approx. 6 weeks to longer-term (20+ weeks). Details of this can be discussed during our initial consultation. I aim to ensure that you get value for your time and money, and there will be tasks to complete in between sessions… These tasks are all aimed towards making you feel better…. And they will be negotiated between us so that it feels manageable to fit into any busy schedule.
What can you achieve?
What you want to get from the program is up to you and we will decide this together in the first session. Some ideas based on what I have helped clients achieve in the past are..
Reclaim your sense of identity and feel more like yourself again.. You are more than just a mum!
Feel strong and confident both as a woman and a mum.
Understanding your emotional reactions to situations and feel more in control.
Process any trauma from birth or pregnancy.
Feel calmer and more level headed… Manage anxiety and worry as it arises.
Using nutrition and fitness to helping you to feel good in your body and manage your moods..
A healthier relationship with your partner; help you to communicate better even with all of the sleep deprivation.
Help maintain your mood without the need for medication.
What areas can I support you with?
I work with women to improve their experience of transitioning into motherhood. This includes more general issues around self esteem, managing mood and support to manage anxiety or anger. In addition to this support, I am trained and experienced in working with the following mental health conditions. I am happy to discuss supporting you with these.
Postnatal Depression
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Including trauma related to birth or other aspects of pregnancy / postpartum.
Panic Disorder
Health Anxiety - Relating to the health of you or your baby.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based form of treatment for postnatal depression. This style of therapy aims to support you to become your own therapist. Together, we practice tools and strategies to manage difficult situations more effectively and make positive changes in your life. For example, interrupting negative or self-critical thought patterns, finding techniques to manage anxiety or practising ways to manage conflict with a partner. I will help you to make positive changes to your life. You will be held accountable for doing what is necessary to move forwards and get to where you want to be. In addition to specific psychological support, we will plan how to manage nutrition and exercise to support both your mental and physical health goals.
How much does it cost?
£125 per 50 minute session
I offer a free 20 minute consultation to consider whether this is the most helpful treatment option for you. During this conversation we will discuss the length of support you are likely to need and tailor the support for your specific requirements.
What my clients are saying..
“Before I started therapy I was in a very dark place. My OCD prevented me from doing so many normal things in my life and I spent every waking minute anxious and unhappy. Now I feel like a huge weight has lifted and I have reclaimed my life! Although some level of anxiety remains I feel it is a manageable level and I have the tools to cope.”
— Client treated for OCD.
What’s next?
If you are interested in working together then I offer free 20 minute phone consultations. This is a great chance for me to get an understanding of where you are at and whether this will be a good fit for you. I currently have a waiting list (approx. 1-3 weeks) Please e-mail sophie@lookingaftermum.co.uk to be added to this waiting list and I will contact you when spac becomes available to arrange a consultation.
What my clients are saying..
“Definitely do it. You have so much to gain and nothing to lose. I put it off for a long time as I didn't really believe it would help, but when I reached crisis point I knew it was time to try anything and everything so I started both medication and therapy and I feel they really worked well together and helped me out of a really really bad place.”
— Client treated for anxiety
Not had the baby yet?
If you are currently navigating pregnancy and looking for support, find out more about how I can help you.