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Specialist Services for Parenthood

From pregnancy to meeting your baby and beyond, my specialist services offer calm and compassionate support for every stage of your journey.

SERVICES TO HELP YOU

Once you have contacted me, I will invite you to an initial session during which you will have the opportunity to speak in more detail about what you need help with. Following this we will develop a plan tailored to your individual needs and preferences, which will be based on the following interventions.

Pregnancy and Birth

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PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

Emotional preparation for birth

As a certified Mindful Mama Hypnobirthing Practitioner, I use a combination of my psychotherapy skills and hypnobirthing techniques to help you feel more relaxed and confident during the lead up to and throughout the birth of your baby. 

I will spend time getting to know you so that we can develop an in depth understanding of how to meet your emotional needs and at the end you will have a psychologically informed birth plan.

This approach applies to any setting, whether you are anticipating a vaginal or caesarean delivery, and can be utilised alongside all other forms of pain relief.

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PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

Connecting with baby in pregnancy

Sometimes people can find it difficult to adjust to pregnancy and struggle to connect with their unborn baby. I can help you understand ways of developing and strengthening your bond, as well as exploring how to look after yourself during pregnancy as a way of creating a relaxed environment for your baby.

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PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

Anxiety about giving birth

It is common to experience some anxiety about giving birth, but for some women, this can become overwhelming and significantly affect their pregnancy. This condition is known as Tokophobia. Through psychotherapy, it is possible to understand the reasons behind these feelings and develop strategies for managing your anxiety. Additionally, creating a psychologically informed birth plan may also be very helpful for you.

Postnatal Support

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POSTNATAL SUPPORT

Getting to know your baby

As a new parent, you are at the beginning of a journey of getting to know your baby and how to respond to their individual social and emotional needs. 

I am trained in the Brazelton Newborn Behavioural Observation, which helps us learn how your baby communicates their feelings and preferences through their behaviour. We can also explore ways of soothing, interacting and playing with your baby, that supports their development, strengthening your bond and helping them to feel safe and secure.

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POSTNATAL SUPPORT

Baby massage

I am a Hands on Babies accredited baby massage instructor and offer training to parents and carers of babies from birth upwards. Massage can help you get to know your baby and strengthen your bond. It can also relax both parent and child, assist with sleep and relieve the effects of teething, colic, constipation and wind.

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POSTNATAL SUPPORT

Birth reflection

Discussing your birth experience can be really important, especially if you are feeling anxious about it or experiencing flashbacks. I can offer a space for you to be able to reflect on and process what happened as a way of helping you to manage your feelings and preventing further difficulties emerging.

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POSTNATAL SUPPORT

Help with your mental health

The transition to parenthood can be challenging and may lead people to experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety as well as an increase in intrusive thoughts. It is also common for relationship difficulties to become more prominent at this time. This can be due to the resurfacing of unresolved past experiences, along with hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the physical and emotional demands associated with being a new parent.

I offer psychotherapy which can help you to understand and manage how you are feeling in a supportive and empathic way. 

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ABOUT ME

Kate Surgeoner

I initially trained as an Occupational Therapist and subsequently as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. I have 30 years’ experience of working in mental health services in the NHS and during this time specialised in helping mums and their families with emotional difficulties. I have also had my own adult psychotherapy practice for the last 15 years, which is based in Shrewsbury.

Contact Me

k.surgeoner@hotmail.co.uk
07722403799

Shrewsbury, UK.