Brisbane Psychology for Birth Trauma and Perinatal PTSD

We acknowledge that the journey through pregnancy and childbirth can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. If you've experienced a traumatic birth or are struggling with distressing memories from this time, please know that your feelings are valid. You are not alone, and our team of dedicated birth trauma psychologists and counsellors in Brisbane are here to support you. 

Birth trauma is unfortunately common in Australia, with one in three birthing mothers reporting that their childbirth experience was traumatic. Birth trauma can include both physical injuries (e.g. tearing, muscle damage, prolapse, and fractures) and psychological injuries. These psychological traumas might come from a disconnect between the expectations and reality of childbirth, unexpected or unwanted medical interventions, feelings of loss of control, being unable to advocate for yourself, your partner or your baby, inadequate support and communication from the medical team, a loss of dignity, or any other experiences that felt frightening or violating. Non-birthing partners can also experience psychological trauma from childbirth which is often related to a sense of helplessness, a lack of power or ability to help your partner and fear for your partner or baby’s life.

What Is Perinatal PTSD?

Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing trauma during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It can affect anyone involved in the birthing process and may surface days, weeks, or even months after the event. Not every woman who has a difficult or traumatic birth, pregnancy, or postpartum will go on to develop PTSD. It is important to know that your trauma is important and valid, even if your baby is okay.

Symptoms of Perinatal PTSD

• Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted memories, dreams, or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
• Changed Thinking: Difficulties recalling key parts of the traumatic event, overly negative beliefs about yourself or the world, or blaming yourself or others for causing the trauma
• Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind you of the birth.
• Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from your baby, partner, or daily life.
• Persistent Negative Emotions: Overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or fear.

How Our Birth Trauma Psychologist Can Support You

• Safety: Our priority is to create a feeling of safety for you in the therapeutic relationship, from which further healing can occur
• Empathetic Listening: We provide a non-judgmental environment to share your story.
• Personalised Care Plans: Collaborate with you to develop strategies that resonate with your needs.
• Coping Techniques: Teach grounding and mindfulness practices to manage overwhelming emotions.
• Dyadic Approach: Babies are welcomed to join you in sessions, and we understand the importance of considering the needs of both you and your baby
• Resource Connection: Link you with support groups, therapy options, and community resources.
• Story Telling: Helping to make sense of your experience and what happened to yo

We're Here for You

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're experiencing these feelings or simply want someone to talk to. Healing is possible, and you don't have to go through this alone. Our perinatal psychologists and counsellors in Brisbane are here to support you every step of the way.

Learn about our approach at Three Little Birds

At Three Little Birds Perinatal in Brisbane, our team of dedicated psychologists and counsellors offers psychological treatment for birth trauma and perinatal PTSD. We understand that this period can be incredibly challenging, and we're here to support you with a range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs.

Our treatment approach integrates a variety of modalities to address birth trauma comprehensively:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a specialized psychotherapy that helps alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Our birth trauma psychologists guide you through recalling traumatic experiences in a safe environment while using bilateral stimulation techniques, such as guided eye movements. This process enables your brain to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and aiding in your recovery from perinatal PTSD.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that encourages you to accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment while committing to actions that align with your personal values. Our perinatal psychologists help you develop psychological flexibility, empowering you to navigate difficult emotions related to birth trauma more effectively and to focus on what truly matters in your life.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that addresses negative thought patterns and behaviours. Working with our Brisbane psychologists, you'll learn to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts related to your birth experience. By developing healthier thinking patterns, you can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms associated with perinatal PTSD and improve your overall emotional well-being. Within the safety of the therapeutic relationship you will learn to gradually face your fears and traumatic memories, reducing the impact that PTSD has on your life.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Mindfulness practices involve staying present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Our birth trauma psychologists integrate mindfulness techniques to help you manage stress and enhance emotional regulation. These practices can decrease rumination on past trauma and reduce anxiety about the future, supporting your journey toward healing.

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

CFT aims to help you cultivate self-compassion and reduce feelings of shame and self-criticism. Our perinatal psychologists guide you in developing a kinder relationship with yourself, which is essential in overcoming the emotional challenges of birth trauma. By fostering self-empathy, you can enhance your capacity for healing and personal growth.

• Narrative Therapy

This approach empowers you to reframe your personal story by separating yourself from your problems. Our Brisbane psychologists assist you in exploring alternative narratives of your birth experience, allowing you to view your journey from different perspectives. This can reduce the impact of trauma and support you in moving forward with a renewed sense of self.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving your relationships and social support network. Birth trauma can affect your connections with others, and our perinatal psychologists help you navigate these changes. By enhancing communication and resolving interpersonal conflicts, you can strengthen your support system, which is vital for healing from perinatal PTSD.

Whether you're experiencing sadness, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from your baby, our Brisbane psychologists are here to provide compassionate care. We offer both in-person sessions at our Brisbane clinic and Telehealth options to ensure that you can access the support you need, wherever you are.