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easibirthing Fertility to Parenthood

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easibirthing Fertility to Parenthood

Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy 4 fertility, pregnancy, hypnobirthing, post natal support & parenting Finally…we are pregnant! But what if it is not plain sailing?

Sharon is a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist in Salisbury, Wiltshire where she runs a practice with her husband Stewart. Whilst the practice deals with all aspects of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and counselling for emotional and mental health, Sharon also specialises in support for fertility, childbirth and the post natal period. The service provides nhs-funded pregnancy workshops, hypnobirthing

courses and one-to-one support. Sharon also trains other hypo-psychotherapists throughout the UK to work in these areas.

“Being a parent isn’t about what you give up when you have a child, but what you gain from having one.” Baby bump

As a parent of 3, I am all too aware that the journey to becoming a parent can sometimes feel like an emotional rollercoaster, with the highest highs and the lowest lows. When we embark on this phase in our lives, the only one thing that is absolutely certain is that having a baby changes everything, and life will never be the same again. Issues around fertility
The conception part for you might be straightforward. But for some couples, the first steps on that road to becoming a parent can be arduous. Once a couple/woman decides to try for a baby, all too soon as the months pass it can become all encompassing, all consuming, often obsessive. You can find it difficult to focus on other aspects of your life. The mind has enormous power over the body, which is constantly influenced by our emotions, thoughts and beliefs. There are many factors responsible for infertility, and our emotions can affect the delicately balanced hormonal system, which in turn controls ovulation, s***m production and pregnancy. To aid natural conception or assisted options such as IVF, hypnotherapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and increase feelings of calmness and relaxation. Hypnosis can also help to restore confidence in yourself and your body. Being in a state of hypnosis can be useful as a means to resolve any issues around managing stress or unconscious blocks that may be affecting your ability to conceive and become a parent. And then one way or another, it happens! During the transition period of pregnancy, there is much to celebrate. Feeling anxious or low during pregnancy can be confusing and debilitating. Therapy can help you explore your thoughts and feelings and help you to enjoy the adjustment period towards becoming a parent. And then all too soon, you are preparing to meet your baby for the first time. This can be exciting but also overwhelming for some men and women. Hypnobirthing for the main event
Birth has the potential to be one of the most wonderful experiences of your life. Childbirth is a natural physiological process that a woman’s body is fully equipped for. Each birth is unique, and easibirthing® is about empowering you to manage your individual experience, not fear it. We train you to use self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and breathing methods to prepare mind and body for birth. The easibirthing® method teaches you how to use hypnosis for pain management and aims to boost your trust in your body so you enter labour feeling calm, confident and in control. This is about reaching a state of deep relaxation, maintaining perception of control over the process and developing a positive attitude. It is about changing your expectation of birth so that you help rather than hinder the natural process, and develop valuable life skills for parenthood. Positive Mental Health in the Post Natal period
Parenthood is surrounded by myths. There are myths about what it takes to be a good mother or father, about how to ensure your child thrives, about what material things you need, and about how a good mother should think, feel and act so that her child is successful and happy. So in the vulnerable period of the weeks and months after your baby is born into the world, it can feel like whatever you do is wrong or ‘not good enough’. The ‘I should be’ or ‘I shouldn’t be’ tendency can feel overpowering at times. We talk about the birth of a mother, and the birth of a father. Whilst being a parent is the real you, it is a part of you that never existed before. It is a new role requiring new skills and a completely new set of rules. It is important that you have the right support available to enable a smooth transition to parenting so that you can enjoy the experience with your partner, any older children and your new baby. If you would prefer to bring your baby along to the appointment, then you are welcome to do so. Becoming a parent can be fulfilling and enjoyable. However for some women and men it can continue to feel very daunting and overwhelming after the initial few days/weeks. We empower our clients to recognise and overcome unhelpful thoughts, and to regain a sense of control in their lives. Visit us on www.easibirthing.co.uk for more information, birth stories, clinical evidence for the use of hypnosis in fertility and childbirth.

