Individual Therapy vs. Group Therapy for New Moms
Individual therapy offers a private, one-on-one space to work through your specific experience with a trained perinatal therapist. Group therapy offers connection with other mothers navigating similar challenges, reducing isolation and normalizing the struggle. Many mothers benefit most from both — they serve different needs at the same time.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanam Shamtobi, PhD, PMH-C
Different Formats, Different Strengths
Individual and group therapy are both genuinely effective formats for postpartum mental health support — but they work in different ways and address different needs. The question is not which is better, but which is right for where you are right now.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a private, one-on-one relationship with a perinatal therapist. Sessions are tailored entirely to your specific experience — your birth story, your history, your relationship patterns, your particular symptoms. Individual therapy is the right format when the work requires depth, privacy, or a treatment approach that needs to be closely calibrated to your presentation. It is also the format of choice when symptoms are severe or when the content is particularly sensitive.
Group Therapy
Group therapy brings together mothers who are navigating similar challenges, facilitated by a trained therapist. What group therapy offers that individual therapy cannot is the experience of being witnessed by peers — other women who understand what you are carrying without needing it explained. For postpartum isolation and shame, that sense of not being alone can be genuinely therapeutic in a way that is distinct from one-on-one work.
Group therapy is not a watered-down version of individual therapy. It is a different modality with its own mechanisms of change: normalization, peer support, witnessing others' progress, and the experience of being helpful to someone else.
The Bottom Line
Many mothers find that both formats serve them at different times or simultaneously. Individual therapy for the depth work; group therapy for the connection and normalization. If you are not sure where to start, a perinatal therapist can help you assess which format is the best entry point for your specific situation.
At The Mother Hood, we offer specialized individual and group therapy for new mothers in Los Angeles and across California via telehealth. If you're ready to talk, reach out to schedule a consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or contact the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.