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Meet Claire

Image of Claire Judd, head shot, looking at the camera

Hello!

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I specialise in postnatal therapy because I've walked this path myself.

In those early months of motherhood, I accepted the fog as my new normal. I buried my thoughts, rationalised my feelings, and kept pushing forward because that's what mothers do, right? Then I returned to work after maternity leave, and within weeks, my carefully constructed façade crumbled completely.

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The overthinking consumed me. Sleep became impossible, and when it did come, I'd wake at 3am with tears streaming down my face. I snapped at my husband who only wanted to help. The voice in my head constantly whispered that I wasn't good enough—not as a mother, wife, employee, or friend.

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It felt like drowning while everyone watched from shore, thinking I was swimming. I existed in pure survival mode, and some days, even that felt impossible.

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My journey through this darkness ultimately led me here—to helping other mothers find their way back to themselves without the years of struggle I endured.

BACP Integrative Therapist, Specialist in Postnatal Counselling

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I knew I needed to lift the weight off my shoulders and breathe. What I didn't know was how to find air when I was drowning.

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I knew I needed to be present for my child and family. What I didn't know was that I couldn't pour from an empty cup—I needed to fill my own first.

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I knew I wanted to escape, to find just a moment's peace. What I didn't know was that I was running from the impossible standards I'd set for myself.

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Fast forward to now, and everything has changed.

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I discovered the complex web of factors that created my struggle—the societal pressure, the isolation, the hormonal shifts, the identity transformation that no one prepares you for.

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I learned that my feelings weren't a failure but a normal response to an impossible situation.

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I uncovered my personal triggers and developed tools to maintain balance before overwhelm takes hold.

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This is why I specialise in postnatal therapy—so you can find your way through this maze without spending so long lost like I did. Together, we'll help you break free from survival mode, quiet those racing thoughts, and finally feel the weight lift from your shoulders as you rediscover what it means to thrive, not just survive.

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What Can I Expect in Postnatal Therapy?

What postnatal counselling isn't

It isn't about just changing your thinking. Your thoughts are attached to your feelings and how you feel is always valid. We don't simply look to change your mindset so you can cope with something that really no one should be expected to cope with. 

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It isn't about telling you that what you're experiencing is 'normal' because that would suggest no changes in society need to occur and let's face it, mums really aren't cared for enough after the birth of their child. It would also suggest that you just need to 'get on with it' and this is something you will never hear me say.

So what is postnatal therapy?

Postnatal therapy is about giving you space to air your thoughts and feelings.​

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It's about feeling seen and heard.

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We are made up of so many different parts and sometimes we have conflicting voices as a result. We might know something is not logical or rational and yet part of us just keeps returning to it. Postnatal counselling is about exploring that, giving voice to those parts and working out the role they play. Every part of us is important and trying to shut the parts down we don't like only makes them louder.

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As part of your therapy sessions we might delve into the past, look at the present or explore what you want the future to look like. Nothing is off the table. 

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In some sessions it might feel like all you do is talk and that is great! Some sessions you might feel you're not sure what to say and that's important too, even having nothing to say or not knowing where to start tells us something too. 

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I always invite you to share what is on your mind, I ask you if I've understood things right, I aim to always be honest and open with you because our relationship is crucial to the therapeutic process.

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Background & Qualifications

I firmly believe that the most important thing I offer in our sessions is my open and honest self, as well as a non-judgemental, human-to-human connection that allows you the space you need. Having said that, I have worked hard to achieve this, so here's a brief overview of my background and qualifications.

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I have taught psychology for over 10 years and still continue to do so part-time alongside my therapy practice.

I have run workshops for anxiety, facilitated training on mental health, and supported teen students and adults through mentoring programmes.

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I have volunteered for Samaritans, Mind, Talking Spaces and Just B.

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Qualifications:

  • PG Dip Counselling & Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett University

  • Levels 1-3 in Counselling Skills from Guildford College

  • BSc Psychology from Lancaster University

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CPD:

I am continuously developing my knowledge and skills so that I can provide the best support for mums. These are just some of the areas I have covered in this extra training:

  • NICABM Strategies for working with anxiety

  • Trauma, stress and anxiety

  • Perinatal Mental Health and Illness

  • Recognising & Supporting Postnatal Psychosis

  • Supporting those with birth trauma

  • Supporting clients through bereavement, including by bereavement by suicide

  • IDAS Domestic Abuse Awareness Training

  • Safeguarding children level 2

  • Safeguarding adults level 2

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I am a registered BACP member, and you can find confirmation of this at https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Register. This means my qualifications meet the approved standards, and I am bound by the BACP code of ethics.

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