Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health Care
Navigating the perinatal and reproductive landscape can be overwhelming, affecting individuals and their partners in significant ways. We offer specialized psychotherapy, addressing the unique needs and experiences ranging from postpartum and pregnancy support to perimenopause, to infertility and pregnancy loss, while providing confidential, comprehensive care.
As sexuality professionals, we take an integrative approach to your care and can consult with your other healthcare providers to ensure we’re aligned in providing you the best care possible. We know you are the expert on your body and we want you to feel empowered to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
We know not everyone’s journey to parenthood is a straight line. Whether you are adopting a child, going through IVF or IUI, exploring surrogacy or are trying to conceive (TTC), we recognize the transition to parenthood is ripe with all types of adjustments, which can feel emotionally daunting and sometimes stressful. Professional support has been shown to ease the transition to parenthood by improving parents’ sense of confidence and their competence as parents during this period. For this reason, we can offer support for both birthing and non-birthing parents, adoptive parents and caregivers too.
Sex Therapy for New Parents
Postpartum intimacy tends to be a common challenge for many new parents impacting their overall relationship and sexual satisfaction. Breaking the silence about these topics is important to help reduce shame and help couples maintain their bond and embrace their sexual wellness. If a couple is struggling with their sex life after having a baby, a sex therapist may help the couple learn ways to reconnect, expressing their emotions, cope with stress and address any negative relationship cycles.
Perinatal concerns addressed in sex therapy include:
Changes in body image
Decreased sexual frequency
Mismatched sexual desire
Pain or discomfort during sex
Physical and emotional recovery after childbirth
The impact of Sleep deprivation on sexual interest
How Sex Therapy Works
Sex therapy and relationship therapy can be helpful in addressing the challenges that can impact intimacy and communication during the perinatal and postpartum period. While it’s common for couples to experience a decrease in relationship satisfaction during the early stages of parenthood, the skills and support couples have and use can make a tremendous difference in sustaining their lasting connection.
Sex therapists may draw from a range of behavioral, mindfulness, psychoeducational or relational communication techniques to address the primary concerns. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) may be used to assist partners who are experiencing attachment stress to help them identify unmet attachment needs and develop new emotional patterns. Our team will work collaboratively with you to address your specific needs and reach your therapeutic goals.
How do I begin sex therapy?
You may feel uneasy about seeking therapy to address perinatal or reproductive health concerns, however, beginning therapy is an investment in your own health and wellbeing. Whether you are starting therapy alone or with a partner, reaching out for support can help you learn skills to help you thrive during this season of life.
If you are ready to begin sex therapy, the team at Embrace Sexual Wellness can help. For more information on how Embrace Sexual Wellness can help with the perinatal stage, feel free to request a free 10-minute phone consultation. A clinician will be able to answer any questions and help you get started.
