An Integrative Approach
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that supports healing from trauma and distressing experiences. During pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting, unresolved trauma can show up as anxiety, emotional reactivity, or intrusive memories.
EMDR is commonly used to support birth trauma, pregnancy loss, medical trauma, and earlier life experiences that resurface during parenthood. It helps the brain reprocess memories so they feel less intense and less disruptive in daily life.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapy that focuses on helping individuals relate differently to thoughts and emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate distress, ACT builds awareness and flexibility in how internal experiences are handled.
ACT is skills-based and can be especially helpful for perinatal and postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and parenting stress, supporting values-driven action and greater emotional steadiness.
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based therapy for anxiety and OCD, including perinatal and postpartum OCD. ERP involves gradually facing feared thoughts or situations while reducing compulsive or avoidant behaviours.
This approach helps individuals learn that thoughts are not dangerous and do not need to be controlled, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence in daily parenting and decision-making.
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Gottman-informed couples therapy is an evidence-based approach that supports relationships during major transitions such as pregnancy and parenthood. Stress, sleep deprivation, and mental health challenges can place strain on connection and communication.
This approach focuses on strengthening emotional connection, improving communication, and building effective conflict management so couples can navigate parenthood as a team.
Rather than forcing your experience into one framework, I draw from multiple well-researched approaches and tailor them intentionally to support you— your values, your relationships, and your goals.
The perinatal period and parenting have a way of stirring up everything—your nervous system, your relationships, your sense of identity, and sometimes experiences from long before you became a parent. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or not like yourself, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re navigating a deeply human transition.
At Flourish Perinatal Counselling, I use an integrative, evidence-based therapeutic approach because no single model can fully capture the complexity of pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting. These seasons are dynamic. Your needs change, and your therapy should be able to change with you.
Your therapy is not a rigid plan. It’s a living process.
What you need in early pregnancy may look different postpartum. What helps during a crisis may shift as things stabilize. At times, therapy may focus on practical skills and coping strategies. At other times, it may slow down to process deeper emotional experiences.
We adjust as your needs evolve, always centering your values, your capacity, and your goals.
Why Evidence-Based Care Matters
All of the therapies I use are evidence-based, meaning they are supported by research and clinical best practices. This is especially important during the perinatal period, when mental health care needs to be both effective and safe.
At the same time, therapy is not about fixing you or striving for perfection. It’s about building understanding, resilience, and self-compassion—so you can show up for yourself and your family in ways that feel aligned with the person you want to be and sustainable.
At Flourish Perinatal Counselling, therapy is about growth that feels grounded, supportive, and real.
Introduction to EMDR Therapy. Courtesy of EMDR International Association.
Some people benefit from a more structured approach to support. Structured programs provide clear guidance, practical tools, and a predictable framework.
Programs like ACT for Parents and Bringing Baby Home are designed for those who appreciate learning skills step by step, applying them between sessions, and having a shared roadmap for growth. These approaches can be especially helpful for parents who want practical support, clear goals, and resources they can return to long after therapy ends.
Programs
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ACT for Parents is an 8-session structured program grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), designed to support parents during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting. Each session combines explanation and experiential practice of key concepts, including:
Cognitive defusion skills – learning to notice and step back from unhelpful thoughts
Present-moment awareness – increasing focus on the here and now
Acceptance – allowing difficult emotions without judgment
Self-compassion – treating yourself with kindness and understanding
Clarifying values – identifying what truly matters to you as a parent and partner
Goal-setting – taking meaningful, values-guided action in daily life
This program is especially helpful for perinatal and postpartum anxiety, parenting stress, and emotional overwhelm, providing practical tools that parents can use both during and after the program. It can be offered on its own or alongside individual therapy, depending on your goals and needs.
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Bringing Baby Home is a 12-hour structured psychoeducational program designed to support couples during the transition to parenthood. It is delivered through interactive sessions including lectures, exercises, video segments, and role-playing.
It is appropriate for those who are expecting/pregnant and those who have a child under the age of 3 year old. Couples receive a comprehensive workbook covering topics.
The Bringing Baby Home program is based on 40 years of research by Dr. John Gottman. The curriculum covers:
Strengthening relationship friendship and intimacy
Managing conflict effectively
Encouraging father involvement in parenting
Enhancing parent-infant interaction quality
Understanding psychological and emotional needs of infants
Developing effective co-parenting strategies
BBH helps couples maintain closeness while navigating relationship changes, parenting stress, and the demands of a new baby.
It can be offered on its own or alongside individual therapy, depending on your needs and goals.
Description of Bringing Baby Home Program- John Gottman
Fees & Coverage
Individual Counselling $175 per 1 hr session
Includes the 8-session ACT for Parents program when clinically appropriate.
EMDR trauma sessions are often booked for 1.5 hours to allow for full processing and safety.
Bringing Baby Home Program Contact for details
Sessions can be offered flexibly to meet your needs, with options such as 2-hour or 4-hour sessions, and can also be delivered in small group settings.
This program can be combined with individual or couples counselling if desired, providing a comprehensive approach to both personal and relationship growth during this transformative time.
Couples Counselling $185 per 1 hr session
90-minute sessions are recommended to allow adequate time for relationship-focused work.
Receipts are provided for extended health insurance. Please check with your provider regarding coverage. Counselling services provided by a Registered Social Worker (MSW) are covered by many extended health insurance plans.