Reproductive Psychology

Therapy in Seattle, WA & PSYPACT States

What is reproductive psychology?

Reproductive psychology focuses on the effects of reproductive events on mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan—such as fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, pregnancy loss, family planning, and adverse reproductive healthcare experiences. In therapy, we can explore how reproductive experiences have impacted your mental health, identity, and life circumstances, and take active steps to move you towards your values and goals.

  • More info coming soon.

  • Perinatal mental health refers to mental health challenges that start or worsen during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. The perinatal period is a massive time of change and adjustment–and with that, comes increased vulnerability for stress and mental health symptoms–especially for those with pre-existing risk factors.

    Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common impacting up to 1 in 4 birthing individuals and 1 in 10 of partners and caregivers. Perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (POCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD) also impact a substantial number of birthing and non-birthing individuals.

    Perinatal psychosis (PPP), while less common, is a serious condition that most often presents in the first month after childbirth. It’s considered an emergency and warrants immediate medical attention (learn about crisis resources here). Warning signs include:

    • Being unable to sleep and still feeling rested

    • Intense agitation, irritability, or mood swings

    • Hearing or seeing things that are not there

    • Believing things that are unusual, extreme, or untrue (often related to the baby)

    • Intense paranoia, fear, or suspiciousness

    • Severe hyperactivity, such as racing thoughts, very fast speech, or an increase in activity

    • Disorientation, confusion, or unable to speak clearly

    • Thoughts about hurting oneself, the baby, or someone else that are difficult to dismiss

  • Perinatal grief encompasses losses that occur during pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum period. It includes many types of losses, each of which can have a profound impact on mental and physical health. Perinatal losses may be invisible or invalidated by others, leading to even more emotional pain and suffering.

    For example, perinatal losses include:

    • Miscarriage, early pregnancy loss

    • Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)

    • Termination for medical reasons (TMFR)

    • Stillbirth

    • Neonatal or infant loss

    • Loss of a partner to pregnancy, birth, or postpartum complications

  • Infertility is diagnosed after 12 months of trying to conceive. Estimates suggest as many as 1 in 6 individuals experience infertility and that a wide range of factors can influence fertility and conception.

    The impacts of infertility and fertility care on psychological and physical health can be significant. Medical treatments (e.g., IVF) can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful, and difficulties with infertility can contribute to anxiety, depression, grief, and traumatic stress symptoms, as well as relationship stress for couples.

  • More info coming soon.

  • More info coming soon.

The Good News: Research-backed, specialized care is available for perinatal mental health concerns.

Treatment recommendations vary based on the client’s symptoms, needs and goals. A reproductive psychologist or perinatal mental health specialist can help you evaluate your options and choose an approach that fits your goals, symptoms, and life circumstances.

What does the therapy process look like?

Intake Assessment

We start with an intake session. I’ll ask about your goals, concerns, and background, and we will decide whether to work together.

Treatment Planning

After the intake, we usually continue with assessment for a few sessions and work together to map out a plan for treatment.

Active Therapy

Once we’re clear on the plan, we’ll get to work. While interventions differ for each client, therapy is rooted in the clients goals.

Maintenance & Ending

We will continue to assess whether it’s time to change, reduce, or end our work together as assess progress towards your goals.

Ready to Get Started? Book a Free Consultation Call

  • "Samantha is one of my most trusted colleagues, and I would send my loved ones to her in a heartbeat if I could. She is a true expert in evidence-based therapies and brings warmth and compassion to her work."

    Dr. Jessica Coleman - Reproductive Psychologist

  • "Dr. Hellberg is one of the most compassionate and skilled therapists I know! Beyond her exceptional training in perinatal mental health and trauma recovery, she stands out in her ability to simultaneously accept Clients as they are and empower change."

    —Dr. Natalia Garcia, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

  • "Samantha is an exceptionally skilled DBT and DBT PE therapist who blends science and compassion to tailor these treatments to each client's unique needs. She excels at developing strong relationships with her clients, and providing the support needed to empower them to do the hard things that are needed to reach their goals."

    - Dr. Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP

    Developer of the DBT PE Protocol for PTSD and the DBT Adherence Checklist (DBT AC-I)

  • "I have worked closely with Dr. Hellberg and have seen her skill firsthand. She is incredibly warm but also highly effective working with emotional distress, trauma recovery, and reproductive mental health. I would send my family and friends to her!"

    -Dr. Liz Bird, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

  • "Dr. Hellberg is a remarkable therapist! She's the kind of psychologist to whom I would send my mom or sister. Through her DBT coaching, I've seen how she helps people sail out of their emotional storms. A rare blend of skill and compassion."

    Dr. Cory Cascalheira - Licensed Clinical Psychologist