Miscarriage isn’t just physical — it can leave deep emotional scars. Typically, emotional recovery takes far longer than physical recovery. Although many people struggle in the weeks following a miscarriage, some people experience psychological symptoms that persist even months after the miscarriage. For people with more severe symptoms that are impacting their daily functioning, or symptoms that are not easing over time, therapy is recommended. Many experience depression, anxiety, or even PTSD afterward. Therapy can help you cope, but which kind is right for you?
Why Therapy Helps
Studies show that nearly one in 3 people experience post-traumatic stress symptoms such as reexperiencing the traumatic event, changes in mood, nightmares and more the first month after a miscarriage (Farren et al., 2020). Others experience depression or anxiety.
Therapy offers a safe, non-judgemental space, where you can talk and process the complex emotions related to grief. During therapy you learn about yourself, your emotions and your relationships. For example, you might learn about coping mechanisms for anxiety related to future pregnancies.
Common Therapy Options
There is no single correct therapy-type for you. All therapy methods below can be effective, and it is up to you to decide which type of therapy resonates the most with you and your situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps challenge painful thoughts and build coping strategies. For example you might identify painful thought patterns such as “it was my fault” or “I’ll never be able to carry a pregnancy”, and replace them with more balanced and compassionate perspectives.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps your brain reprocess distressing memories of the miscarriage or medical procedures so that they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions. You will still remember the details of the miscarriage, but the vividness and emotion related to the memory are reduced.
Group therapy/support groups: So many women experience miscarriages, and group therapy can help reduce isolation by connecting with others who understand. You can learn how to cope with grief, and receive validation from others who understand.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): Helps individuals cope by fostering acceptance of painful emotions, and aiming to live a meaningful life alongside the grief, rather than being paralysed by it. It involves exercises such as mindfulness, accepting the presence of grief, identifying activities you enjoy and value in life, and taking steps towards enjoying your life again.
Psychiatric support: Medication may be considered for severe depression or anxiety. Talk to your GP for a referral.
How to Choose
Look for a therapist with perinatal or reproductive mental health experience.
Ask about their training in CBT, EMDR, or trauma-focused therapy.
Consider practicalities like cost, insurance, and online availability.
You should feel safe, understood, and not judged - the right therapist will meet you where you are.
Key Takeaways
Grief after miscarriage can trigger depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and sometimes professional help is needed
Therapy options include CBT, EMDR, ACT, support groups, and medication when needed.
Healing takes time, and the right therapist can walk you through it, help you feel less alone and better supported.
✨ Sibyl is being built to connect users with therapy resources and provide supportive coping strategies between sessions. Sign up to test an early version of the app: https://www.sibyl.care/signup
References:
Farren J. et al., BMJ Open (2020): PTSD after early pregnancy loss
Mayo Clinic: Miscarriage – Diagnosis and treatment
