HG Counselling Service
At Pregnancy Sickness Support we provide a specialist counselling service to support women and birthing people who have been impacted by both nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
How to access our Counselling Service
We operate a waiting list for our specialist HG Counselling service. If you would like to join this list please fill out the ‘register your interest’ form below and we will be in contact as soon we have availability.
I just cannot thank Rebecca and PSS enough. One of the issues many women facing HG is lack of understanding, and that exacerbates an already isolating experience, especially when it isn’t taken seriously by medical professionals. PSS is a wonderful charity that makes women feel seen and heard.
NVP/HG can affect you in many ways and across different areas of your life. We understand that the effects of NVP/HG are not limited to the physical symptoms of the condition and can impact your mental health and well-being, your career and your relationships with others.
While each person’s journey will be individual, we know that there are often heavy emotions associated with the condition. We understand that feelings of loss, guilt, depression, anxiety, shame, isolation and loneliness are common, although all feelings and responses are valid.
The impact of NVP/HG may be due to living with the symptoms now or due to the lasting effects of experiencing the condition in the past, even if you did not receive a formal diagnosis at the time.
Experiencing NVP/HG can be traumatic, and in many cases, sufferers do not receive the support and treatment they so desperately need.
Our counsellors are experienced in providing counselling to NVP/HG sufferers and have an in-depth understanding of the condition and how it can impact you.
We provide counselling to women and birthing people whilst they are pregnant and post NVP/HG.
You can access our counselling service whether you experienced NVP/HG 40 years ago or 4 months ago, or currently suffering. We are here to hear you, validate you and support you.
How our sessions work
Following an initial conversation with our Head of Counselling, Terri Nash, we may offer you six one-hour sessions with a qualified BACP-accredited counsellor who understands the challenges of HG. These sessions are held online for your convenience, and we aim to schedule them at the same time and day each week over a six-week period. This consistency helps to build momentum and foster progress in a supportive and focused way.
After completing your six sessions, if you feel further support would be helpful, we can guide you to other HG-friendly practices that may offer ongoing care. We are here to help you find the right path forward at your own pace.
Costs & funding
We understand that the cost of counselling can be a significant consideration, and for many, it may feel difficult to commit to financially. Our sessions are priced at £50 per hour, which is already reduced compared to other private practices. At Pregnancy Sickness Support, we are constantly seeking grants and funding to offer fully funded or part-funded sessions for those who may find it challenging to afford them. When these opportunities are available, we will share them here.
If you join our waiting list and a space becomes available, you will receive an assessment form via email. This form will give you the opportunity to share details about your financial situation so we can assess whether we can offer you a fully or partially funded place. We remain dedicated to ensuring that everyone affected by HG has access to the mental health support they deserve.
Are you currently suffering from HG?
We understand that living with HG can be incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. In our experience, many current sufferers find great benefit in a single-session counselling opportunity with our Head of Counselling. This session provides a safe, supportive space to explore your mental health, share how you’re feeling, and discuss coping strategies during your pregnancy.
We know that committing to a full six-session model might not be feasible while you’re dealing with the physical demands of HG. That’s why our single sessions are specifically designed to offer support during this time. After your session, we can advise you on perinatal mental health services for ongoing care, and we can also refer you to our Peer Support service*, where you’ll be matched with one of our trained volunteers for additional support.
*Our Peer Supporters are not trained in mental health support. If you are struggling with complex mental health needs we will not be able to refer you to this service, but will help with other services in your area via perinatal mental health pathways.
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Do you have any further questions?
We understand that seeking mental health support for the first time can feel daunting. If you have any questions or would like to speak with a member of our counselling team before joining our waiting list, we are here to help. Please feel free to email us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
If you need immediate and urgent support
More than 25% of people suffering from HG will have suicidal thoughts, if you need to speak to someone urgently you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or call 999, or text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis text line. You can also call 111 and press option 2 for mental health support.
“Having access to someone who understood what I had been through was incredible. Talking really helped.”
Suzanne Smith | Durham