Virtual Therapy For BC Moms | Prenatal & Postpartum Therapy
We provide virtual therapy across BC for parents and parents-to-be. At least one in seven moms experience postpartum depression or anxiety. Motherhood is hard, finding a therapist shouldn’t be.
You’re not alone—our team of BC virtual therapists are here to support your transition to motherhood. With one in seven women experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), maternal mental health challenges are more common than many realize.
Bringing a new baby into the world is a life-changing experience. It’s a time filled with joy, love, and profound transformation—but it can also bring unexpected emotional and mental challenges. Many new parents experience shifts in identity, relationship changes, and overwhelming feelings of anxiety or sadness. Virtual postpartum counselling provides a safe and supportive space to navigate these changes while offering flexibility to fit your new schedule as a mom.
At Vitality Collective, our team of therapists believe while motherhood is unquestionably hard, finding access to prenatal and postpartum therapy shouldn’t be. Here are the most commonly asked questions we receive from new moms in British Columbia regarding their perinatal mental health.
What causes postpartum mental health concerns?
Several factors can contribute to perinatal and postpartum mental health challenges. Understanding these causes can help new moms recognize when they may need support. If you're struggling, BC virtual therapy provides accessible, professional care to help navigate these challenges.
Hormonal changes: Rapid hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy can significantly impact mood and emotional well-being.
Sleep deprivation: Caring for a newborn often leads to ongoing sleep disruption, which can worsen feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Previous mental health history: A history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions increases the likelihood of postpartum struggles.
Stressful life events: Financial concerns, relationship difficulties, or a lack of emotional and physical support can add to postpartum stress.
Traumatic birth experiences: A difficult or unexpected birth can leave emotional scars, making recovery more overwhelming.
Health or feeding complications: Medical conditions, feeding challenges, milk supply concerns, and weight gain issues can add significant stress to new moms.
If you're experiencing any of these challenges, BC virtual therapy offers a flexible and supportive way to get the care you need during this important transition.
What mental health challenges can arise during pregnancy and after childbirth?
Pregnancy and postpartum bring significant emotional and physical changes, and many parents experience mental health challenges during this time. While postpartum depression and anxiety are well known, other conditions can also develop during pregnancy (perinatal period) and after birth.
Common Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) Issues:
Perinatal Depression: Persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue during pregnancy.
Perinatal Anxiety: Excessive worry, panic attacks, and fear that disrupt daily life.
Perinatal OCD: Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, often focused on the baby’s safety.
Common Postpartum Issues:
Postpartum Depression (PPD): Severe mood swings, exhaustion, feelings of inadequacy, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Postpartum Anxiety: Constant worry, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping or concentrating.
Postpartum OCD: Obsessive thoughts and compulsions related to the baby’s well-being.
Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but serious condition involving hallucinations, delusions, and confusion—requires immediate medical care.
No matter what you're experiencing, you’re not alone. Our therapists in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack, and online can help you navigate these challenges and find relief.
What is the difference between perinatal and postpartum?
Perinatal refers to the period during pregnancy and up to one year after birth, covering both prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) phases.
Postpartum specifically refers to the period after childbirth, typically within the first year.
In short, perinatal includes both pregnancy and postpartum, while postpartum only refers to the time after birth.
What is postpartum depression (PPD) and how do I know if I have it?
Up to 80% of new moms experience the baby blues within the first few days after birth, usually around days two to three. These feelings of sadness, mood swings, and irritability typically fade on their own within two weeks without the need for treatment. However, if these emotions persist or intensify beyond two weeks, it could be a sign of postpartum depression or anxiety. In that case, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for support.
Postpartum depression (PPD) can deeply affect your mood, energy, and overall well-being. Unlike the brief emotional changes that many moms experience after childbirth, PPD doesn’t just go away on its own. It can make you feel disconnected from your baby, overly exhausted, and unable to enjoy what’s meant to be a joyful time.
