Perinatal Counselling in Calgary
Supporting you through pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood
Finding Your Ground in a Time of Change
Pregnancy and postpartum are often described as joyful seasons of life—but for many, they also bring emotional overwhelm, unexpected challenges, and feelings of isolation. It’s common to feel torn between gratitude for your baby and exhaustion from the reality of this transition.
At Core Psychology, we understand that perinatal and postpartum experiences are deeply personal. You don’t need to face the worries, sleepless nights, or shifting identity alone. We offer options for both individual, couples, and group support.
Common Challenges During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Every parent’s journey is unique, but many share struggles like:
Perinatal anxiety and depression
Postpartum mood changes and intrusive thoughts
Feeling disconnected from your partner, friends, or self
Navigating relationship dynamics and role changes
Guilt, worry, or pressure to “do it all”
Overwhelm from the mental load of parenting
Processing birth experiences or unexpected medical challenges
How Perinatal Counselling Can Help
Our psychologists provide a safe, supportive space to process your thoughts and emotions while building practical tools for day-to-day resilience. Together, we can:
Explore and normalize your feelings without judgment
Strengthen coping strategies for anxiety, stress, and low mood
Rebuild connection with yourself and your relationships
Support identity shifts as you step into or expand your role as a parent
Create balance in managing expectations and the demands of parenthood
You don’t need to have a “serious problem” to benefit from support. Sometimes just having a place to exhale, cry, or be honest without fear of judgment can be the start of healing.
You’re Not Alone. Support Is Here.
If you’re struggling in silence, please know that many parents feel the same way, even if few talk about it openly. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
We’re here to support you in building confidence, finding calm, and reclaiming your sense of self as you navigate this chapter of life.
Take the next step with perinatal counselling in Calgary. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or somewhere in between, our team at Core Psychology is here to walk alongside you.
Book an appointment today and begin the process of healing and support.
Sessions are available in-person in Marda Loop (Calgary) or virtually across Alberta.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perinatal Counselling
-
Perinatal counselling is psychological support during pregnancy and the postpartum period (roughly the year before and after birth). It helps parents navigate mood changes, anxiety, identity shifts, relationship adjustments, and the challenges of caring for a newborn.
Those experiencing anxiety that has become unmanageable often describe: A lost sense of self, strategies that were once helpful no longer working, feeling paralyzed, physical symptoms (including headaches, weight changes, illness and trouble sleeping), overthinking and replaying conversations and events in their head, second-guessing decisions, and feeling stuck and unable to move forward.
-
Yes. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the major transition into parenthood can leave many new parents feeling tearful, anxious, or overwhelmed. This is often called the “baby blues,” and it usually improves within the first two weeks after birth. If symptoms persist beyond that, intensify, or interfere with daily life, it may be postpartum depression or anxiety, which are common and treatable with professional support.
-
The “baby blues” typically resolve on their own and feel more like temporary mood swings. Postpartum anxiety, on the other hand, involves ongoing, racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps, or intrusive worries that feel hard to control. If you’re unsure, it’s best to talk with a perinatal mental health professional who can help you sort out what’s happening.
-
Yes. Research shows that evidence-based counselling approaches — such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and mindfulness-based interventions — can reduce symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Therapy provides both practical coping strategies and emotional support, which can make the adjustment to parenthood feel less isolating and overwhelming.
-
Every parent’s experience is different, but common themes include:
Worry about the baby’s health and safety
Changes in mood, sleep, or energy
Relationship and intimacy shifts after birth
Navigating extended family expectations
Identity changes and loss of independence
Grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility struggles
-
Yes. Partners often experience their own stress, worry, or feelings of helplessness. Counselling can support couples in communicating openly, sharing the mental load, and staying connected as they adjust to new roles.
-
You don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable. If anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion are making it hard to enjoy your baby, rest, or function day-to-day, reaching out early can help you feel steadier and supported sooner.
-
Absolutely. Online therapy is shown to be effective for perinatal anxiety and depression, and many new parents find it easier to attend sessions from home. Secure video sessions can be especially helpful when leaving the house feels difficult with a newborn.
At Core Psychology, our perinatal team provides warm, evidence-based support in Calgary and online across Alberta. Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating postpartum changes, or coping with loss, you don’t have to do it alone.
Where you can find us.
Located in the heart of Marda Loop in Calgary, our office offers a tranquil space where you can take a breath and focus on you.