I can combine several therapies to meet the needs of my clients. Below is an explanation of the therapies I offer:
Understanding of Perinatal Stress
The therapist has an understanding of perinatal stress (antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression, psychosis), perinatal risk assessments, psychosocial risk factors (adult mental health, domestic violence, drugs/alcohol misuse), care planning, relapse signature (triggers, early warning indicators) and crisis and contingency planning.
Attachment-Based Counselling
The therapist assesses the quality of the close relationship between the mother and infant, social support and security of attachment style. The therapist has the ability to categorize the secure or insecure attachment pattern (Secure, Avoidant, Ambivalent, and Disorganised) and understand their respective attachment behaviours.
Non-Directive Therapy
The therapist establishes a feeling of permissiveness in the relationship so that the mother feels free to express her feelings completely; the therapist recognizes her feelings and reflects those feelings back to her in a way that she can gain insight into her behaviour and the therapist maintains a deep respect for the mother’s ability to achieve perinatal emotional wellbeing.
Adopting a Holistic Family Approach
This systemic approach is used either with individual women and their infants, couples or families. The therapist has an understanding of the psychological difficulties and works collaboratively to identify possible solutions within the context of the social relationships.
Video Interview Guidance
VIG is a highly effective intervention to help develop a secure attachment between parents and their infant. It focuses on the interactional relationship between them rather than the parent's internal understanding of attachment. VIG has been successful in increasing maternal sensitivity from the selection of clips of attuned interaction and the therapeutic learning process in the shared reviews.
Working Systemically With Other Agencies
The therapist works in partnership with other agencies to support and safeguard the infant and family. The specialist perinatal assessments could help inform other professionals about the perinatal and infant emotional wellbeing of the mother, partner and infant, and any therapeutic progress.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
SFBT is a solution-building approach that focuses on an individual’s strengths and resources to foster change.
