Question 1

What is abortion counseling?

Accepted Answer

Abortion counseling can refer to counseling in the time leading up to an abortion. Currently, 34 states in the U.S. require those seeking an abortion to undergo counseling.

While stress is common in relation to any decision with the potential to impact your life, there’s no evidence suggesting someone would need counseling prior to having an abortion. There is also no evidence to suggest that having an abortion can trigger any specific mental health disorders, such as “post-abortion syndrome.”

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 2

Is counseling or therapy after an abortion helpful?

Accepted Answer

Therapy can be helpful at basically any point in a person’s life, and after a potentially fraught experience like an abortion is no different. While the majority of people who have abortions have positive emotional responses after the procedure—relief, hopefulness, etc.—for some others, the decision to abort is a difficult one to make, and they may have feelings of loss or disappointment.

Talking through these ambivalent thoughts and emotions with a trained mental health professional can help someone move past the experience.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 3

Can You Have PTSD After an Abortion?

Accepted Answer

Those who have had abortions are at no higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who were denied or did not have abortions.

That was the conclusion from a 2016 study of 1,000 American women.

The research found that the women who did experience PTSD after an abortion had been those who had gone into the procedure dealing with some form of existing violent trauma, such as physical abuse, assault, sexual harassment, or rape.

If you are dealing with trauma symptoms, reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor for mental health support can help.

Concerned you may have PTSD?

Answer a few questions in our online PTSD evaluation to get personalized feedback. Talking with a therapist or counselor can help you recover.

Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to see licensed mental health professionals who specialize in clients with PTSD.

You can also browse therapists who specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as this therapeutic approach has been shown to help PTSD recovery.

Question 4

Do you need counseling before an abortion?

Accepted Answer

In 34 states, those seeking an abortion are legally required to undergo counseling beforehand. However, there is no reason to believe someone would have a psychological need for counseling in advance of the abortion. If you do wish to talk through your thoughts and feelings prior to an abortion, seeking out a qualified mental health professional can help.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 5

What helps you heal faster after an abortion?

Accepted Answer

Each abortion is unique; some people are able to resume day-to-day life immediately, while some others report mild issues like soreness or swelling. You should consult with your doctor to discuss what’s best for you after an abortion.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 6

Is it normal to need therapy after an abortion?

Accepted Answer

Some people choose to go to therapy after an abortion, but this does not mean they “need” therapy. There is no one way to feel or behave after an abortion; just like the abortion itself, the decision to go to therapy should only be made by the person who undergoes the procedure.

While a negative emotional response is a common concern for those seeking abortions, evidence suggests that most people are glad to have had the procedure. Though some do feel distress, there is no evidence indicating that abortion can trigger any specific mental health disorders, such as “post-abortion syndrome.”

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

What is abortion counseling?

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