Antenatal & Postnatal Counselling
Gold Coast Antenatal & Postnatal Counselling Services
Becoming a parent is a profound life transition, filled with excitement, challenges, and unexpected emotions. While pregnancy and the postpartum period bring joy, they can also come with stress, anxiety, mood changes, and feelings of overwhelm. If you’re struggling with the emotional demands of pregnancy or new parenthood, you’re not alone—professional support can help you navigate this journey with confidence and care.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
The perinatal period (pregnancy and the first year after birth) can be emotionally complex. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and the pressures of parenting can contribute to mental health challenges, such as:
- Antenatal Anxiety & Depression – Feelings of sadness, worry, or overwhelm during pregnancy.
- Postnatal Depression (PND) – Persistent low mood, exhaustion, or disconnection after birth.
- Birth Trauma – Emotional distress following a difficult or unexpected birth experience.
- Perinatal Anxiety & OCD – Excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors related to parenting.
- Adjustment to Parenthood – Struggles with identity shifts, partner relationships, or daily routines.
Signs you may need help
If you’re experiencing any of the following, therapy may help:
✔ Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or feelings of hopelessness
✔ Overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks
✔ Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling detached
✔ Irritability, anger, or mood swings
✔ Excessive worry about your baby’s health and safety
✔ Intrusive thoughts or distressing mental images
✔ Exhaustion or sleep disturbances beyond typical newborn adjustments
✔ Guilt, self-doubt, or feeling like you’re “not a good enough” parent
How therapy can support you
We provide a safe, compassionate space where you can share your experiences without judgment. Our tailored perinatal mental health support includes:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Manage negative thoughts, reduce anxiety, and build resilience
- Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Strategies – Learn techniques to stay present, reduce stress, and nurture yourself
- Birth Trauma Processing – Work through distressing birth experiences with professional guidance
- Parenting & Relationship Support – Navigate changes in your identity, partnerships, and family dynamics
- Emotional Regulation Techniques – Learn how to manage overwhelming emotions and regain balance
Parenthood is a journey, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or navigating the early years of parenting, compassionate and professional support can help you feel more confident, connected, and in control. You are not alone, support is here!
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.




