Stacey Permaul mbacp(accred)
Counselling for perinatal loss, reproductive trauma and fertility challenges
SESSIONS OFFERED FACE-TO-FACE IN SOUTH EAST LONDON, ONLINE AND TELEPHONE
Firstly, I want to say how sorry I am for the losses and challenges you have faced that have led you to here.
Pregnancy loss and fertility challenges can feel such a lonely place to be, especially when it seems as though the rest of the world is moving on and forward with their lives.
I am extremely passionate and committed in my work with clients who have experienced perinatal loss, reproductive trauma and fertility challenges. This page will help you find out a little more about my training and experience in this field along with clarity on how counselling with me might support you through this difficult time.
Pregnancy loss
Every pregnancy matters. Every loss matters.
At all gestational periods, the loss of your pregnancy and your experience is valid.
Whether your loss was unexpected or a termination for medical reasons (TFMR), speaking to a counsellor could help to process the complexity of your emotions.
Every pregnancy is unique, so it makes sense that every loss is experienced differently by the bereaved mother, father or birthing person. Talking through your experience, your story, your sorrow and grief, is the first step to accepting your loss.
I have worked with many clients who have experienced losses at all stages of their pregnancy and one of the most complex themes to come up is the feeling of invalidation in your grief. A sense of expectation to move on and 'try again'. Therapy with me offers space to live with your loss, grief and uncertainty around the future without expectation. It is a place that allows both grief and hope to exist without any judgement.
Life may never quite be the same again, but you can honour the changes within you and find joy once more. You'll never move on from the loss of a pregnancy, but with the right support you can move forward with your life.
Fertility Challenges
Not everyone has the same journey to parenthood. For some, their fertility journey is simple and straightforward.
For many of my clients, the road to bringing home a healthily baby has felt uncertain, daunting, exhausting and, at times, impossible.
I have worked with clients considering and embarking on IVF and egg donation. I am registered with the British Infertility Counselling Association and undertake regular training and reading to better understand the landscape of fertility treatment and advancements in the UK.
For those feeling isolated in their fertility journey, therapy can be a place to feel less alone. A place to explore how life can still hold value and vitality alongside pain and uncertainty.
My experience
I work with clients in my private practice who have experienced multiple miscarriages, TFMR or are experiencing fertility issues and embarking on IVF.
As a trustee of pregnancy loss charity, Cradle, I have developed by commitment to supporting bereaved mothers and fathers by clinically leading their online peer-support group, CONNECTED.
I have also held workshops on trauma-informed care for early pregnancy loss at Kings College hospital.
Outside of my private practice, I clinically lead the perinatal counselling service at Quaggy Community Counselling in Greenwich.
Prior to this I worked within a charity counselling service in the City of London, offering women therapy sessions after miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
My training
I have undertaken training with the leading baby loss charity, Petals, completing their specialist course in working therapeutically with both individuals and couples through perinatal loss, traumatic grief and anxiety in subsequent pregnancies after loss.
I am accredited with the Foundation for Infant Loss completing their training in pregnancy loss and subsequent pregnancies after miscarriage.
I have completed a number of CPDs in perinatal loss specific themes such as attachment theory, birth trauma, perinatal anxiety and depression, traumatic grief.
I have undertaken NHS training in bereavement pathways and have completed BACP accredited training in complex/complicated grief.
I am a Make Birth Better Champion supporting the campaign to provide more trauma-informed care for birthing people and their partners during childbirth.
