There are many reasons women of childbearing age might benefit from the help of a supportive counselor. A woman might need help moving beyond past abuse (birth is similar to abuse situations in many ways, which can limit her ability to let go and open up for birth), or she might be paralyzed by the fear of birth, a prior negative birth experience, or issues arising from the apprehension of becoming a mother. Finally, counseling can help with postpartum depression or just making the adjustment to parenthood.

Meghan Campbell, MS Ed., NCC
Specialties: prenatal and postpartum support, young, single and new mothers
http://meghancampbell.net/
(503) 706-7751
Portland, OR

Penny Simkin, PT, CBE, CD(DONA)
Specialties: sexual abuse and past traumatic birth and how they effect current childbirth issues
http://www.pennysimkin.com/
penny *at* pennysimkin *dot* com
(206) 325-1219
Seattle, WA

Perry Jansen, MA, Psychotherapist
Gracewinds Perinatal Services
http://www.gracewindsperinatal.com
(866) 781-9871 toll-free
Seattle, WA

Inez Noble Black CD (PALS, DONA)
3616 East Ward, Seattle, WA 98112
Tel: 2063224623
E: inez@compassionatedoula@msn.net
Web: www.nwdoulas.com
Certified CalmBirth teacher, meditations used for childbirth, advanced methodology for the 21st century. Provides one-on-one individualized prenatal education. Lending library of prenatal, birth, parenting resources: books, tapes, videos.

Arrow De Groot, RC, PPN Ed
4521 Eastern North, Seattle, WA 98103
Tel: 206.992.1339
E: gracelodge@qwest.net
Focus: Education and clearing of PPN shock & trauma.
Private Practice, Groups, Workshops and Training
PPN Educator - Emerson Seminars

Brian Scheffer, MSW
901 Bates Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Tel: 3603529742
Fax: 3607053968
E: b.scheffer@comcast.net
Deep feeling psychotherapy since 1974.
Trained by Graham Farrant, MD and William Emerson, PhD.

Carrie Kenner
Big Belly Services, Seattle, WA
Educator for spiritual and emotional birth and parenting; birth and baby doula; preconception counseling
Tel: 2067257758
E: bigbellyservices@covad.net
Web: www.bigbellyservices.com

Rebekah Talevich, BSN
Tel: 2062842059 (Seattle area)
Education in physical, emotional, and spiritual events occurring perinatally that contribute to development of shock and trauma. Shock and trauma resolution with adults, children, and infants.

Darlene A. Sousa (Walden University)
Spokane, Washington (student of birth psychology)

NOTE: The above counselors are located several hours away but may well be worth the trip. If you know of any local perinatal counselors or a counselor who has extensive experience in working with women with birth fear, birth trauma, and postpartum depression, please contact Kristina French, webmistress, at 4frenchs *at* charter *dot* net directly.