Deciding to begin therapy after a traumatic birth can feel like a big step. You might be wondering what to expect, how it works, or even if your experiences are “serious enough” to seek help. To make the process less daunting, I’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about birth trauma counselling.
What Is Birth Trauma Counselling?
Birth trauma counselling is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences before, during, or after childbirth. It offers a safe, compassionate space where your story can be heard without judgement. The aim isn’t to erase what happened, but to help you make sense of it, reduce its emotional impact, and support your recovery.
Who Can Benefit From Birth Trauma Counselling?
It’s not just mothers who give birth who may benefit. Partners, birthing people, and even family members who witnessed a traumatic birth can also carry emotional scars. If the experience left you with anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance behaviours, counselling could help you.
How Do I Know If I Need Counselling?
Everyone responds to birth differently. Some signs that therapy might be helpful include:
- Replaying the birth experience in your mind or having flashbacks
- Feeling anxious, panicky, or low in mood since the birth
- Avoiding conversations, places, or TV shows that remind you of birth
- Struggling with bonding or feeling disconnected from your baby
- Feeling guilt, shame, or that you “should just get over it”
If any of these feel familiar, counselling may provide the support you need.
What Happens in a Session?
In sessions, you’ll be invited to share as much or as little of your experience as feels comfortable. A counsellor trained in birth trauma therapy will help you explore your feelings, understand how the trauma has affected you, and work with you on strategies to cope.
There’s no pressure to relive every detail. Therapy moves at your pace, focusing on what feels most helpful for you.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people feel some relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We discuss your needs and work together to create a plan that feels manageable.
Will Talking About It Make Things Worse?
When beginning therapy on any issue, it’s common to feel worse before you start to feel better. Talking in a safe, supportive environment usually makes things better, over time. Avoidance often strengthens trauma, while sharing and processing experiences can reduce their intensity over time.
Is Birth Trauma Counselling Confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential, within the limits of professional and ethical guidelines. Any qualified counsellor will explain confidentiality clearly in your first session so you know exactly what to expect.
Do I Have to Be Diagnosed With PTSD to Access Counselling?
No. You don’t need a diagnosis to seek support. Whether you consider your birth experience “traumatic” or not, if it’s left you with difficult feelings that interfere with your wellbeing, therapy can help.
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s also a brave and hopeful one. Birth trauma counselling provides a safe, validating space to share your story, reduce distress, and rebuild your sense of self after a difficult experience.
If you’d like to explore whether therapy could support you, I’d be happy to talk with you.