Find a Postpartum Depression Therapist

Understanding postpartum depression and how it can affect you

Postpartum depression is a mood difficulty that can emerge after childbirth. It varies in intensity and duration, and for some people it can develop within weeks while for others it appears months after the birth. You might notice persistent low mood, anxiety, heightened irritability, difficulties with sleep beyond what is expected from caring for a new baby, or challenges in forming an emotional bond with your baby. Physical symptoms such as changes in appetite and energy levels are common, and your thoughts and behaviour may feel altered in ways that make day-to-day parenting more taxing.

It is important to remember that experiencing these difficulties does not reflect weakness or failure. Postpartum distress arises from a complex mix of hormonal changes, life adjustments, sleep disruption and psychosocial pressures. Many people find that talking therapies, alongside practical support and medical care where needed, can help them regain a sense of balance and wellbeing.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for postpartum depression

You may consider seeking therapy if your low mood or anxiety persists beyond a few weeks, interferes with daily tasks, or makes it hard to care for yourself or your baby. If you find yourself feeling numb, disconnected, overwhelmed by worry, or unusually tearful, these are valid reasons to seek professional support. You might also notice that relationships with your partner, family or friends are strained, or that you are struggling with intrusive or repetitive thoughts that distress you. Practical problems such as difficulty breastfeeding, appetite changes, or difficulty sleeping can be intertwined with emotional symptoms and may be explored in therapy.

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or you feel you might act on impulsive urges, you should contact your GP, local emergency services or a crisis line immediately. Therapy is one part of a broader response to postpartum difficulties, and in urgent situations health professionals can help you access immediate care and safeguarding support.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on postpartum depression

During your first contact with a counsellor or therapist you will typically have an initial assessment. This meeting gives you space to describe what you are experiencing, your medical and family history, and any current supports or practical constraints such as childcare and work. Your practitioner will ask about mood, sleep, eating patterns and how you are coping with parenting tasks. Together you will agree goals for therapy - they might be practical, such as managing sleep and routines, or relational, such as improving communication with a partner.

Therapy sessions often run weekly and last for 45 to 60 minutes, although some practitioners offer shorter sessions to fit new parents' schedules. Therapy can be time-limited with a clear number of sessions, or open-ended depending on your needs. You may work on developing coping strategies, exploring emotional responses to the transition to parenthood, and addressing unhelpful thought patterns that maintain low mood. Many therapists will liaise with your GP or health visitor with your permission to ensure coordinated care, especially if medication or additional services are being considered.

Common therapeutic approaches used for postpartum depression

Cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT - is frequently used because it helps you identify and change thinking patterns and behaviours that contribute to low mood. Sessions often include practical techniques for managing anxiety and improving sleep and daily routines. Interpersonal therapy - IPT - focuses on relationships and role transitions, which can be especially relevant when you are adjusting to a new identity as a parent. Talking with a therapist about grief for the life you had before the baby, or conflict with a partner, can be central to this approach.

Other approaches include counselling for emotional processing, trauma-informed therapy when previous trauma affects your experience of childbirth and parenthood, and compassion-focused work to address self-criticism that many new parents feel. Some practitioners combine approaches to match your needs, and group therapy or parent-infant programmes may be recommended if you would benefit from peer support and opportunities to work on bonding in a supported setting.

How online therapy works for postpartum depression

Online therapy offers a practical option if leaving the house is difficult, if you need flexible scheduling, or if geography limits your choices. Sessions are typically conducted by video call or, in some cases, by telephone or secure messaging. You will need a device with a camera and a stable internet connection for video sessions. Many therapists take care to create a calm setting and agree boundaries about session timing, interruptions and what to do if technology fails.

Online work can closely mirror in-person therapy, with assessments, goal-setting and evidence-based interventions adapted for a virtual format. You can choose a therapist who specialises in perinatal mental health even if they are not local to you. If you prefer, some practitioners offer a mix of online and face-to-face work once you and the therapist have discussed what will work best. It is sensible to check how a therapist manages safeguarding, such as handling emergency contacts and liaising with local services, since these arrangements can differ when you work remotely.

Practical tips for choosing the right therapist for postpartum depression

When you are looking for a therapist, consider their registration and professional standing. Many UK practitioners are registered with recognised bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP - the Health and Care Professions Council - HCPC - or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society - NCPS. Registration indicates that a therapist follows a professional code of practice and ongoing professional development.

Look for someone who explicitly lists perinatal or postpartum experience among their specialisms. Ask about the approaches they use and whether they have experience supporting parents with issues similar to yours. Practical questions are important too - check their fees, session length, cancellation policy and whether they can offer appointments at times that fit around feeding or childcare. You might also want to ask about home-working options, partner or family involvement, and how they coordinate with your GP or health visitor.

Trust your impressions from an initial conversation. It is normal to try a few sessions before you feel comfortable with a therapist. If you do not feel understood or if the approach does not suit you, it is reasonable to look for someone else. Choosing someone who makes you feel respected and heard can make a significant difference to the progress you make in therapy.

Supporting yourself while you seek help

While you arrange therapy, practical self-care can help reduce immediate pressure. Try to accept offers of help from friends, family or community services, and plan small moments of rest or short walks when you can. Sleep patterns can be very disrupted after a birth, and where possible share nighttime care or ask for help to get restorative rest. If you are breastfeeding and considering medication, discuss this openly with your GP or a specialist so you can weigh the options together.

Finally, remember that reaching out for support is a positive step. You do not have to manage these feelings alone, and many people find meaningful relief and renewed confidence through therapy and practical supports. Use the listings on this page to find a UK-registered practitioner who aligns with your needs, and take the next step when you feel ready.

Further steps

If you are unsure where to start, consider contacting your GP or a local maternity service for recommendations. When you contact a therapist, a brief conversation about their experience with postpartum depression and practical arrangements can help you decide who to meet. You can then book an initial session and begin a structured process of support tailored to your life as a new parent.