Women's Health Clinic

Here at Four Oaks Psychology, we have several psychologists who possess a specialist interest in supporting clients (and their partners if required) with difficulties that may accompany a female milestone or medical condition such as pregnancy, birth, gynaecological conditions, menopause etc.

In addition to a perinatal mental health specialist, we also have psychologists who are trained in trauma informed care and biopsychosocial approaches. Below is a list of services we provide under our Women's Health Clinic, or click here to toggle to our quick navigation menu.

The reality of having a baby can feel different to what you might have expected. Difficulties may begin during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. It's important to remember that experiencing some emotional changes and challenges during pregnancy and after childbirth is normal. However, if these symptoms persist, worsen, or significantly interfere with daily functioning, it's crucial to seek support.

Our women's health clinic offers a perinatal support service (covering pregnancy and the postpartum period), delivered by registered psychologists and a perinatal mental health specialist. We also welcome you to bring your baby along. We also have links with local private specialist midwives who can offer further informed support based on holistic birthing and postnatal approaches.

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of postnatal mental health difficulties that we can support during pregnancy or the postnatal period:

Postpartum Depression (PPD): PPD is a mood disorder that can occur in the weeks or months after childbirth. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite, including significant weight loss or gain
• Intense irritability or anger
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or inadequacy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Postpartum Anxiety: Postpartum anxiety involves excessive worry and fear that significantly impact daily functioning. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Constant worrying or racing thoughts
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Panic attacks (sudden and intense episodes of fear)
• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Irritability or agitation

Postpartum OCD: Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Obsessions: Intrusive and unwanted thoughts, often related to harm coming to the baby
• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce anxiety or prevent harm, such as excessive cleaning, checking, or counting
• Fear of being alone with the baby
• Excessive concern about cleanliness or hygiene
• Intense anxiety or distress if rituals or compulsions are not performed

Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Postpartum PTSD can occur if an individual has experienced a traumatic childbirth or has a history of trauma. We use Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or EMDR to support this type of difficulty. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
• Nightmares or sleep disturbances
• Avoidance of reminders or triggers associated with the trauma
• Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on guard
• Emotional detachment from the baby or difficulty bonding
• Irritability, anger, or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or experiencing memory problems

Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. We can offer assessment and advice. Please note that it may be necessary to signpost you to urgent care depending on the significance of your symptoms. Signs of this condition may include: 

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
• Delusions (false beliefs)
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Rapid mood swings or extreme agitation
• Paranoia or suspicion
• Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

Therapy can be beneficial for individuals who are experiencing challenges with trying to conceive or infertility. As a clinic we work both with women and (optionally) their partners to provide:

1. Emotional Support: a safe and supportive space to express and process the range of emotions that may arise during this time, such as anxiety, grief, disappointment, and stress. A therapist can help individuals explore and understand their feelings, providing validation and coping strategies to navigate the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive.
2. Coping with Uncertainty: Trying to conceive, and medical procedures such as IVF involve numerous uncertainties, including the success of  treatments, potential setbacks, and the emotional toll of unsuccessful cycles. Therapy can help individuals develop effective coping mechanisms to manage uncertainty, reduce anxiety, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
3. Managing Stress: Stress can negatively impact fertility. Therapy can provide individuals with stress management techniques, relaxation strategies, and tools to reduce stress levels. This can include mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and stress-reduction techniques tailored to the individual's specific needs.
4. Relationship Support: Trying to conceive can place strain on relationships, including romantic partnerships. Therapy can help couples navigate the emotional and logistical challenges together, fostering effective communication, strengthening emotional bonds, and providing a space for couples to express their concerns, fears, and hopes during this process.
5. Support with Decision Making: Fertility treatments such as IVF can involve making various decisions, such as the number of embryos to transfer, whether to use donor eggs or sperm, or when to consider alternative options. Therapy can assist individuals and couples in clarifying their values, exploring options, and making informed decisions that align with their unique circumstances and desires. Additionally, therapy can help manage expectations by discussing realistic outcomes and exploring potential alternatives or next steps.
6. Lifestyle Advice: Socially lifestyle can have a significant impact on trying to conceive. Therapy can help you to evaluate self-care practices, lifestyle adjustments, goal setting, and developing a strong support system. 

Navigating a female medical condition can be psychologically isolating and challenging. Perhaps you are negotiating a physical milestone such as natural menopause, or something that you did not expect such as hysterectomy, pelvic pain, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis. Regardless of the cause, many women  find the physical symptoms associated with female conditions can impact on psychological wellbeing in multiple ways. In our women's health clinic our psychological therapists use a biopsychosocial approach (thinking about the physical, psychological and social impact)  to help our clients navigate through these challenging conditions and times in their life.