Birth Trauma therapy
in NYC and NJ

In person and virtual EMDR therapy for Birth Trauma 

If your birth didn’t go the way you expected and it still feels hard to think about, it may be time to go beyond just talking about it.

Sometimes what happened during birth stays with you longer than expected

Many women I work with find themselves reliving parts of the experience, feeling anxious around reminders of birth, or struggling to feel fully present and connected afterward.

That's where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for birth trauma comes in. Whether caused by medical complications, emergency interventions, or feeling unheard during delivery, birth trauma can deeply affect your nervous system, your relationships, and your sense of safety.

About EMDR for birth trauma

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) doesn’t require you to retell every detail of your birth experience.

Instead, it works by helping your brain process and integrate what happened so it no longer carries the same emotional intensity. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to support your nervous system in moving out of survival mode and into a more grounded, regulated state.

EMDR can help you:


  • Let go of lingering distress from your birth experience
  • Reduce intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or replaying what happened
  • Shift beliefs like “I’m not in control” or “I’m not safe”
  • Feel more calm, present in your day-to-day life
  • Ease physical symptoms of stress held in the body
  • Rebuild a sense of safety and trust in yoursel

Reprocess your birth trauma so it no longer feels activating.

+ How often should I attend therapy for anxiety?+ Is it normal to feel anxious or panicked after giving birth?+ Can Birth trauma affect bonding with my baby?+ How long does it take to notice benefits of therapy?+ Does EMDR therapy work for birth trauma?+ What are signs of birth trauma in mothers?+ How do I heal from a traumatic birth experience?+ Can you get PTSD from childbirth?+ What is birth trauma and how do I know if I have it?

What is birth trauma and how do I know if I have it? 


Birth trauma refers to a distressing or overwhelming experience during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that continues to affect you emotionally or physically afterward. This can include unexpected complications, feeling dismissed or unheard during birth, emergency interventions, or a loss of control.You may be experiencing birth trauma if you notice ongoing anxiety, intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the birth, difficulty sleeping, or feeling emotionally disconnected from yourself or your baby. 

Learn more about birth trauma here. 


Can you get PTSD from childbirth??


Yes, it is possible to develop PTSD after childbirth. Research suggests that 30–45% of women report their birth as traumatic, and as many as 9% meet criteria for PTSD. 

This can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, panic, or avoiding anything that reminds you of the experience. Birth trauma PTSD is treatable, and therapies like EMDR can help your nervous system process what happened so it no longer feels overwhelming.

How do I heal from a traumatic birth experience?


Healing from birth trauma involves more than just talking about what happened. It often requires helping your nervous system process and release the experience so it feels like something that happened in the past, rather than something you’re still reliving.

Therapy approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and somatic therapy can help reduce distress, shift negative beliefs, and restore a sense of safety and control. Healing also includes making space for your emotions, rebuilding trust in your body, and integrating your experience in a way that feels manageable.


What are signs of birth trauma in mothers?


Signs of birth trauma can show up in different ways, including:
  • Intrusive thoughts or replaying the birth experience
  • Feeling on edge, anxious, or easily triggered
  • Avoiding reminders of the birth (hospitals, doctors, conversations)
  • Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or “I should have done something differently”
  • Emotional numbness or disconnection

These responses are not a reflection of weakness. They are your nervous system trying to process something overwhelming.


Does EMDR Therapy work for birth trauma?


Yes, EMDR therapy is one of the most effective treatments for birth trauma.

EMDR helps your brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as intense or triggering.
Instead of reliving the experience, you’re able to remember it without the same emotional charge.

EMDR can also help shift negative beliefs such as “I’m not into control” or “I’m not safe” into more adaptive, grounded beliefs. 


How long does it take to notice benefits of therapy for birth trauma?



Yes. Anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum is very common. Hormonal changes, sleep disruption, and the major life transition of becoming a parent can all increase anxiety. Some people experience excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, or feeling constantly on edge.

Perinatal anxiety therapy provides support and tools to help you regulate anxiety while navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood.

Can Birth Trauma affect bonding with my baby?


Yes, birth trauma can impact bonding, especially if you’re feeling anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed. You might notice difficulty feeling present, increased irritability, or a sense of distance.

This is more common than people talk about, and it is not a reflection of your love or capacity as a parent. As trauma symptoms decrease, many parents find that connection and bonding improve naturally.


Is it normal to feel anxious or panicked after giving birth?


Some level of anxiety is common after birth especially in the first 2-4 weeks Persistent feelings of panic, dread, or being constantly on edge may be a sign of postpartum anxiety or trauma.

If your thoughts feel intrusive, your body feels constantly activated, or you’re struggling to relax even when things are “okay,” EMDR therapy can help regulate your nervous system and provide relief.

When should I seek therapy after a traumatic birth?


We typically recommend starting with weekly therapy for anxiety. Research shows that consistent weekly sessions are often the most effective because they create continuity in treatment. Regular sessions allow you to build insight, practice coping strategies, and gradually regulate your nervous system over time. 

As anxiety symptoms improve and healthier patterns begin to take hold, sessions may shift to a less frequent schedule while still maintaining support. Our goal is for you to eventually have the internal tools to quiet anxiety as it arises. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, I'm Salina  Grilli 

I specialize in helping new Moms heal from traumatic birth experiences using a mix of EMDR therapy and other evidence-based modalities. 

I’m a Columbia-trained psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in perinatal and postpartum mental health.

I have advanced certifications in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and EMDR, with almost a decade worth of experience supporting women through birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, eating disorders/disordered eating, and the emotional complexities of motherhood.

Hi, I’m Salina Grilli, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR-C

I’m a Columbia-trained psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in perinatal and postpartum mental health. I have advanced certifications in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and EMDR, with almost a decade worth of experience supporting women through birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, eating disorders/disordered eating, and the emotional complexities of motherhood.


When you book your free phone consultation, we’ll make
sure EMDR is appropriate for you and discuss how it can help!

  1. Schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see if we feel like a good fit
  2. Complete intake paperwork so we understand your health history
  3. Schedule your first session, where we’ll get to know you and your goals for therapy

If you feel like you’re losing yourself, let’s explore how we can support you. Start with a free consultation so we can get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.

Heal from Birth Trauma with EMDR