Post Partum Depression | Stillpoint Counselling

Believing in you....till you can believe in yourself (again)

Hope for Mommy

coaching and counselling for after baby arrives

..... working to end the stigma around Post Partum Depression

Support for the post birth period

What I do and how I do it

I start with an assessment of your health history, birth event, and any past mental health issues. This will give us a map of where we need to begin to make adjustments and build you up, maybe explore some mis-perceptions.

We will explore the cultural and familial messages around motherhood and what it means to be a "good" mom. We might want to unpack the myth of motherhood.

It is equally important to identify your strength and previous achievements and successes. Most likely you are more competent than you currently think you are. Depression is the great liar.

Finally, we will explore how your primary relationship has changed since the arrival of a baby. There is often grief associated with the loss of the special time when you were just a couple

Education

Psycho-education around Post Partum derpession - what it is and what it is not is an essential part of what I do. It might be helpful to learn about developmental psychological themes (ie why does my own baby's crying press all my button?) Exploring a variety of cultural approaches to sleeping, holding and nursing can be helpful as well. The saying "it takes a village to raise a child" is more helpful in this period than in any other period of your life. What works for one mom might not work for another. The wisdom of other moms might prove to be a life saver at one point.

Planning

An essential part of coping during the first couple of months is good planning: Who can support you, which services are offered where you live, what supports are available on-line: From lactation consultants, to an elderly friend who loves rocking babies, to the meal train your friends would love to organize ...

you will be surprised how many resources are out there. My life saver was an on-line peer group where I could vent in the middle of the night, when baby cried for the fifth time.

Food preparation, house hold chores, scheduled time to self (7 minutes maybe) - many parts of your day might look entirely different with baby - but with a bit of creativity and humour you will get back a routine that works for you.

Holding your hands (virtually)

An essential part of my support is the accessibility and the accountability I offer. The coaching packages include several pre-paid sessions that so you will access them. This is a commitment to yourself to be supported. I will remind you of the self-care goals we have set and we creatively work with any hurdles we encounter. Whenever possible I will be available to you - even in the middle of the night when all other services are closed.

My hope is to support you when you feel alone.

Remember:

the night is the darkest the hour before dawn!

What I do

Testimonials

“I have witnessed Gabriela work with women and seen her wisdom, dedication and unconditional love. She is able to instill hope in her clients and guide them gently beyond their current situation.

Sheena E. (former supervisor)

Gabriela is very compassionate , wise and thorough. She was instrumental in helping me to dig deepr and worke towards healing with addiction issues and an abusive relationship

Jillian B

I have gotten to know Gabriela as a passionate and gentle spiritual warrior. She is uncompromising in her love for the women she supports.

Nancy C. (spiritual mentor)

CONTACT ME

Address

Opening Hours

Confidential location

You can arrange for sessions in my office,

at your house or on the phone.

Your convenience is paramount.

Phone or text 604-209-7879

Mondays to Fridays 9AM – 7PM

Weekends on request

Nightshifts:..... possibly