Chloe O’Connor
I help women who have experienced birth trauma, and I specialise in
supporting those facing anxiety, PTSD, and difficulties during pregnancy
and the perinatal period. I am trained in EMDR, FLASH 2.0, Psychodynamic
Psychotherapy, Parent-Infant Therapy and Art Therapy, with over 11 years
of experience in the NHS, charity, and private sector. Including several
years within the NHS Perinatal Mental Health Team and the Perinatal
Trauma & Bereavement Team. I offer tailored support that acknowledges
and honours the complexity of women's experiences, fostering an
environment of trust, healing, and empowerment. I am passionate about
working exclusively with women, helping them understand and process the
root causes of their struggles so they can tap into their inner strength
and feel empowered, as women as well as mothers.
Birth trauma can leave lasting emotional scars and disrupt a woman’s
sense of safety and self. For many new mums, it can also bring a painful
sense of vulnerability, alongside feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame,
or a feeling of being on edge, especially when everyone expects you to
be “happy” and coping. Traumatic childbirth or pregnancies can shape
the early bond between parent and baby, too, affecting confidence,
connection, and how safe it feels to be together in those first weeks
and months. My approach honours the profound impact of these
experiences, offering a gentle, shame-free and grounded space where
women can explore their grief, trauma, and the full range of emotions
tied to birth and the perinatal period.
I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment tailored to
each woman’s unique journey, while holding the relationship with your
baby or child in mind throughout our work. Babies are welcome in the
therapy space, and we can work at a pace that feels realistic for you,
including making room for feeding, soothing, and the needs of your
little one. My aim is for you to begin rebuilding a sense of safety,
strengthening trust and confidence in yourself, and finding steadier
ground after experiences that can feel isolating and overwhelming. If
you are seeking a therapist who understands birth trauma, has experience
and appropriate training in the perinatal field, has a solid
understanding of perinatal challenges, and can hold both you and your
baby with care and compassion, I am here to support you.
