Source: Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash What does it mean to be a psychotherapist in a post-2020 world? What does it mean to work in reproductive mental health at a time when rights are being systematically attacked and birthing people lack bodily autonomy and the resources to parent? In the past months, this probably…
Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health
Your Perinatal Journey: A BRAIN Tool to Help Empower You in Decision-Making
Source: Photo by Omurden Cengiz on Unsplash Throughout your perinatal journey from early pregnancy to the day you give birth, you will encounter many decisions you need to make. Self-advocacy during this process is imperative as you communicate your needs and preferences regarding everything from where you would like to deliver your baby to medical…
Supporting a Partner Experiencing Postpartum Depression: Some Do’s and Don’ts
Source: Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash If your partner feels depressed in the weeks, months, or few years after having a baby, you likely feel desperate to take away their pain and make them feel better. It is incredibly difficult when someone you love is sad, hopeless, or distressed after having a baby and…
Self-Care and Boundary Setting After Giving Birth
Source: Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash Whether this is your first child or your fifth, life undoubtedly looks different after welcoming your new baby into the world. During this transition, you might find that you are putting pressure on yourself to do everything just as you did before baby arrived. Unhelpful societal expectations with…
Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part III
Source: Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash In our first two articles in this series written in collaboration with Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C, we have identified what matrescence is and what it means to navigate this transitional period as a therapist, the various client and therapist reactions that commonly occur, and how to use the…
Navigating Miscarriage and Infant Loss: How to Get Support When You Don’t Like Asking for Help
Losing a pregnancy or an infant can be one of the most devastating events a person can experience. While human beings are wired to connect with other human beings, it can still feel incredibly uncomfortable to ask for help. This kind of loss creates a unique type of grief, and you deserve strong support. Here…
Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Navigating the Journey as a Couple
The impact of loss, whether it be through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, is immense. This grieving process can often feel lonely both for you as an individual and for you and your partner as a couple. Differences in how you process the experience individually within your relationship have the potential to exacerbate these feelings…
Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part II
Source: Photo by Bethany Beck on Unsplash In our first article in this series which was written in collaboration with Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C, we discussed the profound change we undergo during matrescence, or the physical, psychological, and emotional changes associated with the transition into motherhood. We also explored just how challenging it is to…
Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part I
[Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash] Our roles as therapists are characterized by the ability to create and hold space, bear witness to vulnerability and change, and attend to the dynamic and varying needs of our clients. Our roles as mothers and caregivers often demand these very same things. The transition to motherhood fundamentally changes…
Mindful Parenting
Many new parents and parents-to-be reflect on the question, “What type of parent do I want to be?” This question can seem so monumental and challenging to answer. This article offers a way to sort through how to arrive at answers. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help us in this exploration. The goal of…
