Pospartum 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.Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
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.Psychodynamic Therapy:
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.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.Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):
MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to help you stay present, reduce rumination, and manage depressive symptoms as they arise.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.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.Medication (Antidepressants):
In some cases antidepressant medication may be recommended in conjunction with therapy.
HOW TORONTO THERAPY PRACTICE CAN HELP
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RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS AND PATTERNS
Therapy helps you identify the signs of postpartum depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and fatigue, as well as any patterns that may be contributing to these feelings.
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CHALLENGE NEGATIVE THOUGHT PATTERNS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you challenge negative thoughts, self-criticism, and feelings of hopelessness, replacing them with more realistic and compassionate self-talk.
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RESTORE A SENSE OF IDENTITY
Therapy guides you through the process of rediscovering who you are beyond being a parent, helping you integrate your old identity with your new role, so you don’t feel lost or disconnected from yourself.
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REBUILD EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
Postpartum depression can strain relationships. Therapy helps you improve communication and rebuild connections with your partner, family, and loved ones, reducing feelings of isolation.
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DEVELOP COPING STRATEGIES FOR DAILY LIFE
Therapists teach coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, stress management, and self-care strategies to help you manage overwhelming emotions and daily responsibilities with more ease.
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BUILD LONG-TERM RESILIENCE
Therapy provides tools for preventing future depressive episodes and promotes long-term emotional resilience, helping you rediscover joy, purpose, and motivation in your life as a new parent.
What You Can Expect From Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Rediscover Joy and Motivation:
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.
Restore Your Sense of Self:
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.Feel More in Control of Your Emotions:
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.Strengthen Your Relationships:
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.Balance Parenthood and Personal Life:
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.Build Long-Term Emotional Resilience:
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.
BLOG
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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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Emily Paris, DVATI, RP
Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Art Therapist