Personal injury claims can be stretched out and troublesome. Not only is there the actual personal injury to contend with, but also the emotion and legal impact that comes with such a traumatic incident. In the months following a personal injury, you will probably visit a psychologist or counsellor on a regular bases.

The court system often engages counselling professionals as experts during litigation. They will have to assess the emotional symptoms that result from traumatic personal injury, such as chronic pain, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. In the case of head injuries that coincide with other physical injuries, psychologists will evaluate cognitive impairment and  memory issues using neuropsychological assessment strategies.

Another area of practice in which personal injury psychologists work, is employment law. These psychologists will assess issues of sexual and other types of harassment, discrimination and psychological disability issues in the workplace. In this arena, they may be hired for remedial purposes.

While the litigation of personal injury is important, caring for the victim of the trauma should be a priority. Therapy allows a safe place for the person to express his or her emotions and receive help with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, fear and anger. In the case of debilitating physical injuries, the therapist will help the victim to work through the adjustments on an emotional level. The therapist will also help the victim to reframe perceptions to create an optimistic outlook that will stand him or her in good stead to move forward. Psychologists and counsellors use a range of therapeutic approaches to reach the desired outcomes for their patients.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers counselling approaches to address your personal injury issues, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Postpartum depression affects nearly a quarter of all new mothers. Pregnant women who feel sad, blue or down, are at an ever greater risk of postpartum depression. Women who are taking anti-depressants before, will have to stop when they fall pregnant, causing increased feelings of depression.

It is common for new mothers to be afraid to discuss postpartum depression and their thoughts and feelings for fear of being judged as bad mothers. Unless these emotions are discussed with a professional, it could escalate to worse problems.

The most common symptoms of baby blues include anger, sadness, numbness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and mood swings. However, postpartum depression affects your functioning significantly and symptoms could include too much or too little sleep, lack of motivation and energy, restlessness and mood swings, trouble with decision making, lots of crying, feelings of worthlessness, and memory problems. Feelings of worthlessness may cause you to withdraw from family and friends. Aches, pains and stomach problems may persist, making it hard to take care of a baby. A new mother with postpartum depression may lose interest in activities she used to enjoy.

The dangers of postpartum depression includes thoughts of the mother hurting herself or her baby, or a total lack of interest in the baby. Some mothers are unable to care for themselves or for their babies.

Professional help is essential for women suffering from postpartum depression to change their perceptions about themselves. A therapist will help a new mother adjust to the changes brought about by motherhood and the changes in hormones and lifestyle and the dynamics of being responsible for a new life.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers postpartum depression counselling and other women's issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.