Families with babies and young children

We welcome all families, including people parenting alone, adoptive parents, same sex couples, kinship and foster carers. In psychoanalytic psychotherapy we understand the unique challenges faced by parents and caregivers, especially in raising children who have experienced trauma.   

Life with a new baby can be deeply rewarding—but also extremely demanding. Even when pregnancy has gone smoothly, the arrival of a baby can bring unexpected feelings and worries. Previous loss, a difficult birth, trauma during delivery, or having a baby who is unwell or requires time in hospital can all add emotional strain.

Some parents may also experience significant mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after birth—such as antenatal or postnatal depression, anxiety, OCD, or psychosis. These experiences can have a lasting impact, and recovery can feel isolating or overwhelming. Having space to talk and reflect during this time can be an important part of healing.

We know that the first 1,001 days of a child’s life are especially significant. Psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy offers a gentle and thoughtful space to explore your experiences, strengthen your relationship with your baby, and find support as a parent.

The Association of Child Psychotherapists provides more information on supporting mums through difficult times with a reading list and has produced a leaflet for parents of Babies with serious illness