Kayleen Edwards

The Perinatal period refers to any time between pregnancy through to one year postpartum. 

Perinatal Mental Health specializes in treating challenges that may arise during this time, such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and birth trauma.

Postpartum Support International is a fantastic resource for Perinatal Mental Health. 

Absolutely. You don’t need to be experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety to benefit from perinatal therapy. The transition into parenthood is one of life’s biggest changes, and many people seek therapy simply because they’re adjusting to pregnancy, birth trauma, infertility, pregnancy loss, or life with a new baby. 

Perinatal therapy provides a supportive space for you to navigate the emotional, mental, and practical challenges that come with being a parent. Even if you’re feeling generally well, we can work together to help you build coping strategies, strengthen your confidence, process birth trauma, improve communication with your partner, and care for your mental wellbeing during this important stage of your life. 

Yes. While postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are often associated with mothers, fathers and non-birthing parents can also experience significant mental health challenges during pregnancy and after the arrival of a baby. Statistics suggest that approximately 10% of new fathers experience a postpartum mood disorder. 

Postpartum is a tender time for both the birthing parent and non-birthing parent, no matter the gender. Witnessing your partner give birth and potentially coping with their own struggles, in addition to experiencing your own struggles with identity shifts, lack of sleep, lack of support, financial pressures, previous mental health concerns, and uncertainty can lead to partners experiencing their own mood disorders. You can learn more about men and postnatal mental illness here. 

In short – perinatal therapy can benefit parents of all genders, and you don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to reach out for support. Early support can make a meaningful difference for both you and your family. 

I work with parents of all genders.

No matter your gender and whether you are a birthing parent or non birthing parent, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges within parenting. 

I work with couples who are experiencing a variety of challenges related to parenting. From struggling with the transition to parenthood, wanting to improve communication, or looking to get your spark back – I provide a supportive space for you to explore where you’re getting stuck and how you can get back on the same page again. 

I have training in Gottman Level 1, Sex Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Strategies to help you improve communication and work together to feel excited about your relationship again. 

I work with all parents! 

While I support clients through pregnancy, postpartum and the transition into parenthood, I also work with parents of toddlers, school-aged children, teens, and adult children. Parenting brings new joys and challenges at every stage, and therapy can provide support wherever you need it.

Some parents come to therapy to navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy or life with a newborn, while others are seeking support with parenting stress, balancing work and family life, relationship challenges, burnout, or the unique challenges that arise as children grow.

No matter how old your children are, we can work together to identify where you’re feeling stuck and how we can help you to regain confidence, give yourself compassion, and reconnect with yourself and your children. 

Yes!

I currently offer direct billing for a variety of popular insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Greenshield, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Johnston Group, Desjardings, Equitable, and more. 

It is also important to check in with your benefits provider to confirm your Extended Healthcare Benefits Plan allows direct billing by psychotherapists, as insurance plans can vary even within one insurance company.