Claire Judd
The Postnatal Counsellor
You became a mother expecting joy, but instead found yourself lost in survival mode—overthinking, simmering rage, and wondering where the woman you used to be has gone.
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I help postnatal mums move from merely existing to truly living again. Together, we'll transform rage into calm, racing thoughts into clarity, and self-doubt into quiet confidence.
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Imagine mothering from a place of strength rather than depletion.
Rediscover your spark while embracing the mother you authentically are, not the impossible standard you think you should be.
Do I have postnatal depression or anxiety?
This is a really common question I get asked. All the symptoms here are symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety though the most important thing is how you feel. As a therapist I don't diagnose but I do help you whether you have a diagnosis of postnatal depression/postnatal anxiety or not.
I use the term 'survival mode' as it accounts for these diagnosis as well as general overwhelm.
Do some of these symptoms feel familiar? They're all symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety and the overarching state of survival.
You feel irritable, at people, things or events.
You feel overwhelmed
You feel frustrated or angry a lot of the time
You feel worried, fearful or uneasy
You're exhausted by thoughts or tasks
You over plan for every possible scenario
You have difficulty making decisions or concentrating
You find yourself endlessly scrolling social media
You say 'I need a drink/coffee' in response to things
You get lost in searches for solutions online
You have aches and pains or muscle tension
You lie awake at night, not able to shut your brain off
What causes a new mum to go into survival mode?
There are so many things that can cause us to go into survival mode and struggle with the symptoms of it. Whether we call it survival mode, postnatal depression, postnatal anxiety or postnatal rage, the most important thing to know is that it's not your fault. There is nothing that is broken in your brain, there is nothing inherently wrong with you. It's the result of a whole host of circumstances have added up and got you to this point. Your brain is now doing the only thing it knows and protecting you.
Here are just some of the things that new mums often speak about in our sessions:
Stressful birth/birth trauma
Previous loss or fertility treatment
Our own upbringing
Lack of support
It's different for everyone and this is why therapy with me isn't about overwhelming you with strategies and advice. There is enough noise out there for all of that. Instead it's about exploring and giving voice to your thoughts and feelings so you feel seen and heard. We might investigate different parts of you that are conflicting and help you understand why you feel this way or we might work out what it is you need to change, what you want life to look like and work out how to get there. Keeping everything in, being the 'strong' one and just trudging on isn't how we get the life we want to live. Lets give you the space to let it out and feel the weight from your shoulders lift.
Hello, I'm Claire
I've been in survival mode too!
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I know all too well what that overwhelm feels like as a new mum and I also know it's possible to break free from survival mode and feel calmer and happier because I've done it myself. Now I get to see that shift for other mums every week. I'd love to support you through it too.
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I struggled with postnatal depression and anxiety after having my first child, though I didn't realise it for a long time. The message I'd received in the early days was that this was normal and so I trudged on, thinking I just had to get on with it, be 'strong' and learn to cope better. By the time I sought support my daughter was 18 months old, I was exhausted, on edge and the rage I experienced felt like it came from nowhere.
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I wasn't the person I knew I was or could be, it was like I'd lost myself, but at the time that wasn't what pushed me to seek therapy. It was the realisation I wasn't the mother I wanted my child to have that made me finally reach out to a therapist.
Therapy in Harrogate & Online
How we can work together
1:1 Therapy
If you feel like you're trudging through treacle or your thoughts are constantly racing or you don't really know who you are any more then 1:1 weekly therapy is for you.
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Online or in person, we explore what you're currently experiencing, you get to tell your story, and we uncover the core beliefs that may be holding you back.
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It's time to find your joy, your patience and start living your life!
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Personal investment: £89/session
Birth Reflection
If you're struggling with thoughts or feelings about your birth experience and want space that is just for you, this one off session is perfect.
You get to share, explore and process what happened and how it's impacting you, with no risk of other birth stories interrupting you, no unhelpful comments, and no unsolicited advice.
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And you get to leave feeling heard, feeling lighter and more confident in your feelings and reactions.
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Personal investment:
£105 (60 min) / £160 (90 min)
One 90 minute session
This could be for you if you have a specific issue you need support with and don't feel you need the traditional longer term counselling.
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This is commonly used for those times you have a difficult decision to make, such as:
Deciding whether you would like another child
Whether to return to work after maternity leave
Relationship decisions
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Personal investment: £160
Are you ready to break free from survival mode?
You can get started by booking a free 20 minute call via Calendly below.
Let's get you feeling calmer, more confident and more present with yourself and your baby.
Postnatal Therapy in Harrogate and Online
I offer a warm and inviting space for you in my own home in Killinghall, Harrogate or online in the comfort of your own home.
For online postnatal counselling, all you need is yourself, a device you can access video link on (I use Google Meet) and a confidential space that you feel you can be yourself in and say whatever you wish.