For anyone who has been up close to birth, and needs to talk about it.
Counselling for women, people, partners, midwives and doulas.
Hello, and thank you for visiting.
Please note that for now, my books are closed for new clients. Existing clients may still book using the online system but it is no longer an option for new clients, as I am at capacity for counselling services.
Feel free to get in touch to inquire about waitlisting or referral options.
Dr Athena Hammond
“I have spent two decades working in and around the maternity care system as a doula, midwife, midwifery researcher and now as a counsellor & psychotherapist. I believe we all need a safe place to talk about what happens to us when we come up close to birth. The Birth Counsel has been created to acknowledge and respond to this need.”
Our values
Diversity is to be celebrated and nurtured
“I have been lucky enough to work and play with a wonderfully diverse array of humans and this is reflected in the values of The Birth Counsel. In particular, we are a safe and supportive service for LGBTQI community.”
Every story is valid, real and important
“As a qualitative researcher, it is embedded in my professional DNA that every story, and every worldview, is valid and real. The Birth Counsel proactively explores your own unique way of seeing and experiencing the world.”
There is no one right way
“The approach of The Birth Counsel is focused on understanding what is valuable and meaningful for each individual. Ways of working are based on what is right for you. We make plans together and aim to work with high levels of transparency and flexibility.”
A compassionate approach
“Compassion plays a critical role in building relationships with ourselves and others. The Birth Counsel ethos is absolutely person centred and non-judgemental, and intended to provide practical, kind-hearted support.”
Evidence-based care
“As a midwife, evidence based care is business as usual. The work of The Birth Counsel is underpinned by current knowledge and research regarding trauma and traumatic stress, polyvagal theory, self-compassion and interpersonal neurobiology.”
“I have been seeing the incredible Athena Hammond for counselling and I can’t recommend her highly enough.
I feel really grateful to have her to talk to during my pregnancy and in the future for my doula work. Her services are so needed! How amazing is it to have this!?”
Claire