01/05/2026

Food is rarely just food.
It can soothe, distract, comfort, or help us cope when something feels too much. From a nervous system perspective, eating patterns often make sense, even when they feel frustrating.
There’s a growing body of research showing how closely linked food and mental health really are. The gut and brain are in constant conversation, and what we eat can influence mood, energy and even anxiety levels.
But it’s not just about nutrition. Our relationship with food is shaped by early experiences, emotional needs and how safe or overwhelmed our system feels.
So rather than asking “what’s wrong with my eating?”, a more helpful question might be, “what is my system needing right now?”
Understanding that can be the first step towards change.
If this resonates, you’re not alone. And it’s something we can work through together.

Read our full blog on Food and Mental Health https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/food-and-mental-health-understanding-the-link-between-diet-mood-and-the-brain/

24/04/2026

Confused about the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist? You are not alone.
Many people assume they are the same, but there are some important differences.
A psychologist is trained in the science of behaviour, emotions and thinking. They may offer assessments, diagnosis and evidence-based treatments for a range of mental health difficulties.
A psychotherapist is trained to help people create emotional and psychological change through therapy. This often includes working with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, relationship issues and long-standing patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Some psychotherapists also integrate hypnotherapy, which can help calm the nervous system, access inner resources and support positive change at a deeper level.
So which is better? Neither title automatically means a better fit.
Research shows that one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist. Feeling safe, understood and supported matters enormously.
If you are looking for help, it is less about the title and more about finding someone skilled, experienced and right for you.
If you are ready to feel more like yourself again, psychotherapy can help.

Read our full blog at https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/psychologist-vs-psychotherapist-whats-the-difference-and-which-is-right-for-you/

17/04/2026

Pregnancy cravings are one of those topics that everyone has an opinion about until it’s 2am and someone genuinely needs gherkins with peanut butter and no other snack will do.
The reality is that cravings in pregnancy are very common and usually reflect a mix of biology, psychology and plain old human complexity. Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone shift quite dramatically, and this can change both appetite and sensory perception. Many women notice smell becomes much stronger, which in turn alters taste and food preferences. Coffee can suddenly feel unbearable, while something simple like toast becomes unexpectedly perfect.
There is also interesting brain science at play. Changes in dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, can make certain foods feel especially satisfying or hard to resist. Add in fatigue, emotional load and the physical demands of growing a baby, and it makes sense that the nervous system starts seeking quick comfort and reliable sources of energy.
Some cravings may loosely link to nutrients, such as iron or calcium, but most are not precise biological messages. More often, they are the body and brain asking for comfort, familiarity or a fast sense of relief. Food is one of the quickest ways the nervous system can downshift when things feel overwhelming.
Occasionally, cravings can become very specific or unusual. And while most are harmless, cravings for non-food items should always be discussed with a midwife or GP, as they can sometimes signal a nutritional deficiency.
The most helpful approach is usually balance rather than restriction. Noticing what you actually need in the moment, whether that’s food, rest or simply a pause from the world, can be more useful than fighting the craving itself.
Pregnancy cravings are not a lack of control or discipline. They are a very human response to a body doing something extraordinary. And sometimes, yes, that extraordinary thing does involve urgently needing crisps with chocolate on the side.
Read the full blog at https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/pregnancy-cravings-why-you.../

10/04/2026

Exam season can feel overwhelming for teenagers. The pressure to revise, perform well and keep up with expectations can take a real toll on mental health.
What many young people do not realise is that stress can affect memory, sleep, concentration and confidence. This is because the brain and body can shift into “survival mode” when feeling under pressure.
The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. A steady routine, regular breaks, enough sleep, movement and time to relax all help calm the nervous system and improve focus.
Teenagers also need to remember that exams do not define their worth. One set of results does not measure intelligence, character or future success.
If exam stress feels too much, talking to a parent, teacher, friend or therapist can really help. Support matters.
Looking after your mental health during exams is not a distraction from success. It is part of it.

