Perinatal Therapy: Find Support for Your Emotional Well-being in Barrie, Ontario and virtually across the province.
Are you expecting a child or have recently welcomed a little one into your life? The journey of pregnancy and early parenthood can bring a range of overwhelming emotions. At Amber Sperling Social Work and Psychotherapy Services, we understand the unique challenges that individuals face during the perinatal period, which is why we are passionately dedicated to providing specialized support and therapy for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.


Perinatal Therapy refers to the emotional well-being of parents during pregnancy and up to a year after childbirth (but we stretch to include parents with children up to starting Kindergarten). While it is normal to experience occasional worry or sadness during this period, some individuals may find themselves struggling with more intense feelings that greatly impact their daily lives. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, are common and treatable conditions. You are not alone and we are here to help.


Our therapists are committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotional challenges related to the perinatal period. With an empathetic and compassionate approach, our therapist specializes in perinatal mental health, actively working to understand your unique experiences and tailor therapy to meet your specific needs.

Meet your Therapists

Perinatal Therapy Clinic

Where therapy is accessible and offered by interns with years of experience

now directly supervised by Amber Sperling RSW PMH-C

A woman with long red hair and light skin, smiling at the camera, wearing a cream-colored top with decorative buttons, standing against a plain light gray background.

Robyn Stickland

MSW Intern

Close-up of a smiling woman with short blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a yellow and white top.

  • Robyn is a Registered Social Worker and Master of Social Work student at Lakehead University. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree from Lakehead University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in Psychology from Laurentian University.

    As a mom, Robyn is passionate about supporting individuals through the transition to parenthood. She has a particular interest in working with new mothers experiencing postpartum anxiety, depression, loneliness, and challenges related to identity and role changes.

    By using a strengths-based, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach, Robyn aims to create a space that is grounded in respect, kindness, and collaboration. She values ongoing professional development and approaches her work with curiosity and openness, recognizing the importance of learning alongside her clients.

    In addition to her individual work, Robyn is passionate about building community and advocating for policy changes that better support perinatal people.

  • Robyn offers in person therapy in Barrie on Mondays and Tuesdays with expanded support hours virtually to anyone in Ontario.

Alison Gregory

Registered MSW InternQualifying)

  • Alison is passionate about supporting women through the complexities of life’s transitions, including the transition to motherhood, identity and career changes, grief, trauma and loss. Her approach honours the reality that maternal well-being is essential for the resilience of the entire family system and that women and mothers hold many identities. A professional working mother herself, Alison finds working with women at the intersection of motherhood and career to be incredibly rewarding.

     

    Alison also enjoys working with young women and girls experiencing anxiety and emotional overwhelm. Her approach focuses on helping clients build self-awareness, develop their capacity and resilience, and create meaningful, values-based lives aligned with who they are and what matters most to them.

     

    About Alison

    As the mother of two young children, Alison lives an active, connected family life along with her husband and several pets. Alison holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Public Policy from the University of Guelph, a Master of Public Policy and Administration from McMaster University, and is currently completing her Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Alison is a seasoned public servant, with over 20 years of experience working in public policy, program development, stakeholder engagement, and research and analysis at both the federal and provincial levels. In addition to her professional pursuits, Alison is an active community volunteer, having recently served on the Board of Directors for several non-profits. 

     

    Alison is trained in behaviour activation and narrative therapy, and is currently pursuing further certifications in trauma therapy, EMDR, dialectical behaviour therapy and perinatal mental health.

  • Alison offers sessions on Saturdays in person in Barrie and virtually to clients across Ontario three evenings per week.

Close-up of a woman with long dark hair, wearing glasses, smiling, dressed in a black blazer against a white background.

Victoria DaSilva

SSW  BACP Intern

  • Victoria is a student at Georgian College in the Bachelor of Counselling Psychology program.

    She is very passionate about supporting parents after working in the school system and supporting moms in nanny work. Her energy is contagious and she is on your team for this chapter of life!

  • Victoria offers virtual sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She is also in the Barrie office on Wednesday and Friday afternoons

    Add your name to the waitlist at info@ambersperling.ca or fill out the form below

  • The Perinatal Therapy Clinic is an affordable, accessible way to meet with an intern therapist virtually or in person in Barrie ON

  • Therapy in this clinic varies by practitioner - however our intern sessions are $50 for a 50 minute session.

    If this is out of your financial reach, we have a pay-what-you-can option where your rate will be reduced by your therapist.

    Payment can be made via credit card or e-transfer. Receipts will be provided for insurance.

  • We believe that the perinatal period starts when you start thinking about having a family, find out you are pregnant or are in any type of fertility journey.

    We support families up until children enter Kindergarten, as this time in your life can be very difficult and does not end after your baby’s first birthday.

  • Absolutely not! If you are struggling, not feeling like yourself, overwhelmed, anxious or feeling low - we are here for you. No diagnosis or referral necessary

Reaching out for extra support takes courage - and we are here to listen.

We believe that seeking therapy for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is an act of strength and self-care. Our therapy sessions aim to help clients navigate the complex landscape of their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience during this transformative time. Whether you're dealing with feelings of sadness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or struggling with the adjustment to parenthood, our therapist is here to provide the support and guidance you need.


Your mental well-being matters, not only for your own sake but also for the well-being of your growing family. Reach out to us at Amber Sperling Social Work and Psychotherapy Services today to begin your journey towards a healthier and happier perinatal experience. Together, we can help you regain your sense of balance and embrace the joy that this new chapter of your life has to offer.

Learn more about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorders here