Birth-related trauma can profoundly impact your emotional wellbeing and transition into motherhood, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. If you're experiencing flashbacks, intrusive memories, or feelings of violation, you're not alone. Whether navigating the challenges of motherhood with your baby or grieving a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination for medical reasons (TFMR), I am here to support you.

I specialise in supporting women navigating the complex aftermath of birth trauma and perinatal loss, including anxiety, trauma symptoms, and depression. With over 11 years of experience in the NHS, charity, and private sectors, I offer a compassionate and specialised approach integrating EMDR, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Art Therapy.

I am a senior Clinical Psychologist with 15 years experience working in NHS clinical and leadership roles across specialist trauma, maternity and neonatal, and parent-infant relationship settings. I offer face-to-face and online therapy specialising in the perinatal period to support parents, often alongside maternity professionals, or during NHS review and complaints processes. I will meet you with an open heart to hear your story and work together to understand and find a way through. 

Being a new parent can be an incredibly challenging time, we can often feel judgement and expectations of ourselves and from society that pregnancy and motherhood should feel a certain way. We can have a whole number of questions – Why is being a new parent not what I expected? Why haven’t I bonded with my baby? Why do I feel so sad? Why was the birth not what I had planned?

I'm Izzy Anstis, a specialist CBT and EMDR therapist with over 12 years NHS experience. I am passionate about helping women, particularly during the perinatal period. I understand how having a difficult birth experience can have a profound impact on your mood and experience of parenting. I strongly believe that therapy can help. You might not have felt heard during your birth, I want to hear you now.  

I am a qualified counsellor who is passionate about supporting parents to process past birth experiences or planning for future parenthood. I have also specialised in counselling for sexual trauma.

I am a HCPC accredited Art Psychotherapist (registration AS16585) and qualified EMDR practitioner. I am based in Bristol UK and am able to offer both in-person and online treatment; of which I can offer Art Psychotherapy and EMDR.

Are you struggling with the emotional aftermath of a difficult
birth?
I can help you process your birth experience and reclaim your
well-being.

Have you experienced birth trauma? I understand how difficult it can be to find the right support and to feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have a level 6 Ba (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling, and I am an EFT Practitioner who has a strong passion for working with women and their partners who are struggling.

I’m an experienced birth and early parenting specialist, accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Your traumatic birth may have left you constantly on-edge, reliving it with flashbacks,  and trapped in a cycle of depression, anger and guilt.

I am an experienced, BACP accredited counsellor with a background in gynaecological nursing. I am passionate about perinatal mental well-being and supporting women and their partners through all stages of pregnancy and beyond, including offering therapeutic help with birth trauma experiences.

Are you navigating the unique challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, or early parenthood? With years of experience & training, I understand the complexities of perinatal mental health & trauma. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, birth trauma, or the multitude of emotions that accompany this period, I have the knowledge & skills to support you effectively. Together, we'll explore coping strategies, develop skills to manage symptoms, & foster a sense of hope & empowerment. I work with trauma using EMDR Therapy to help minimise or eradicate uncomfortable associated symptoms of birth trauma.

Are you looking to heal from a traumatic birth experience? You might be experiencing unwanted thoughts, images and memories, and finding yourself avoiding painful reminders. You might be struggling to relax or sleep, feeling on edge all the time.

I work with women who have experienced birth-related trauma. I gently hold space for you to share your stories, explore your feelings with all the tender parts of you. I ask curious questions, offer reflections, guidance and wisdom to help you decide on how you want to move forward.

I am a senior clinical psychologist with many years’ experience working perinatally and with people struggling with their mental health and trauma. I am also a mother of two children, with experience both of traumatic birth, and of how different and positive subsequent birth experience can be.