Read our full blog at https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/mental-health-during-exams-how-teenagers-can-protect-their-wellbeing-and-cope-with-stress/
Practical ways teenagers can support their mental health during exams. Learn how sleep, routine, movement and emotional support can reduce stress and improve focus during exam season.

27/03/2026

Parenting can feel like a constant question of “am I doing this right?”
Yet when we look at parenting traditions around the world, something reassuring emerges. There is no single “right” way to raise a child.
In countries like the United Kingdom and United States, independence is often encouraged early. In Japan, connection and closeness come first. Scandinavian cultures value outdoor play and resilience, while in parts of Africa, parenting is shared across the community. In France, calm boundaries are key, and in India, respect and family structure are central.
And still, children grow up emotionally secure in all of these environments.
What really matters is not the specific method, but the experience a child has. Feeling safe, soothed and understood shapes the developing brain and nervous system far more than any parenting trend.
So perhaps the question shifts.
Not “am I doing this right?”
But “what does my child need from me, right now?”
Children don’t need perfect parents. They need present ones.

Read the full blog at https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/parenting-traditions-around-the-world-what-different-cultures-can-teach-us/

20/03/2026

Starting medications like Mounjaro or Ozempic can feel like a huge relief. Appetite settles, cravings quieten, and for the first time in a long while, things feel easier.
But many people notice something unexpected. Even without physical hunger, the urge to eat can still show up.
This is where emotional eating comes in.
Emotional eating isn’t driven by hunger, it’s driven by the nervous system. Over time, the brain learns that food can soothe stress, ease anxiety, or offer comfort. Those patterns are stored deeply and don’t simply disappear when appetite is reduced.
So if you find yourself thinking, “I’m not hungry, but I still want to eat,” there’s nothing wrong with you. Your brain is doing what it has learned to do.
Weight loss medications can change the biology of hunger, but they don’t address the psychology behind emotional eating.
That’s why this can be a powerful window for change. With less physical hunger, there’s more space to understand your relationship with food and begin to shift it in a more lasting way.
Real, sustainable change often comes from asking a different question. Not “How do I stop eating?” but “What is emotional eating doing for me?”
That’s where deeper healing begins.

13/03/2026

Therapy for Emetophobia – Understanding the Fear of Vomiting and How Therapy Can Help

Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting, or seeing others vomit, that can quietly take over everyday life. Many people begin avoiding certain foods, travel, social events, or places where illness might occur. Over time, the fear of possibly being sick can become more distressing than the event itself.
From a brain perspective, this fear is linked to the body’s threat system. The amygdala (the brain’s alarm centre) can mistakenly interpret nausea or situations associated with illness as danger. When this happens, the nervous system activates the fight or flight response. Anxiety rises, the stomach tightens, and nausea may appear – which then reinforces the fear.
Emetophobia often develops through a combination of factors. For some, it begins after a difficult experience with illness in childhood. Others may have learned anxiety around sickness from people around them. Personality traits such as sensitivity to bodily sensations, perfectionism, or a strong need for control can also play a role.
The good news is that emetophobia is treatable.
Psychotherapy can help people understand the thoughts, memories and avoidance patterns that keep the fear going. As the brain begins to update these beliefs, the threat response gradually softens. Hypnotherapy can also be very effective because it works with the subconscious patterns behind automatic fear responses, helping the nervous system learn new associations of safety and calm.
With the right support, it is possible to retrain the brain and rebuild trust in the body.
If you or someone you know struggles with the fear of vomiting, therapy can help you move from constant vigilance towards greater confidence and freedom.

