I support women and couples with mental health difficulties around trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth and the first months with a baby – at my private practice in Ettlingen and via video sessions.
Area of focus · Ettlingen & online
Psychotherapy during pregnancy and after birth
Overview
When the joy does not come
Pregnancy and the first time with a baby are seen as a happy phase of life. At the same time, many things change at once: your body, your hormones, your sleep, your relationship and your sense of self. Around one in five women develops a mental health condition that needs treatment during this time. Many do not talk about it for a long time, because they feel ashamed or believe they ought to be happy.
Mental health difficulties around birth are not a personal failure. They respond well to treatment – and the earlier support begins, the better for you and your family.
Possible signs
- Low mood, inner emptiness or exhaustion lasting more than two weeks
- Constant worry, brooding or panic attacks
- Recurring, frightening thoughts that something might happen to the baby
- Trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
- The feeling of not connecting with your child
- Distressing memories of the birth
Topics in my practice
- Anxiety and worries during pregnancy and beyond
- Perinatal and postpartum depression and exhaustion
- Obsessive thoughts and compulsions during and after pregnancy
- Stress around trying to conceive and fertility treatment
- Distressing birth experiences and birth trauma
- Difficulties in the transition to parenthood
You will find detailed descriptions on the home page.
Treatment
How I support you
I work with cognitive behavioural therapy: structured, transparent and focused on your goals.
- Understand: together we look at what is weighing on you, how it developed and what keeps it going.
- Relieve: you learn new ways of dealing with anxiety, brooding and distressing thoughts.
- Strengthen: we strengthen rest, support from those around you and confidence in your own abilities.
- Include: if you wish, your partner can join individual sessions.
- Stay flexible: sessions are also possible by video – helpful when a baby sets the daily rhythm.
If medication might be an option, I can coordinate with your gynaecologist, midwife or a psychiatric practice at your request.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
The baby blues usually start a few days after birth and pass on their own within about two weeks. If low mood, exhaustion or anxiety last longer or get stronger, you should seek support.
Yes. Anxiety, low mood or obsessive thoughts often begin during pregnancy. Early treatment can help you enter the time after birth feeling stronger.
Intrusive thoughts like these are more common than many people realise. They go against what you want and cause great anxiety – that is what distinguishes them from real intentions. They are not a sign that you would harm your child, and they respond well to treatment. If you are in an acute crisis, you can find immediate help under Acute crisis.
Private health insurers and Beihilfe usually cover psychotherapy in full or in part. Please check the conditions with your insurer in advance. More under Process & fees. Coaching, for example around trying to conceive, is paid privately.
Contact
Request an appointment
Send me a short note about what brings you here and when you can be reached – I will get back to you.
Private patients · Beihilfe-eligible · Self-payers