The Role of Therapy in Supporting New Parents

Becoming a parent is a monumental life shift, one filled with both anticipated adjustments and unexpected emotional twists. While new parents may brace themselves for the practical changes like disrupted sleep schedules and increased responsibilities, the whirlwind of emotions that accompany parenthood often still catch them off guard. This is where therapy can be particularly helpful in adjusting to your new role. 

There is evidence to suggest that regular therapy in the postpartum period can help parents better manage stress, cultivate more productive relationships, and even find more enjoyment in their day-to-day lives. Here are some ways that therapy can support new parents through this major life change:

Creating Space for Honest Conversations

In a society that often idealizes parenthood as a constant state of bliss, it’s crucial for new parents to have a space where they can openly acknowledge and process their emotions. Therapy provides a safe way to explore these complex feelings (such as anger, shame, or feeling disconnected from the baby) without judgment.  

Coping with Parenting Pressures

The abundance of advice and opinions on “the right way” to parent can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed and anxious. From feeding preferences to sleep routines, the plethora of choice can fuel self-doubt and uncertainty. Therapy equips parents with coping strategies and mindfulness techniques to navigate these pressures with confidence. 

Addressing Identity Shifts 

Many new parents emerge from the newborn fog and wonder, “Who am I now?” Therapy can be a place where parents are assisted in exploring these changes and are helped in finding a healthy balance between the roles of caregivers and individuals. By identifying and outlining a person’s values, a therapist can support them as they reconnect to themselves. 

Improving Relationship Satisfaction 

The arrival of a child can strain even the strongest of partnerships, as both individuals navigate their evolving roles and responsibilities. Couples therapy, specifically, offers the opportunity for couples to foster open communication and understanding. Individual therapy is helpful as well, allowing each partner to delve deeper into their patterns of relating and better understand their role in the dynamic. 

There is a classic adage about how a person needs to put on their own oxygen mask first before helping others, and never is that more true than for new parents. Therapy provides the space for new parents to reflect, lament, feel, and simply process the monumental life shift they are experiencing.