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Postnatal Depression Therapy in Central London (W1W) & Online

For new mothers (or fathers) feeling low, numb, anxious, guilty, or overwhelmed

Postnatal depression can involve low mood, anxiety, irritability, numbness, guilt, or feeling disconnected, often alongside sleep deprivation and major identity change. Many people feel ashamed and fear being judged.

I offer postnatal depression therapy in Central London (W1 / W1W) and online, providing a calm, non-judgemental space to stabilise, process emotion, and rebuild confidence.

My work integrates ISTDP-informed therapy, CBT strategies, and relational/psychodynamic work, depending on what maintains symptoms.

When postnatal depression shows up

  • persistent low mood or tearfulness
  • anxiety, intrusive worries, feeling “on edge”
  • numbness or lack of connection
  • guilt and self-criticism (“I should be coping”)
  • relationship strain
  • fear of being seen as a “bad mother”

The postnatal depression cycle

  • Sleep deprivation + pressure + expectations
  • Emotion rises (fear, sadness, anger, grief)
  • Strategy: suppression + self-attack + isolation
  • Reduced support/connection
  • Mood worsens → shame increases → cycle strengthens

How ISTDP understands postnatal depression

An ISTDP lens helps us work with guilt, fear, anger and grief safely, especially when emotions feel risky or unacceptable. Therapy increases capacity and reduces self-attack so recovery is supported rather than blocked.

How therapy helps

We work to:

  • reduce guilt and harsh self-criticism
  • stabilise emotional regulation under pressure
  • strengthen support and boundaries
  • work with relational changes and identity shifts
  • address trauma elements if present (and consider EMDR when indicated)

What sessions look like

Early sessions:

  • stabilisation + formulation of the cycle

Ongoing work:

  • emotional processing + practical changes and support-building

Related ways I work

  • ISTDP – guilt/shame cycles and emotional inhibition
  • CBT – worry loops and behavioural stabilisation
  • EMDR, if birth/medical trauma is central (when indicated)

You may also find these pages helpful:

Frequently asked questions

What if I’m having scary thoughts?

Many new parents experience intrusive thoughts; therapy helps. If you feel at risk of harming yourself or your baby, seek urgent help via NHS 111/999 or A&E.

What if I feel guilty or numb?
Both are common postnatally. Therapy helps reduce self-attack and supports emotional regulation so feelings can return safely without overwhelm.

Are intrusive thoughts common after birth?
Yes, many new parents experience intrusive thoughts, especially when anxious or sleep-deprived; they’re not the same as intent. Therapy helps reduce the fear-intrusion cycle and the shame that maintains it (seek urgent help if you feel at risk of acting on thoughts).

Can therapy be online if childcare is difficult?
Yes. Online therapy often works very well postnatally, less travel, easier scheduling, and we can adapt pace and goals to what’s realistic right now.

Online therapy?

Yes.

W1W?

Yes.

Next steps