Perinatal therapy is recommended for parents who experience problems and distress during pregnancy or the time before pregnancy, who had traumatic childbirth, and who feel difficulties in the postnatal period. (Couples can attend this therapy too.)
You can seek my assistance in the following situations:
If you are experiencing difficulties in conceiving, such as functional infertility, fears and worries, loss of a child, or childhood traumas.
If you are pregnant and facing physical or mental health issues, such as high-risk pregnancy, anxiety, and fears related to childbirth or maternity.
If you are dealing with relationship problems and disagreements regarding child-rearing.
If you are at home with your baby and feeling alone, experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety, or finding it challenging to transition to parenthood.
Symptoms of Postnatal Depression:
Persistent sadness
Withdrawing from friends, family members
Low self-esteem
Decrease in energy
Difficulty concentrating
Change in sleeping
Loss of interest
Negative thoughts
Change in appetite
Feeling restless
Feeling hopeless
Decrease in self-care or care for the baby
Suicidal thoughts (If you are in immediate danger or have a medical emergency, please call Emergency Services on 112 or 999. If you need immediate emotional support, call 116 123 to speak to the Samaritans' free helpline.)
Sessions last 50 minutes weekly. I am a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland's Special Interest Group on Perinatal Infant Mental Health.
The Mother-Fetus Bonding Analysis, developed by Dr. Jenő Raffai and Dr. György Hidas in Hungary, is a method designed to enhance the emotional connection between a mother and her unborn child during pregnancy. This approach aims to create a strong bond, which can positively impact the child's development and emotional well-being.
The process typically begins around the 20th week of pregnancy. The pregnant woman has a comfortable position and focuses on her inner perceptions, such as breathing, body sensations, and emotions. Prenatal Bonding is a gentle, structured psychotherapeutic method that supports the emotional connection between mother and baby during pregnancy. Through guided relaxation, inner attention, and reflective dialogue, the technique helps mothers become more attuned to their own inner world and to their baby as a separate, developing individual. This creates a flow of communication between the mother and the fetus, often referred to as the "umbilical cord of both souls".
This process can reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and strengthen early attachment. Prenatal Bonding also provides a safe space to explore fears, expectations, and past experiences—including perinatal and transgenerational traumas—that may influence pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. The aim is to foster a deep sense of connection, confidence, and emotional availability before the baby is born, while increasing feelings of love and joy towards the fetus. The method also supports maternal competence and may contribute to a smoother, more supported childbirth experience.
Areas of application of the method:
-deepening the relationship with the fetus
-possible guilt, fears, psychological problems (unplanned child, pregnancy following infertility treatment, borderline disorders, neurotic defense, psychiatric history, etc.) related to pregnancy, childbirth
-dysfunction in the pregnant family's relationship system (life events: mourning, social factors, lack of emotional support)
-functional disorders during pregnancy: bleeding, placental atrophy, developmental retardation, threatened preterm birth
-negative feelings about the pregnancy or the baby
-transgenerational issues
-previous perinatal losses, other unprocessed losses during pregnancy
Pregnancy is not an ideal time for trauma processing, so Prenatal Bonding therapy is more of a supportive psychoeducational method rather than an exploratory one. However, fears, blockages, or current life difficulties caused by pregnancy may necessitate the involvement of professionals trained in these areas. Prenatal Bonding therapy can often alleviate the burden of previous losses on the mother-child relationship.
A mother's own fetal or birth experiences can be activated during pregnancy. Differentiating these from the baby's experiences can relieve the fetus from deep-rooted maternal anxieties and help establish the baby as an independent entity with its own self-limitations.
Research has shown that a baby reacts with a change in heart rate when the mother thinks about it, indicating that the baby perceives these thoughts. Numerous studies have also demonstrated that fetuses recognize human voices, such as those of family members, and can memorize music and stories. Various baby stimulation programs suggest creating rituals and habits that dedicate time and attention to the baby. This can be integrated into everyday routines. Prenatal bonding therapy is a qualitative method of communicating with the baby through images and symbols.
