Postpartum & Perinatal Therapy in Ontario
Motherhood wasn’t supposed to feel like this.
Maybe you’re anxious, angry, numb, or wondering where you went. Maybe you’re still pregnant—and already feeling everything you thought you weren’t supposed to.
Online therapy for the parts of pregnancy and postpartum that don’t fit the script.
Book a Free 20-Minute ConsultationWith Kerri Stone, Registered Psychotherapist, PMH-C · Virtual across Ontario
Both things can be true
You can love your baby and still struggle with becoming a mother.
You can want this baby and miss your old life. Feel grateful and resentful. Do everything that needs doing and still feel disconnected from yourself.
That gap between what you expected and what you’re actually feeling can be lonely. Especially when everyone keeps asking about the baby.
There’s room here to ask how you are doing. The honest answer. Even if it starts with “What the hell is happening to me?”
You don’t need to tick every box
Reasons to reach out.
You don’t need a diagnosis—or a breaking point—to seek postpartum counselling.
Your mind won’t let you rest.
Racing thoughts, constant checking, worst-case scenarios, or feeling on edge even when things seem okay.
You feel unlike yourself.
Sadness, numbness, disconnection, guilt, or getting through the day without feeling much of anything.
The anger surprises you.
A short fuse, resentment, or reactions that feel bigger than you expected—followed by shame.
Something feels hard to say.
Scary thoughts, difficulty bonding, or feelings you worry someone will misunderstand.
Birth still feels close.
Replaying what happened, feeling shaken or dismissed, or struggling with an experience others say “turned out fine.”
You’re preparing—and struggling.
Pregnancy anxiety, mixed feelings, fear of birth, or worry about going through postpartum again.
Before the baby arrives
You don’t have to glow your way through pregnancy.
Perinatal therapy includes support during pregnancy as well as after birth. You might be excited and frightened, disconnected from your changing body, or carrying memories of a difficult previous experience.
We can make space for uncertainty, explore fears about birth and parenthood, and plan for the emotional and practical support you’ll need after your baby arrives.
You’re allowed to need care before anyone calls you “Mom.”
Matrescence & identity
You became a mother. Where did you go?
Becoming a mother can change your relationships, your body, your freedom and the way you see yourself. That transition has a name: matrescence.
Therapy gives you space to grieve what changed and decide what you want to make room for now. You don’t have to disappear to be a mother.
Read more about matrescence and the identity shift of motherhood.
Postpartum anxiety
Always watching. Never quite off duty.
Maybe you check the monitor again. Research one more thing. Lie awake even when someone else has the baby. Reassurance helps—until the next “what if.”
We can explore the patterns keeping you on alert and practise ways to respond to uncertainty, anxious thoughts and the pressure to prevent every possible bad outcome.
Postpartum rage & anger
“Why am I this angry?”
The intensity can catch you off guard. So can the guilt afterwards. Anger deserves attention without turning it into a verdict on who you are.
We’ll look at sleep loss, feeling trapped, unmet needs, anxiety, old wounds or carrying too much—then work on safer responses, repair and changes to the conditions you’re living in.
Book a Free 20-Minute ConsultationIntrusive or scary thoughts
The thought you’re afraid to say out loud.
Unwanted thoughts or images about something happening to your baby can feel frightening. You may find yourself wondering what they mean about you.
Having an unwanted thought is not the same as wanting it to happen. You can talk about it here. Together, we can understand what you’re experiencing and identify appropriate support, including specialist care when needed.
If you feel you may act on thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, cannot keep either of you safe, or experience hallucinations, severe confusion or beliefs disconnected from reality, seek urgent medical help. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for immediate danger.
Difficulty bonding
What if the rush of love didn’t arrive?
Maybe you’re caring for your baby while waiting to feel the connection everyone described. You might feel protective but distant, tender one moment and numb the next.
We can explore that experience without asking you to perform affection or forcing a timeline. Your wellbeing matters here, alongside the relationship you’re building with your baby.
Partner resentment & relationship changes
“Why does their life look less changed?”
Individual therapy can help you name what feels unequal, understand recurring conflict, and communicate needs and boundaries.
What we can work on
Less shame. More room to be a person.
Therapy starts with understanding what’s happening for you. We’ll make a plan around your needs, your history and what you want to feel different.
- Responding to anxiety and distress with practical tools.
- Making sense of anger, guilt, grief and numbness.
- Processing difficult experiences at a pace you can manage.
- Reconnecting with needs, boundaries and a sense of choice.
- Building support and navigating relationship changes.
- Making space for connection with your baby and yourself.
I’m Kerri.
Therapy with me, Registered Psychotherapist and PMH-C, combines practical support with space to make sense of what pregnancy, postpartum, and becoming a mother have changed.
Online therapy across Ontario
Support that doesn’t require packing the diaper bag.
Matria offers virtual postpartum and perinatal therapy for clients located across Ontario—from Simcoe and Norfolk County to Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and smaller communities in between.
We’ll talk about a private space for sessions and how to make appointments workable around life with a baby. You don’t need a spotless house or a polished explanation.
Getting started
One conversation at a time.
01
Book a free consultation.
Choose a 20-minute consultation through the booking page. It’s a chance to ask questions and see how talking together feels.
02
Tell me what’s happening.
You don’t need the right terminology. “I don’t feel like myself” is a perfectly good place to start.
03
Make a plan together.
If it feels like a fit, we’ll arrange a first session and begin identifying what you need and how therapy can help.
A few things you might be wondering
Questions, without the pressure.
What is the difference between postpartum and perinatal therapy?
Perinatal therapy includes pregnancy, postpartum and the transition into parenthood. Postpartum therapy focuses on support after birth.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral?
No. You can reach out because something feels difficult, even if you’re not sure what to call it.
Can I start therapy while I’m pregnant?
Yes. Pregnancy can be a valuable time to make room for fear, mixed feelings and preparation for the postpartum period.
What if my baby is older—or this isn’t my first baby?
You are welcome here. The transition can remain difficult long after the newborn period, and every pregnancy and child can bring something new.
Can I talk about intrusive thoughts, anger or not feeling bonded?
Yes. You can bring the thoughts and feelings you’re afraid will be misunderstood.
Is online postpartum therapy available where I live?
Yes. Virtual sessions are available across Ontario.
What does therapy cost, and is it covered by benefits?
We can discuss fees and receipt/benefits questions during your consultation.
You matter in this story, too
You don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart.
Come with the anxiety. The resentment. The “I should be happier.” You don’t have to turn it into a more acceptable story first.
Let’s talk about what’s actually happening—and what support could look like for you.
Book a Free 20-Minute ConsultationOnline postpartum & perinatal therapy across Ontario.