Dr Ilan Ben-Zion

What drew me to this work?

As I have got older (not old!), I have become more exposed to the journey to parenthood and what this actually encompasses in the real world. I have seen the experiences of family and friends, and more recently, experienced some of this myself. I have witnessed the magic that comes with it, but also the pain and struggle that often happens in silence.

Back in 2020, when the pandemic was in full swing, I had the idea of starting a perinatal service, with a focus on the psychological aspects of this journey.

Everyone who sets out on the journey to parenthood will face challenges along the way, whether that be difficulties conceiving, loss, changes in relationships, sleep difficulties, or the challenge of taking on the title of mum or dad in a single moment that changes your life forever.

But this isn’t just about being reactive; it’s about being proactive, too.

We attend antenatal groups to help prepare us for the changes that come with parenthood, whether that’s understanding the process of birth or learning how to change a nappy.

So why don’t we do the same for the psychological changes that come with parenthood?

Becoming a mum or dad, navigating changes in your relationship, having a little person who depends on you, adjusting to a different routine and learning to function on less sleep are all huge changes. Yet, how much time do we spend preparing for the psychological impact of these changes, and the impact they can have on us as individuals, as parents and as partners?

The psychological changes that come with parenthood deserve just as much preparation, understanding and support as the practical ones. My mission is to change that.

Experience in perinatal mental health

During my time working in the NHS and private services, I have collected a wealth of experience in working with individuals who have experienced loss, struggles such as significant anxiety during pregnancy, post-natal depression or the experience of partners in this life changing experience. I also have also personally witnessed the experience of those around me and been through the process of having a child myself, so am able to draw upon these experiences in informing my approach.

How do I work?

I am a Clinical Psychologist which means I have Doctoral level training in supporting others. I have training and expertise in a variety of different therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. These are effective in helping people overcome difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, anger, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem/confidence, coping with the loss of a loved one, the impact of trauma or adjusting to new life circumstances.

I appreciate that many rely on their psychologist to provide a therapy that suits them best. Therefore, my experience enables me to provide tailor made therapy using the most effective methods at supporting individuals to overcome their difficulties.

A little more about me

My wife and I have a baby girl, and they, as well as my wider family are the most important thing in the world to me. Aside from this, I love nothing more than watching my beloved Arsenal win, or getting out on the golf course and losing plenty of balls. I love a holiday when I can (although they have changed since having a baby!) or just spending time on the sofa watching Netflix.