Sessions last 50 minutes weekly. I am a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland's Special Interest Group on Perinatal Infant Mental Health.
Pregnancy can be an intense and sometimes overwhelming experience for autistic mothers, especially when emotions, body sensations, and expectations feel difficult to interpret or communicate. Prenatal Bonding offers a structured, predictable, and calm therapeutic space where connection with the baby can develop in a way that respects neurodivergent needs.
The method supports bonding through guided inner attention rather than social performance or “expected” emotional expressions. Sessions can be adapted to sensory preferences, thinking styles, and communication needs. Prenatal Bonding helps autistic mothers build a clear, personal understanding of their baby, strengthen reflective functioning, and reduce anxiety—without pressure to bond in a specific or stereotypical way.
The focus is on creating a safe inner relationship that supports both the mother’s regulation and the baby’s early sense of emotional holding.
Sessions last 50 minutes weekly.
Pregnancy can be a unique and demanding experience for neurodivergent individuals, including autistic and ADHD mothers. Physical, emotional, and environmental changes may intensify existing sensitivities or coping challenges.
Common experiences include:
Sensory sensitivities: Heightened sensitivity to smells, tastes, touch, internal bodily sensations, and medical environments can feel overwhelming.
Need for routine and predictability: Pregnancy often brings uncertainty and change, which can increase anxiety for those who rely on structure.
Communication challenges: Communicating needs, boundaries, or concerns with healthcare professionals can feel difficult or exhausting.
Emotional adjustment: Emotional changes during pregnancy may be intense, confusing, or harder to identify and express.
Postnatal challenges: After birth, increased sensory input, disrupted routines, and exhaustion can place additional strain on regulation and wellbeing.
With understanding, appropriate adaptations, and emotional support, pregnancy can become a more positive and empowering experience.
Prenatal Bonding (Raffai–Hidas Method) is a gentle, structured therapeutic approach that supports emotional connection between mother and baby during pregnancy.
For neurodivergent mothers, it can help by:
providing a predictable, calm therapeutic space,
reducing anxiety and sensory overload through gentle regulation,
supporting emotional awareness without pressure to “feel” or express things in a specific way,
strengthening the sense of connection with the baby in a personal, individual manner.
The method is flexible and can be adapted to sensory needs, communication preferences, and thinking styles.
Mentalisation is the ability to understand and reflect on one’s own mental states (thoughts, feelings, needs) and those of others.
For pregnant autistic women, mentalisation can be particularly supportive by helping with:
Emotional regulation: Recognising and managing emotions during hormonal and life changes.
Recognising and expressing needs: Making it easier to identify preferences, limits, and requests, including in medical settings.
Building relationships: Supporting understanding and communication with partners, family members, and healthcare providers.
Preparation for parenthood: Beginning to understand the emotional needs of the baby and developing an early caregiving mindset.
Self-advocacy: Empowering mothers to request accommodations such as sensory-friendly environments or clear, direct communication.
Overall, mentalisation supports confidence, emotional resilience, and self-understanding during pregnancy.
Yes. Prenatal Bonding offers a safe and contained space to gently process:
perinatal trauma,
previous birth-related experiences,
and transgenerational patterns or emotional burdens that may surface during pregnancy.
This process can reduce anxiety, increase feelings of love and joy towards the fetus, strengthen maternal competence, and may contribute to a smoother and more supported childbirth experience.
The program can begin:
before pregnancy,
during pregnancy,
or, in some cases, after childbirth.
After birth, it can help with adjusting to motherhood, accepting life changes, processing the birth experience, and developing effective coping strategies in the postnatal period.
No. There is no “right” way to bond.
Prenatal Bonding respects neurodivergent experiences and does not require:
intense emotions,
symbolic imagery if it feels uncomfortable,
or socially expected expressions of attachment.
The focus is on creating a relationship that feels authentic, safe, and supportive for you and your baby.