The perinatal period is a time of profound change physically, psychologically and emotionally. While it can bring joy and connection, it can also bring challenges. Research shows that when a mother experiences mental health difficulties during this time, the effects can impact the whole family, shaping both parent and child wellbeing for years to come.
Yet, access to effective, evidence-based psychological support remains limited — particularly for those experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges.
Many parents who reach out for help encounter a range of barriers:
- Stigma and fear of judgment, especially worries about being seen as an “unfit” parent
- Practical hurdles, such as finding time between busy schedules
- Systemic obstacles, including long waiting lists and treatments focused on specific diagnoses
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a transdiagnostic, compassionate, flexible approach to help parents make room for difficult emotions, reconnect with what truly matters to them, and find meaning in the midst of change. By fostering psychological flexibility ACT supports parents to respond to self-criticism, uncertainty, and shifting identity with greater openness and self-kindness.
We are a team of clinicians and researchers, who have been evidencing the use of ACT in the perinatal period through various deliveries, including both individual and group delivery. We are passionate about the impact of ACT to support parents in the perinatal period, and are wanting to share this learning with you. We offer training, supervision and consultation, and have worked with many teams internationally to implement ACT within their perinatal services. If you’re thinking of using ACT within your perinatal context, we’d love to support you so please do get in touch.