Postpartum Depression
Therapy in Toronto
Home | Postpartum Depression
Have you been feeling sad, disconnected and overwhelmed? Is motherhood not what you expected it to be?
These may be signs of postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects many new parents in the weeks and months following the birth of a child.
Postpartum depression is more than just the "baby blues." While many new parents experience brief periods of mood swings, anxiety, or fatigue in the first few days after childbirth, postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer. It can emerge within the first few weeks after delivery or even months later. PPD can make it difficult to care for your baby or yourself, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy.
While the exact causes are not fully understood, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, the emotional and physical demands of a newborn, and previous mental health conditions are all contributing factors. The good news is that postpartum depression is treatable, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Toronto Therapy Practice specializes in helping new parents cope with and overcome the emotional struggles of this challenging time.
Overview of Postpartum Depression Therapy
Welcome to Toronto Therapy Practice we understand how postpartum depression can affect not only your mood but also your sense of identity. As you navigate the emotional challenges of parenthood, it’s easy to feel disconnected from who you were before. We offer compassionate, individualized support for new parents experiencing postpartum depression. Through a combination of talk therapy, practical tools, and emotional support, our team works with you to help you rediscover your sense of self, find balance, and reclaim joy and motivation in your life. Our therapy supports you in feeling more in control of your emotions, building deeper connections with your loved ones, and restoring a sense of purpose as you integrate your new identity as a parent.
Did you know that up to 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, and it’s not just limited to mothers? Fathers and non-birthing partners can also develop postpartum depression. This condition can affect anyone who has recently welcomed a child into their life, making support and understanding from loved ones and professionals even more important.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Intense mood swings or irritability
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Withdrawal from family and friends
Overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
Anxiety, panic attacks, or constant worry
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby
Effective Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to postpartum depression. By reframing these thoughts, you can develop healthier emotional responses and behaviours.
This type of therapy delves into underlying emotional conflicts and unresolved issues from the past that may be contributing to postpartum depression. It helps you gain insight into your emotions and strengthen your sense of self.
Supportive Therapy:
Sometimes, simply having a space to talk about your feelings in a non-judgmental environment can provide relief. Supportive therapy allows you to process your thoughts and emotions freely.
Medication (Antidepressants):
In some cases antidepressant medication may be recommended in conjunction with therapy.
IPT focuses on improving communication and relationships, addressing role transitions, and building a support system. It helps you manage the emotional shifts that often accompany new motherhood.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
ACT encourages you to accept difficult emotions rather than avoid them. By focusing on mindfulness and committing to value-driven actions, you can move through depressive symptoms with greater resilience.
Group Therapy:
Group therapy with other new parents experiencing postpartum depression can reduce isolation, build a sense of community, and provide shared strategies for coping.
How Therapy Can Help:
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
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Therapy helps you reconnect with a sense of joy and purpose in your daily life. You’ll feel more motivated to engage in activities you once enjoyed, and you’ll start experiencing more happy, meaningful moments with your baby and loved ones.
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Postpartum depression can make you feel disconnected from who you were before becoming a parent. Therapy helps you regain a clear sense of identity, allowing you to integrate your new role as a parent with the person you’ve always been. You’ll feel more like yourself again.
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Through therapy, you’ll learn to manage overwhelming emotions and reduce feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness. You’ll develop tools to feel more in control of your emotional well-being, enabling you to face challenges with greater strength.
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Postpartum depression can strain relationships, but therapy helps you rebuild and deepen connections with your partner, family, and others who matter to you. You’ll feel more supported, understood, and emotionally connected, easing feelings of isolation.
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Therapy helps you find balance between your personal life, professional responsibilities, and the demands of being a parent. You’ll gain clarity on how to manage these different roles in a way that supports your well-being and allows you to feel more organized and less overwhelmed.
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Beyond immediate relief, therapy equips you with skills to prevent future depressive episodes and build lasting emotional resilience. You’ll develop healthier coping mechanisms and a mindset that helps you approach life with greater confidence and optimism.
What to Expect from Postpartum Depression Therapy
At Toronto Therapy Practice, we specialize in supporting new parents through postpartum depression with compassionate, evidence-based care. Our experienced perinatal mental health team provides:
Personalized Treatment: Using proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy
Flexible Care Options: Including virtual sessions and baby-friendly appointments
Partner/Family Support: Building stronger support systems for lasting recovery
Practical Tools: Developing strategies to manage symptoms and strengthen the parent-child bond
OUR PROCESS
Book a Free Consultation
Pick a time that works for you to chat about your needs and how we can support you.
Meet Your
Therapist
Get to know your therapist and explore how the journey will unfold together.
Embrace Positive Change
Join your first session and begin making impactful, lasting progress in your life.
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Meet the Team
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Mila Arsenijevic MSW RSW
Founder and Clinical Director, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Rebecca Songhurst MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Ruth Diemer MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Emilie Baillarino MSW RSW, MBA
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Alana Jackson MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Caroline Nikiel MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Start Your Journey to Balance and Connection
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenthood, relationships, or life transitions? We’re here to help. Book a consultation with our team today and take the first step toward feeling more in control, connected, and at peace.