Sarah Allen, Psy.D., L.C.P.C.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders

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You are not alone and with support you can get well!

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 Dr. Allen provides help and support through:

Individual Therapy

Couple Therapy

Workshops

Support Group

click on the links above for more information

What Are Perinatal  Mood Disorders? 

We used to only think of maternal depression as only happening postpartum and concentrated on postpartum depression (PPD) but research has showed us that many women experience these symptoms during pregnancy too. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety that occur during pregnancy or within a year of delivery are now referred to as Perinatal Mood Disorders (PPMDs). 

 10 - 20% of all women experience pregnancy and/or postpartum mood disorders and 9% of women of reproductive age experience infertility issues.   
         Even though it is very common, few women get the emotional help they need. 
        These are some of the symptoms women may experience:

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* Anxiety
* Sadness
* Mood swings
* Extreme worry
* Loss of pleasure, energy & motivation
* Obsessive thoughts
* Appetite changes
* Insomnia
  * Difficulty concentrating

Click here to take PPD screening questionnaire

For more information on types of perinatal mood disorders visit www.PPDIL.org/symptoms

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What Experience Do I Have Working With PPMDs?

In addition to being in private practice offering solution-focused psychotherapy, I am the Director of the Illinois PPD Alliance and have set up a state-wide program to offer web-based and telephone support for women and their families.
I have extensive experience helping women cope with the emotional difficulties that can occur across the reproductive life cycle.

I have published research on PPD and Trauma following Childbirth and have presented at national and international conferences.

I have also been interviewed for Chicago's major TV networks and newspapers.

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How Does Psychotherapy Help?

Therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to find the techniques that work for you.

Individual therapy focuses on helping women with the practical tools on just how to cope and get through the day. We then move to using cognitive therapy, which is short-term "here and now" therapy focusing on how your negative and unhelpful thoughts effect your emotions. These techniques help to empower my clients with the tools necessary for dealing with emotional problems both in the present and future.

Couples therapy acknowledges how hard it is to be a parent and develops the practical and communication skills you need to support each other.

Click here to take PPD screening questionnaire

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How Do Support Groups Help?
A support group can be helpful because it is safe place to talk with others who understand what you are going through. Dr. Allen encourages group members to share non-judgmental support suggestions for recovery. You can share your experience or simply choose to listen. Support groups are not a substitute for professional care and work best when used in conjunction with individual counseling and medication when necessary. They are a great way to reach out to others who understand and give support.
Useful Web Links 

General Perinatal Mood Disorders:
www.postpartum.net - Information and help for pregnancy & postpartum
www.ppdil.org - Lists pregnancy & PPD resources in IL
www.postpartumprogress.com - Great blog and information about perinatal mood disorders
www.postpartumdads.org - Information & resources for Dads
 
Birth Trauma:
www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk - Information about traumatic labor experiences
www.tabs.org.nz - Information about traumatic labor experiences

Click here to read the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder aricle by Dr. Allen in the Expectant Mother's Guide

Questions or comments? Get in touch with me at:

 Dr. Sarah Allen, 3400 Dundee Road # 245, Northbrook IL 60062
847 791-7722