Becoming a mother can feel far more complex than you expected,
whether you are a first time mum or already have older children.
You might love your baby deeply, yet feel anxious, disconnected, exhausted or unsure of yourself. If you’re struggling emotionally after birth, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate this on your own.
You deserve a space where you can have an honest conversation about your experience of motherhood, and feel seen, heard, and supported.
I offer gentle, evidence‑based perinatal counselling and motherhood support, for new mums experiencing postnatal anxiety, depression, low mood, traumatic or difficult birth or postnatal experience, overwhelm, or the emotional upheaval of early motherhood.
Book a free 15‑minute chat — no pressure, just a chance to see if this feels right
Who Is Postnatal Counselling & Early Motherhood Support for?
This support may be helpful if have a baby or toddler and are experiencing:
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Postnatal anxiety, constant worry or feeling on edge
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Feeling overwhelmed, lost or unlike yourself
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Low mood, a sense of sadness or postnatal depression
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Birth trauma; or a difficult pregnancy, birth or postpartum
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Trying to be the “perfect mum” and feeling like you are failing
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Resentment, frustration or anger
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Guilt or shame
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Difficulty adjusting to your new identity as a mother
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Relationship challenges/changes
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Disconnected from your baby
You don’t need a diagnosis to seek support. If something feels heavy or you just need someone to be able to have an honest conversation with about what you are really feeling, that’s reason enough.
How Postnatal Counselling & Early Motherhood Support Can Help:
Our work together is collaborative, compassionate and paced to suit you. Sessions focus on helping you understand what you’re experiencing, reduce emotional distress, giving you practical mum friendly strategies to try, and reconnect with yourself during this intense season of life.
Together, depending on what is relevant to your individual experience, we may explore:
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Managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts, low mood or depression symptoms
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Factors impacting on your sense of overwhelm, stress, resentment, anger or guilt.
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Processing pregnancy, birth or early parenting experiences
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Navigating matrescence, identity changes, loss of self, and relationship changes
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Bonding and attachment with your baby or child
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Building emotional resilience and self‑compassion
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Creating space for your needs alongside caring for your baby
To help you enjoy motherhood more, feel more confident, more connected, and have tools to manage the challenging emotions and moments of early motherhood.
READY TO FEEL MORE SUPPORTED?
Online counselling available Australia‑wide via secure telehealth, video or phone
50 minute appointment $160
Medicare rebate of $72.55 may apply if you are currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 12 months. Please see the FAQ'S
In‑person sessions in Croydon, VIC
Synergy Wellness, Shop 1, 148 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon VIC 3136
50 minute appointment $160
Medicare rebate of $72.55 may apply if you are currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 12 months. Please see the FAQ'S
Not ready to book yet? Try my 3 minute guided meditation for mums HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
What might my first session feel like?
Counselling is a non judgmental space where all of your feelings are welcome. Your first session will be focused on me getting to know you more, what you are experiencing, and what you are wanting from working together. I will ask some questions around your experience and your journey to motherhood, birth experience, life since, what support you have, and other factors that may be impacting on your experience., and I will provide some strategies to try outside of our sessions if you want that. You might feel nervous in the lead up and waiting for the session to begin - this is so ok and normal. In future sessions we will work at a pace that suits you to understand what you are experiencing, reduce emotional distress, help you feel more grounded and confident.
How does online counselling work?
Online counselling sessions are held via secure video. I will send you the link prior and you just need to click on it at the time of your appointment. Many new mums prefer telehealth because it’s flexible, private, and works around feeding and nap times. It also means that you can access counselling from anywhere in Australia. Some people prefer face to face as they find it easier to communicate or focus that way, or prefer the feel of being in the same room. It really is a personal choice.
Is it ok if I bring my baby to our appointments?
Yes, in fact I encourage you to bring your baby to face to face appointments or have them nearby during online appointments. Some people prefer not to have their baby with them as they find it easier to be able to focus on the session, this is completely up to you and your circumstances.
How soon can I start?
Telehealth appointments are often available within one to two weeks. Croydon in person sessions there may be a little longer wait, but often can book a first appointment within two to four weeks. Please contact me to find out what the current wait time is or check the online booking link.
Can I bring a pram? or Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the space in Croydon is ground level with no stairs so easy to bring the pram and is wheelchair accessible for the consultation room, however the toilets are not.
Do you offer Medicare rebates?
If you are currently pregnancy or have been pregnant in the past 12 months you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $72.55 with a GP referral for Non Directive Pregnancy Support Counselling. Please reach out to me via the form below or email hello@briellethomson.com for more information on what your GP needs to write. I am unable to provide a rebate with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Do I have to have a diagnosis to start counselling?
No, you do not need a diagnosis of postnatal anxiety or postnatal depression to seek support. Many women come to couselling because that feel overwhelmed, emotionally unsettled, not quite themselves, want support with a difficult or traumatic birth or postpartum, finding the adjustment to motherhood challenging, or many other concerns.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no set number of sessions. Some women find a few sessions helpful, while others choose ongoing support. This can be discussed together and adjusted over time based on what feels right for you.
Do you have experience working with Neurodivergent mums, Autistic mums, mums with ADHD?
Yes, many of my clients are neurodivergent, in particular I work with many mums who have ADHD and autistic mums/mums with autism. I also have my own ADHD diagnosis.
What if I’m not sure whether counselling is right for me?
That is ok, if you would like to we can book a free 15 minute initial chat gives you space to ask questions and get a sense of whether this support feels right for you. There’s no pressure to commit, it’s simply a gentle first step.
How do I get started?
You can begin by booking a free 15 minute initial chat or by scheduling a counselling session via the links above. If you’re not ready to talk yet, you’re also welcome to start with the free grounding meditation offered on this page.
Who am I?
Hi, I'm Brielle.
I am an experienced Social Worker, with over 20 years supporting women and mothers, with a focus on fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, postpartum, motherhood, women's health and life transitions for the past six years.
My approach is evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, grounded in a strong knowledge of perinatal and motherhood focused education and experience.
Most importantly to me I am a mum of four, wife, stepmum and dog mum. I am also a mum with ADHD, so I understand the challenges that this can sometimes add to motherhood.
You can read a little more about me HERE
