
Dr Lauren Forrest - The Perinatal Psychologist

I am a highly specialised perinatal Clinical Psychologist who specialises in providing online antenatal and postnatal psychological support to mothers who are experiencing challenges during a period of huge transformation and growth. Following my own personal experience of perinatal loss, and challenges of navigating my new role and identity as a mother, I am passionate about supporting new and expecting parents.

Qualifications & Experience
Dr Lauren Forrest is an HCPC registered highly specialist perinatal clinical psychologist. She has been employed in the NHS Scotland psychology services for nearly two decades in a variety of clinical settings, across the lifespan. She specialises in trauma and trauma informed practice, and has worked in a variety of specialist teams. This has included a specialist service for veterans and a trauma informed service for females in the criminal justice system. She currently works within NHS perinatal mental health providing specialist psychological input within a maternity and neonatal service.
Therapeutically, she is trained to deliver CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation) including EMDR with complex trauma and CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy). She has completed additional specialist training in:
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CBT for fear of pregnancy / birth (Tokophobia)
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Perinatal loss and grief
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Trauma focused CBT in the perinatal context
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PTSD in the perinatal context
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Depression in the perinatal context
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Parent - baby relationships support including Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO) and Video Interactive Guidance (VIG)
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Infant Mental Health Online
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The Birth Trauma Training Programme (Make Birth Better)
More about me

I'm a mum of three wonderful children (two boys and a girl). I am also a dog mum to our cockapoo (Nessie).
I have experienced my own challenges in adapting to pregnancy and parenthood. Parenthood is an incredible adventure and it brings me immense joy and fulfilment, but from personal experience I also understand the pressure and unique challenges it can throw you.
I will be forever grateful to the people in my life who make up my support team. It wouldn't have been possible to navigate this journey without them.