What are some common signs of postpartum depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression can feel overwhelming, making even the simplest daily tasks seem impossible. Some common signs include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Extreme irritability or mood swings
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Feeling disconnected from loved ones or struggling to concentrate on daily tasks
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, reaching out for support is an important step. Virtual therapy in BC offers flexible, accessible care during one of the busiest times of your life, allowing you to prioritize your mental health without added stress. Whether you prefer the convenience of online sessions or in-person counselling in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack, therapy can provide the guidance, tools, and support you need to navigate postpartum depression and regain a sense of balance.
Can I do therapy online?
Yes! Virtual therapy is a great option for moms who find it hard to leave the house, especially with a newborn. At Vitality Collective, we offer flexible online sessions so you can access support from home, whether you're in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack, or anywhere in BC. Virtual therapy provides the same level of care as in-person sessions, helping you navigate postpartum depression, anxiety, and other challenges—all in a private, convenient setting.
Is anxiety during pregnancy normal?
Many moms-to-be experience anxiety during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of major change, both physically and emotionally, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknowns ahead. You might worry about your baby’s health, your ability to be a good mom, or whether you’re ready for the massive changes to your life. Anxiety during pregnancy is incredibly common, but when the anxiety becomes too much to manage or interferes with your ability to function, it’s a sign that therapy could be helpful.
Some signs of anxiety during pregnancy include constant worry about your baby’s health or your own well-being, feeling anxious about childbirth, or experiencing physical symptoms like a racing heart, stomachaches, or trouble sleeping. While it’s natural to feel some anxiety, it’s important to address these feelings so they don’t take over your life. Therapy can help you unpack those fears, build confidence, and feel more emotionally prepared for the challenges of motherhood.
What is postpartum anxiety, and how do I know if I have it?
Postpartum anxiety is persistent, excessive worry after childbirth, often accompanied by panic attacks, restlessness, and a constant sense of fear. It can make it hard to sleep, focus, or relax—even when there’s no immediate danger.
Signs you may have postpartum anxiety:
Racing thoughts or obsessive worries about your baby’s health and safety
Feeling constantly on edge or unable to relax
Physical symptoms like a racing heart, nausea, or dizziness
Difficulty sleeping, even when your baby is asleep
Avoiding situations out of fear something might go wrong
How can therapy help with postpartum depression and anxiety?
Therapy provides support, tools, and strategies to help new moms navigate postpartum depression or anxiety. Therapy isn’t just about talking through your problems—it’s about actively working on understanding your feelings and narratives surrounding motherhood, and developing effective coping mechanisms. At Vitality Collective, our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and trauma-informed care to support you.
Provides a safe space – A confidential, non-judgmental environment to express feelings, fears, and concerns.
Identifies and manages symptoms – Helps recognize postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms and develop personalized strategies to manage them.
Develops coping skills – Teaches practical tools to handle stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, improving overall well-being.
Enhances support systems – Strengthens relationships with partners, family, and friends to build a reliable support network.
Strengthens the parent-child bond – Offers guidance for parents struggling to connect with their baby, fostering a healthy and loving relationship.
Addresses relationship challenges – Supports couples in navigating the emotional and lifestyle changes that come with a new baby.
What can I expect from my first therapy session?
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s a positive step toward feeling better. In your first therapy session, your therapist will create a warm, welcoming space for you to talk about what you’re experiencing. Depending on where you are in your motherhood journey, your therapist and you may talk about your pregnancy or birth experience, and/or how you’re adjusting postpartum. You’ll work together to set goals for your therapy and develop a plan to address your needs. There’s no need to worry about having all the answers or knowing exactly what to say. Your therapist is there to guide the conversation and help you feel supported.
Virtual Perinatal Therapy in BC
You’re not alone. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Whether you're struggling with excessive worry, feelings of sadness, or difficulty bonding with your baby, therapy provides a safe space to understand your emotions, develop coping strategies, and strengthen your support system.
With flexible virtual therapy and in-person sessions in Vancouver, Surrey and Chilliwack , our team at Vitality Collective is here to help you regain a sense of calm and confidence in motherhood. Remember, motherhood can be hard, but access to counselling shouldn’t be.
