EMDR During the Perinatal Period: Supporting Healing Through Life's Most Transformative Journey

I just finished reading the most recent issue of Go With That Magazine, and I'm filled with gratitude for EMDRIA and their unwavering commitment to supporting us as EMDR practitioners. The quality of the articles in this Summer 2025 edition was exceptional, particularly the insights from Mara Tesler Stein, Psy.D., PMH-C, offering evidence-based guidance that directly impacts how we can better serve our clients during some of life's most vulnerable and transformative moments. I thought I might share some of my key-takeaways, including how we utilize EMDR at OBP to work with clients we support.

EMDR and Postpartum Depression: Debunking Common Myths

Stein discusses many myths that persist around providing EMDR therapy during pregnancy and postpartum periods:

• The assumption that "doing nothing is safest" when treating postpartum depression and anxiety can actually be harmful.

• Another common myth is waiting for hormones to "settle" before beginning treatment.

In fact, when we consider that this is a highly sensitive time for both mother and child's nervous systems, it can actually be a prime opportunity to help install helpful and adaptive information so that they feel good about themselves.

Research shows that unresolved trauma impacts both parent and baby's central nervous systems. As trained EMDR therapists, we conduct thorough assessments prior to initiating EMDR. This might include collaborating with medical teams, such as midwives, OBGYNs, and physicians, to ensure comprehensive, safe care during the perinatal period.

EMDR for Postpartum Anxiety and Intergenerational Healing

At OBP, we support individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum experiences, fertility challenges, and pregnancy loss. Many clients suddenly recognize childhood experiences that differ from what they want for their families. EMDR facilitates powerful intergenerational healing, creating mindful connections across generations.

Flexible EMDR Treatment Approaches at OBP

Our EMDR therapy adapts to the unique needs of perinatal clients:

• Mobile sessions: Going for walks outdoors while processing, allowing movement and fresh air (often with little ones in strollers and/or carriers)

• Baby-inclusive sessions: Holding or feeding babies during treatment when needed ~ a few of us can't get enough of holding little ones while working with new parents

• Integrated modalities: Combining EMDR with other therapeutic approaches for comprehensive care

• Resourcing focus: Building emotional stability and coping skills before trauma processing to reduce anxiety and depression (we'll meet you where you're at and go from there)

• Grief-informed work: Specialized support for pregnancy loss, infertility, miscarriage, abortions and other perinatal losses

Addressing Rage and Anger During the Perinatal Period

I was so happy that the magazine shone a light on an often hidden symptom we see in our practice: Rage and anger. They so often remain hidden during this vulnerable time, carrying enormous shame. Many new parents struggle with intense anger, such as watching their partner effortlessly "jet out to pick up milk" while they feel trapped, or seeing a friend announce pregnancy right after experiencing miscarriage.

These feelings are normal, valid, and deserve compassionate attention. EMDR provides a safe space to process these difficult emotions without judgment, helping clients understand that anger can coexist with love and doesn't make them "bad" parents. For example, I've witnessed a woman be able to move from a place of "I can't trust myself and I don't matter" to "I can handle it, and I matter". Seriously, EMDR is so cool.

EMDR for postpartum depression and anxiety addresses these complex emotional experiences and symptoms, helping parents develop self-compassion alongside practical coping strategies.

Future Templates: Preparing for Perinatal Challenges

Here at OBP, we love future templates. What are future templates in EMDR you ask? This technique helps clients prepare for overwhelming scenarios, like a second birth after miscarriage or managing when partners travel for work. We run mental movies that connect clients with helpful body sensations and emotions, anchored by positive self-beliefs.

This work leaves a lasting impact on us as therapists as well: Our team often shares beautiful moments in texts between each other.

Actual texts between Jolene and Kristy:

~ Got to hold the best-smelling baby during an EMDR session today!

~Amazing session watching a mom develop the belief "I can handle this, even though it's hard" while on a walking session.

Long-term EMDR Support Through Perinatal Journey

Support at OBP continues as long as needed, through pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and beyond. Whether addressing newborn challenges or all the way to parenting teenagers, we're here for the entire journey.

The mothers, fathers, and caregivers we serve are admirably strong and courageous for coming forward to seek support. Through EMDR therapy, we aim to help them recognize their inherent wisdom and strength, supporting not just individual healing but often intergenerational change.

Considering EMDR therapy for postpartum depression, anxiety, or trauma during your perinatal journey? Contact us for a consultation to discuss how EMDR can support you and your growing family.

At Off the Beaten Path Psychology, we provide counselling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane, Alberta. Our team supports anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, and trauma recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health journey.