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Therapy for Birth Trauma

New Moon Psychotherapy offers Therapy for Birth Trauma in Downtown Toronto with online sessions available across Ontario.

The journey into parenthood does not always go as planned.

For many, the joy of bringing a new life into the world can be overshadowed by the distressing and profound impact of the birth experience.

Feelings of helplessness, fear, and isolation can linger long after the physical wounds have healed.

Is this you?

Do you feel haunted by unwanted memories, feelings, and flashbacks associated with the traumatic birthing experience?
Are anxiety, worry, and panic attacks interfering with moments of peace, joy, and connection?
Do you blame yourself for the traumatic events surrounding childbirth? Ruminating on the “shoulds” and “if onlys”
Are you feeling disconnected from or afraid of your child or worry that you’ll cause harm?
Do difficult feelings like guilt and shame prevent you from communicating your pain and struggle to your loved one(s)?
Do you grieve the experience you envisioned for yourself?

It doesn't have to be this way forever.

At New Moon Psychotherapy, our therapists have specialized training in helping individuals overcome the devastating and confusing experience of life after birth trauma.

Take the first step towards healing by scheduling a complimentary, confidential consultation today.

Birth trauma can manifest in various ways, revealing a deep emotional, psychological, behavioral, relational and physical impact.

An experience such as birth trauma has the potential to shake our world view and sense of self, significantly influencing how we navigate our life.

Whether it was a complicated delivery, unexpected medical complications, a lack of support during the birthing process, or feeling like your needs and desires were not being honored, survivors often expereince a variety of difficulties related to the experience.

Intense and overwhelming emotions such as fear, anger, sadness or shame/guilt. Feeling numb or detached from emotion.

Intrusive thoughts or memories related to the trauma. Difficulty remembering the traumatic event. Feeling difficulty concentrating and easily distracted. Concerns around one’s safety and security. Feeling powerless and/or to blame.

Feeling isolated or inability to be understood by others. Withdrawing from relationships and people. Difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships. Trouble trusting and experiencing intimacy with others.

Changing your life and routine to avoid people places and things that remind you of the traumatic event. Losing interest in things that once caused you pleasure. Changes in eating, sleeping, and daily routines. Engaging in unhelpful behaviours to create feelings of safety.

Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain for which there is no apparent medical cause (psychosomatic). Tension and heart rate in body – feeling more hypervigilant and on guard. Prolonged exposure to trauma or lack of treatment can increase risk of cardiovascular and immune difficulties.

Left untreated, birth trauma can result in various psychological difficulties including:

– Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
– Anxiety Disorders including Panic Attacks
– Post-Natal Depression

Your journey to healing begins here.

Our experienced psychotherapists are here to guide your healing journey with empathy, understanding and expertise.
We have worked with birth trauma and supported parents through all stages of the neonatal journey.

Therapy Can Help You

Understand & Process Emotions

Allowing yourself to connect with your emotional experience facilitates trauma processing and allows you to make sense of the range of emotions that you are feeling.

Develop Coping Strategies

Learn practical coping skills to manage anxiety, overcome panic, neutralize anger, and reconnect with your inherent resilience.

Experience Validation & Empathy

Be heard, seen, and understood in a judgment free and empathic environment that appreciates the nuances and impact of birth trauma.

Develop Self-Compassion

Turn self-blame, self-loathing, and the inner critic into understanding and forgiveness to rebuild self-esteem and self-worth.

Release Trauma

Find relief from trauma symptoms such as panic, negative thinking, emotion dysregulation, hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and isolating.

Strengthen Relationships

Rediscover joy and connection in your relationships by addressing difficulties, enhancing communication, and creating understanding.

Bond With Your Child

Process negative emotions surrounding the birth, release fears and resentments, build confidence as a parent, and develop strategies to enhance the parent-child relationship.

Grieve the Loss of What You Expected

Allow yourself to grieve the loss of your birth plan, autonomy, expectations and what you dreamed of and deserved in a safe, compassionate, and judgement-free space.