The Pregnant Therapist at a University Counseling Center

Pregnancy involves a process of psychological change in identity, lifestyle, relationships and values that influences many areas of functioning. The pregnant therapist often experiences a change in attitude toward her work and may wrestle with feelings of professional vulnerability. Her pregnancy will elicit overt or covert reactions from her clients consistent with their character structures and their current issues. This article describes a pregnant therapist's conficts and her clients' reactions. Recommendations are offered to assist the therapist at a university counseling center to handle her pregnancy as it relates to her career.