NICU Trauma
Has the NICU left you feeling.... less than?
Do you feel alone? That no one can possibly understand?
Do you find yourself in tears more often than not?
Do you smile on the outside but it doesn't reach the inside?
Have you looked at your little one and wondered why you don't feel that intense parent bond?
Does it feel like the rest of the world has moved on.... leaving you behind?
As a fellow NICU parent, I understand. (click here to read my NICU story) The heartache, the frustration, the loneliness, and the joys. I understand not wanting to leave the NICU. Not wanting to leave the bedside. Being afraid. Being torn between your newborn and home. You don't feel like your spouse is handling it so well. It is so important that you take time to process what is happening. With online therapy, we can talk while you take your pump break. While you grab a bite to eat. When you are driving to and from the hospital.
I also understand that leaving the NICU does not mean the end of your journey. I know the loneliness once you get home. The care team is gone. The reality of what just happened has set in. The isolation and the new world of adjusted ages and milestones. It can be very overwhelming. The depression, the hormones, and family who cannot understand and expect you to "get over it."
There is help. Together, we can find your way to more peaceful parenting and a healthier you. All from the comfort of your couch.
Imagine feeling empowered and encouraged as a parent. Understanding your role and feeling confident so you feel more connected and engaged with your loved ones.
Spending this precious time feeling whole and healthy, sharing intimate moments with family. Able to face the day and the decisions that may come.
With online therapy, there is no need to leave the house or the NICU. Babies are welcome. No germy offices to endure. A friendly face at the click of a button on your schedule from the comfort of your couch. So grab a cup, log on, or schedule an appointment.
You don't have to do this alone. I offer a free 15-minute online consultation. We can chat and see if this is something that would be helpful for you. You and your baby deserve for you to be at your best. Let's talk NICU parent to NICU parent.
Schedule your free consultation today.
NICU trauma can result from various factors, including premature birth, medical complications, and extended newborn hospitalization. This emotional burden can profoundly affect parents and caregivers. NICU trauma counseling offers a structured and empathetic environment where individuals can process their experiences, emotions, and distress and develop effective coping strategies.
-
Therapeutic Framework: Counseling for NICU trauma is grounded in a therapeutic framework that incorporates evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique needs of parents or caregivers who have experienced NICU trauma. These approaches may include trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and supportive counseling.
-
Recognition and Validation: A central aim of NICU trauma counseling is to recognize and validate the emotional and psychological toll of the NICU experience. It acknowledges the range of emotions, including anxiety, guilt, sadness, and trauma-related symptoms, while normalizing the challenges faced.
-
Symptom Management: Counselors work with individuals to understand and manage trauma-related symptoms, including flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and anxiety. Coping strategies are developed to alleviate distress.
-
Support and Coping Strategies: Counseling offers individuals emotional support and equips them with practical coping strategies to navigate the unique stressors and triggers associated with NICU trauma. This can involve techniques to manage anxiety, enhance self-care practices, and strengthen support networks.
-
Partner and Family Involvement: In some cases, NICU trauma counseling may include partners or family members to foster understanding, communication, and mutual support within the family unit.
-
Goal Setting: Collaboratively, the counselor and the individual establish therapeutic goals, including reducing trauma-related symptoms, improving emotional well-being, enhancing family dynamics, and addressing any unresolved trauma.
-
Education: Individuals receive information and education about the potential effects of NICU trauma, its impact on mental health, and available treatment options. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding their mental health care.
-
Duration and Frequency: The duration and frequency of counseling sessions are tailored to the individual's needs and progress. Consistent sessions provide ongoing support and a therapeutic outlet.
NICU trauma counseling recognizes the unique emotional challenges and vulnerabilities faced by parents or caregivers who have experienced the NICU journey. It offers a structured, evidence-based approach to help individuals process and manage the trauma associated with NICU admission, facilitating emotional healing and fostering resilience. Individuals affected by NICU trauma are encouraged to seek professional NICU trauma counseling as a valuable resource for support and recovery.