After postpartum psychosis
For mothers in recovery, processing what happened and finding their way back to themselves.
Important: If you or someone you love are currently experiencing symptoms of postpartum psychosis — including hallucinations, delusional thinking, paranoia, mania, confusion, severe insomnia, or feeling disconnected from reality — please seek urgent assessment through your GP, psychiatrist, local emergency department, or mental health crisis service. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency and immediate support is essential. See crisis contacts →
Postpartum psychosis is one of the most frightening and disorienting experiences a mother can face. While the acute episode often resolves with treatment, the emotional aftermath can linger long after hospital discharge.
Many women describe feeling shaken by what happened — carrying fear, shame, grief, confusion, or a deep loss of confidence. Questions often arise:
- Can I trust myself again?
- What if it happens again?
- Who am I now, after all of this?
Recovery is not only about stabilisation. It's also about having space to process the experience, understand it, grieve it, and slowly integrate it into your story.
My role in recovery
With nearly ten years of experience in an acute inpatient Mother & Baby Unit, I have supported many women and families through severe perinatal mental health crises, including postpartum psychosis.
My work is not acute psychiatric treatment. I support mothers after the crisis — in the recovery and integration phase.
What therapy offers
A safe, steady space to:
- Unpack and process what happened
- Explore the emotional impact of hospitalisation or psychiatric care
- Rebuild trust in your mind and body
- Understand triggers and early warning signs
- Work through shame, fear, grief, or trauma responses
- Reconnect with identity beyond the illness
- Make meaning from what you survived
- Move toward healing and post-traumatic growth
Experiences like postpartum psychosis can profoundly shift how a woman sees herself, her motherhood, and the world. They deserve gentle, thoughtful, specialised care.
Recovery is possible
Rebuilding your sense of self is possible too.
If you're in the recovery phase and looking for support to process what happened, I'd be honoured to walk alongside you.
Medicare rebates may apply with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. See fees & rebates.
Other ways I can help
Antenatal anxiety
Worry and dread during pregnancy that won't switch off, no matter how 'fine' everything is.
The 2am anxiety spiral
Why everything feels worse at night — and you can't sleep even when the baby is.
Postnatal depression
When the early months feel heavy, flat or frightening — not the joy you were promised.