Perinatal Mental Health Support in London
Expert therapy for pregnancy, postnatal depression, anxiety, and birth trauma.
Pregnancy & Postnatal Therapy at Regal Private Therapy Practice
Pregnancy and early parenthood can be deeply meaningful, but they can also feel unexpectedly challenging.
Alongside the joy, many people experience anxiety, low mood, intrusive thoughts, or a sense that they are not quite themselves. For some, the transition into parenthood brings a gap between expectation and reality that can feel difficult to navigate alone.
At Regal Private Therapy Practice, we provide specialist perinatal mental health support in London. Our aim is to help you feel more grounded, more confident, and better supported as you move through pregnancy and the first year after birth.
Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy (antenatal) and the first year after birth (postnatal).
While this period can bring joy and excitement, it is also a time of significant change — physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
For many people, this adjustment can lead to:
Anxiety during pregnancy or after birth
Postnatal depression
Obsessive-compulsive thoughts (OCD)
Birth trauma or PTSD
Feelings of overwhelm, guilt, or disconnection
Understanding and addressing these experiences early can make a meaningful difference to both your wellbeing and your relationship with your baby.
What is Perinatal Mental Health?
A specialist approach to perinatal wellbeing
Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and throughout the first year following birth.
This period involves significant psychological adjustment. Identity, relationships, sleep, and daily life can all shift at once. Even when a baby is very much wanted, it is entirely possible to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected.
We offer a calm, confidential space to explore these experiences with an experienced Clinical Psychologist, helping you to make sense of what you are feeling and find a way forward that feels manageable and authentic.
How We Can Help
We provide evidence-based psychological therapy tailored to your individual experience, delivered by highly experienced Clinical Psychologists.
Our support focuses on:
Reducing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postnatally
Supporting adjustment to parenthood, including identity changes and expectations vs reality
Working with intrusive thoughts and OCD, in a safe and non-judgemental space
Processing birth trauma and difficult experiences around labour or delivery
Strengthening the bond between you and your baby
Addressing feelings of loneliness or emotional disconnection
Our approach is always personalised, recognising that every parent’s journey is different
Common Experiences During Pregnancy
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You may feel persistently worried, on edge, or emotionally flat. This can begin during pregnancy or develop after birth, sometimes without a clear reason.
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Some parents experience distressing thoughts about harm coming to their baby. These thoughts can feel frightening and isolating, and are often misunderstood.
They are, in fact, a recognised feature of OCD. Having these thoughts does not mean you will act on them. With the right support, they can be understood and managed safely.
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If your experience of labour or delivery felt overwhelming or distressing, it may continue to affect you afterwards. This can show up as heightened anxiety, flashbacks, or difficulty feeling settled.
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The reality of becoming a parent can feel very different from what you expected. You may notice a sense of loss of your previous self, or feel unsure in your new role.
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Some parents worry that they are not bonding with their baby in the way they had hoped. This can bring feelings of guilt or concern, which can be difficult to speak about openly.
Understanding intrusive thoughts in new parents
One of the most distressing experiences we see in perinatal mental health is the presence of intrusive thoughts.
These can include thoughts about accidentally or intentionally harming your baby, or other unwanted and upsetting images. Many parents interpret these thoughts as meaning something about who they are, which can lead to fear, shame, and avoidance of seeking help.
In reality, these thoughts are a common presentation of OCD. They are not intentions, and they do not reflect your character.
Creating a space where these thoughts can be spoken about openly, without fear of judgement, is often the first and most important step towards recovery.
Supporting You and Your Baby
Your mental health plays an important role in your relationship with your baby.
When you're struggling, it can affect bonding, confidence, and connection, often leading to feelings of guilt or worry.
Our work gently supports both:
Your individual wellbeing
Your developing relationship with your baby
This is not about judgement. It’s about understanding, support, and helping you feel more like yourself again.
When to Seek Support
You don’t need to wait until things feel severe.
You may benefit from perinatal therapy if:
You feel persistently anxious, low, or overwhelmed
You are struggling with intrusive thoughts
You feel disconnected from your baby
You are finding it difficult to adjust to parenthood
Your birth experience continues to affect you
Early support can make a significant difference.
Why choose Regal Private Therapy Practice
We offer a discreet and highly personalised service in central London.
Consultations with experienced Clinical Psychologists
Specialist understanding of perinatal mental health
Private setting in Marylebone
Thoughtful, evidence-based therapeutic approaches
A calm, non-judgemental environment
Contact Our Clinical Team Today
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, many new parents experience anxiety after birth. However, if these feelings are persistent or overwhelming, support from a mental health professional can help.
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Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing thoughts that can include fears of harm coming to your baby. These are commonly linked to postnatal OCD and do not reflect your intentions.
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If your thoughts, mood, or anxiety are affecting your daily life, relationships, or ability to cope, it may be helpful to seek support.
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Yes, therapy can help process traumatic birth experiences and reduce symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional distress.
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Perinatal OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours during pregnancy or after birth. It is treatable with evidence-based therapy.