Services

Pregnancy and Postpartum Support for You and Your Family
~ Help With Fear, Anxiety, Depression or Grief

When women first come to see me, they are often saying, “I don’t feel like should. I need help. I am afraid. Tell me what I need to do to feel better. I thought this would get better on its’ own, but its’ not. Tell me I am going to be okay.” And that is exactly what I do. You will be provided with compassion, information, support, expertise and guidance in the following areas:

  • Depression and anxiety in pregnancy
  • Postpartum depression counselling
  • Complications related to pregnancy
  • Fear related to childbirth
  • Preparing for childbirth following a previous traumatic birth experience; or as a survivor of sexual abuse
  • Counselling for women with a history of emotional illness who are preparing for pregnancy
  • Grief counselling for miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn loss or termination
  • Infertility counselling
  • Neonatal intensive care support
  • Support for exploration of women's issues including self-esteem, sexuality, body image, intimacy
Services Provided Include:

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING

Are you pregnant or recently given birth and find yourself thinking “This isn’t what I expected!”

Do you feel overwhelmed?

Are you feeling sad, lonely or worried?

Do you wonder what is wrong with you – you wanted this baby and now you aren’t happy and you can’t even cope!

Mary Joan offers:
Personalized Plans to Help You Feel Better Quickly

You will have the opportunity to meet individually with Mary Joan Brinson a compassionate therapist specializing in postpartum depression and adjustment. She will thoroughly and quickly determine the best plan, personalized just for you, to help you feel better as quickly as possible. The sessions are one hour in length and babies are always welcome. In-home or phone sessions may also be arranged.


COUPLE SESSIONS


Strategies to Help You Cope Better Together

Your partner is invited to attend at least a session or two together with you. The purpose of the session is to provide support, information and strategies to help him learn what to do help you. During the session, he will also be assessed to determine how he is coping and if appropriate, he may be offered individual sessions to support him through this time of adjustment. Partners can also experience postpartum depression and we are here to support him as well.







PREGNANCY AFTER POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION COUNSELLING

Contemplating Another Pregnancy?

I offer specialized therapy sessions designed to assist you and your partner as you explore your options for more children after suffering postpartum depression.
BABY-PROOFING YOU RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP  

Make a Smooth Transition to Parenthood

Sign up for this special workshop designed to assist you and your partner in developing realistic expectations for the changes you will experience in your relationship and household following the birth of your baby. The workshop will incorporate the development of a plan to cope and manage these adjustments. Traditional prenatal classes help to prepare you for the day of labour and delivery, but little time is available to discuss how this baby will change the rest of your life. This workshop will equip you with the tools you need to make a smooth transition to parenthood. Click here to learn more.


CHILDBIRTH CLASSES

Prepare for Birth with Confidence

We offer Group and Private Childbirth Preparation Classes. Learn everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for birth.
Click here to learn more.


Professional Training & Seminars

Mary Joan is available to provide professional training and seminars to educate and inspire.  She has provided training seminars to the following groups to enhance their knowledge base regarding Perinatal Mood Disorders.
- Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit - Public Health Nurses
- Crisis Intervention Centre, Belleville General Hospital
- Early Years Centre, Family Space, Belleville
- Hastings Children's Aid Society, Bancroft Office

Mary Joan can provide training specifically tailored to your needs.  Whether you need a one-hour or a full day training, Mary Joan can design a program to meet your unique needs.  Contact Mary Joan to begin planning your training event.


 

Note:  A portion of the counselling fee may be covered by Insurance Companies or Employee Assistance Programs. Please ask your provider for details of coverage.

I can help you feel better. Call 613-848-3683 for a free telephone consultation.

 

 
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