Read the full blog at https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/therapy-for-emetophobia-understanding-the-fear-of-vomiting-and-how-therapy-can-help/

06/03/2026

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for mental health support—but can AI really replace a human therapist? Recent research shows that tools like ChatGPT may offer instant guidance, but they can also provide generic advice, fail in crisis situations, and mimic empathy without truly understanding us.
Human therapy relies on genuine connection, subtle cues, and ethical responsibility—something AI cannot replicate. While AI for therapy can be a helpful tool for reflection or early support, it’s not a substitute for professional care.
As technology evolves, it’s more important than ever to understand the limits of AI and value authentic human connection in mental health.
Read more about the ethics and boundaries of AI for therapy https://mustardtherapy.co.uk/the-ethics-of-using-ai-for-therapy/.

27/02/2026

The Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is often misunderstood. It is not excusing harm, forgetting what happened, or welcoming someone back into your life. Forgiveness is about releasing yourself from the ongoing stress of resentment.
When we replay painful experiences, the brain’s threat system activates. The amygdala signals danger, stress hormones rise, and the body shifts into fight or flight. If this continues over time, it can contribute to anxiety, low mood, poor sleep and even physical health problems. Holding onto anger is not just emotional, it is physiological.
Research from psychologists such as Robert Enright and Everett Worthington shows that practising forgiveness can reduce anger, lower stress and improve overall wellbeing. When forgiveness develops, the brain moves out of constant alarm and towards regulation. People often describe feeling lighter and less consumed by the past.
Forgiveness should never be rushed. Anger has wisdom. It tells us a boundary has been crossed. True forgiveness usually follows honest emotional processing, not bypassing it.
And sometimes the hardest work is self forgiveness. Shame keeps the nervous system stuck in threat. Self compassion helps restore a sense of safety.
Forgiveness is not about letting someone else off the hook. It is about freeing your own mind and body from carrying what no longer serves you.

20/02/2026

Raising Confident Children in a Co-parenting Family

Raising confident children while co parenting can feel complicated. Two homes, two sets of routines, sometimes two very different emotional climates. Yet children do not need perfection. They need safety.
From a brain perspective, confidence grows when a child’s nervous system feels regulated. When conflict is low and handovers are calm, their stress response settles. This allows the thinking part of the brain to develop well. When tension sits in the background, even if unspoken, children pick it up.
You do not have to agree on everything. What matters most is protecting your child from adult grievances. Avoid criticism of the other parent in front of them. A child who feels free to love both parents without divided loyalty is far more likely to develop a secure sense of self.
Consistency helps, but predictability matters more than identical rules. Clear expectations in each home reduce anxiety. Warm boundaries build resilience. Children grow in confidence when they are allowed age appropriate choices and small challenges, with adults who can tolerate their frustration and stay connected.
It is also worth reflecting on your own triggers. Co parenting can activate old attachment wounds. Notice where guilt, anger or the need to be right might be shaping your responses.
Confidence is not loud or showy. It is a calm internal belief, I can cope. Across two homes, that belief is built through emotional steadiness, repair after rupture and the quiet reassurance that the adults are in charge of the grown up feelings.

13/02/2026

Childhood Trauma is Not Exclusive to Humans
When we think of childhood trauma, we often imagine the human experience—fear, loss, neglect. But emerging research suggests that young animals in the wild are not immune to its effects. Like humans, they carry lasting marks from early adversity, which can shape their behaviour, resilience, and even survival.
Childhood Trauma in the Animal Kingdom
Scientists are now exploring the idea of a cumulative adversity index, inspired by human psychology research. This tool measures the stress accumulated across an animal’s life, providing insight into its wellbeing and vulnerability. In the wild, stressors are diverse: extreme weather events, scarcity of food, or disrupted family structures can leave profound imprints.
How Early Life Experiences Shape Behaviour
Parental care plays a critical role in early development. The death of a mother, for example, significantly reduces the survival chances of young yellow-bellied marmots. Parental behaviours in early life are not just nurturing—they shape behaviours, coping skills, and resilience into adulthood. Sibling dynamics also contribute. In marmot litters with more males than females, females often displayed masculinised behaviours, illustrating how early experiences influence development in subtle but lasting ways.
Implications of Childhood Trauma for Conservation
Recognising childhood trauma in wildlife encourages a more holistic approach to conservation. By identifying the most vulnerable populations, strategies can be designed not only to protect species but also to support their emotional and behavioural wellbeing. This perspective may improve survival rates, support biodiversity, and emphasise respect for the lived experiences of animals in the wild.
Lessons from Childhood Trauma Across Species
For therapists and those interested in mental health, this research is a powerful reminder that trauma is a universal force. Early adversity leaves lasting imprints, whether in humans or the animal kingdom. Understanding and recognising these effects encourages empathy, curiosity, and the knowledge that healing and support matter at every stage of life.

