There are a wide range of feelings, usually occurring at the same time, after one or multiple abortions. Some of those feelings may include: Isolated, thankful, dismayed, overwhelmed, resentful, disappointed, sensitive, confused, apathetic, exposed, furious, empty, creative, surprised, stressed, anxious, distant, critical, vulnerable, guilty, curious, trusting, let down, hurt, grief, preoccupied, and underprepared.

This is unique to each person. Some women had an abortion but didn't talk about it for 5, 10, or 25 years. Some people have abortions and right away enter into an inquiry about their experience.

Clinics often advise that you can return to work and normal adult daily living the day following an abortion. Although technically feasible, I feel this timeline sets an impossible standard for people to "move on" after their termination. This can lead to women and people feeling like something is wrong with them for having any range of feelings after their abortions.

There is no baseline for what is normal here. It's highly dependent on your life circumstances. I have found that people often process more acute feelings up to a year after their abortion.

It is commonplace to continue exploring themes around abortion, pregnancy, and loss for an indeterminate amount of time—this could be accompanied by a range of emotional states, from creative acceptance to grief.

Yes. Sex, especially vaginal intercourse, can feel uncomfortable or even triggering after an abortion. There may be fear of another pregnancy, doubt regarding what kind of birth control is right for you, distance from your partner, and mismatched desire.

Some people report feeling different, disconnected, and uncomfortable in their body after an abortion - in particular as their cycle re-establishes a sense of regularity. Partner’s play a huge role in our decisions to have a termination and sometimes need coaching and counseling to learn how to be supportive and attuned after their abortion with you.

Couples counseling after an abortion can help re-establish connection, promote communication, and help keep your pregnancy partner accountable for  their part in the decision making process.

Period panic attacks are a commonly reported phenomenon. Period panic attacks occur due to fear about another unplanned pregnancy once you’ve resumed intercourse - with or without birth control.

Period panic attacks can occur when you have not had sex the month prior. The symptoms of menstruation feel similar to early pregnancy and can cause a nervous system response of flight or fight which was likely evoked at some point during pregnancy and termination.

I get this question a lot. You are not alone. We have to make room for the things we do not know and the things we could not have predicted. Befriending uncertainty and the unknown is a part of the after abortion journey. We are often lied to about the emotional experience of pregnancy loss and are given an immature interpretation of feelings ie “I feel good so it was right. I feel bad so it was wrong.” Rarely does that logic work.

Imagine moving to a new city, leaving a big relationship you know isn’t right, a family member dying after a long battle with a debilitating disease, or starting a new career. These big life events are rarely summed up with one emotion, especially as it is in motion.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you for being upset after an abortion.

Long term therapy

Some people come to my practice to inquire about their abortion, find resolve, and decide to stay to continue the therapeutic process.

Short term therapy

Other people already have a therapist but for whatever reason don't feel comfortable talking about their abortion(s) with them. People typically work with me for six to twelve weeks in conjunction with their therapist or coach.

One Session

One or two sessions may be enough to ask questions and gather information that helps you feel confident to move forward on your path.