Perinatal and Mental Health Counselling in Ottawa and Kanata

Mental health challenges can arise at any stage of life, and pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood can be particularly vulnerable times. At Rooted Family Wellness Centre, our Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health counselling to support emotional well-being, healing, and resilience. Learn more about RSWs and RPs here.

We offer mental health counselling services in our Kanata clinic, in-home, and virtually across Ontario. Care is provided in a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment.

Mental Health Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum

The perinatal period includes pregnancy and the first year after birth. During this time, many people experience emotional changes that can feel overwhelming or isolating.

Our therapists support individuals and families navigating:

• Perinatal and postpartum anxiety
• Postpartum depression and mood changes
• Baby blues and adjustment challenges
• Birth trauma or traumatic medical experiences
• Relationship and identity changes after becoming a parent
• Stress, overwhelm, and emotional burnout

Mental health challenges during this period are common and treatable. Support can make a meaningful difference.

Personalized, Evidence-Based Counselling

Our therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches to meet your individual needs, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness-based approaches
• Trauma-informed care
• EMDR therapy, when appropriate

Counselling is collaborative and paced according to your comfort. Our goal is to support you in building coping tools, processing experiences, and reconnecting with your strengths.

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Flexible Counselling Options

We recognize that access to care matters, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. We offer several counselling options to fit your life:

In-Clinic Counselling
Private, supportive sessions at our wellness centre in Kanata.

Virtual Counselling
Secure online sessions available to individuals across Ontario.

Walk-and-Talk Therapy
Therapy sessions that combine movement, nature, and conversation with Leigh Berry. Offered at: Tony Graham Community Park (formerly Walter Baker Park), Old Quarry Trail (Kanata South near Eagleson Rd and Hazeldean) or Monk Environmental Park- Trillium trail at 4101 Innovation Dr. (behind Richcraft Recreation Complex). All these locations are stroller friendly.

In-Home Therapy
Available in Kanata, Stittsville, and West Carleton with Leigh Berry. This option is particularly supportive for new parents with infants aged 0 to 3 who prefer in-person care at home.

Couples Counselling
Offered by Krista Fraser-King.

EMDR Therapy
Offered by Krista Fraser-King.

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Insurance Coverage and Consultations

Mental health counselling services are covered by many extended health insurance plans under Registered Social Work or Registered Psychotherapy. We recommend checking your individual coverage.

We also offer free virtual consultations to help you find the therapist and approach that best fits your needs.

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Mental Health Counselling FAQs

What kinds of mental health challenges can happen during pregnancy or postpartum?

During pregnancy and the first year after birth, some people experience baby blues, anxiety, depression, or mood changes. Less commonly, conditions such as postpartum psychosis can occur. These experiences vary in severity and are treatable with appropriate support.

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Who can be affected by postpartum mental health challenges?

Postpartum mental health challenges can affect anyone. This includes birthing parents, non-birthing parents, adoptive parents, and caregivers. Support is available regardless of how you became a parent.

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What can partners or family do to support someone experiencing perinatal mental health challenges?

Support can make a significant difference. Helpful ways to support include:

• Listening without judgment and taking concerns seriously
• Offering practical help such as meals, childcare, or household tasks
• Encouraging rest and self-care without pressure
• Supporting access to professional care
• Learning about perinatal mental health to better understand the experience

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Is therapy helpful even if my symptoms feel mild?

Yes. Many people seek counselling for support, reassurance, and coping strategies even when symptoms feel manageable. Early support can help prevent challenges from becoming more overwhelming.

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Where are mental health counselling appointments offered?

We offer in-clinic counselling in Kanata, in-home sessions in select areas, walk-and-talk therapy, and virtual counselling across Ontario.

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Mental Health Counselling in Kanata

At Rooted Family, we believe mental health care should feel supportive, accessible, and collaborative. Whether you are navigating pregnancy, postpartum changes, or other life challenges, you do not have to do it alone.

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Collaborative Perinatal Care

Mental health is closely connected to physical recovery, sleep, and feeding. Some clients benefit from combining counselling with other services at Rooted Family, including:

• Pelvic floor physiotherapy
• Gentle sleep consulting
• Lactation consultant support
• Chiropractic care or physiotherapy-osteopathy

Our team works collaboratively to support whole-family well-being.