08/02/2026

Baby blues: what helps, what’s normal and when to seek support

Baby blues affect a large number of women in the days following birth, yet they are still rarely talked about honestly. If you’ve found yourself tearful, emotionally raw, anxious or overwhelmed after having a baby, often for no clear reason, you’re not alone. Baby blues are a recognised and common postnatal experience, usually beginning a few days after birth and easing within around two weeks.
From a psychological and neurological perspective, baby blues make sense. After birth, hormone levels drop sharply, sleep becomes fragmented and the nervous system shifts into a state of constant alertness. The emotional centres of the brain are highly active, while the areas responsible for emotional regulation are tired and under strain. This combination can lead to mood swings, sensitivity and moments of despair, even when a baby is deeply wanted and loved.
Research shows that certain supports can genuinely help ease baby blues. Gentle physical movement is one of the most consistent findings. Walking, stretching or postnatal exercise can improve mood by supporting neurotransmitters linked to emotional wellbeing and helping calm the stress response. This isn’t about fitness or “getting your body back”, it’s about helping the nervous system regulate.
Psychological support also plays an important role. Studies suggest that talking therapies, emotional validation and simple techniques for managing anxious or self-critical thoughts can reduce the intensity of baby blues. When emotions are named and held safely, the brain’s threat system softens, allowing a greater sense of calm and stability to return.
Social support is another powerful protective factor. Women experiencing baby blues often cope better when they feel emotionally supported by partners, friends, family or other new parents. Human nervous systems are designed to co-regulate, especially during vulnerable periods. Feeling understood and not judged helps reduce stress hormones and supports emotional recovery.
Sleep and rest are equally important. While long stretches of sleep are rarely realistic with a newborn, research shows that even small increases in rest can improve emotional regulation. Exhaustion amplifies emotional distress, making baby blues feel more intense and harder to manage.
There is growing interest in the role of breastfeeding, hormones and nutritional supplements in baby blues, but the evidence remains mixed. There is no single feeding choice or supplement that reliably prevents baby blues. What matters most is that a mother feels supported, safe and able to respond to her own needs as well as her baby’s.
Although baby blues are usually short-lived, they should never be minimised. If symptoms feel overwhelming, frightening or persist beyond two weeks, it’s important to seek professional help. Ongoing low mood, anxiety or emotional numbness may indicate postnatal depression or anxiety, both of which are highly treatable with the right support.
Baby blues are not a personal failing or a sign that you’re doing motherhood wrong. They are a reflection of a nervous system adapting after an enormous physical and emotional transition. With understanding, support and compassionate care, most women find that their emotional balance gradually returns.
If you’re experiencing baby blues and would like support during this early postnatal period, therapy can offer a calm, non-judgemental space to make sense of what you’re feeling and help your nervous system settle again.

Address

6 Enterprise House, Boathouse Meadow Business Park, Cherry Orchard Lane
Salisbury
SP27LD

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 9pm
Tuesday	9am - 3:30pm
Wednesday	5:30pm - 9pm
Thursday	9am - 3:30pm
Saturday	9am - 5:30pm

Website

http://www.easibirthing.com/

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