What is Postpartum Psychosis? The reproductive years are a time of intense psychological vulnerability for women, with a significant number of psychiatric admissions occurring more around childbirth than any other time in the female life cycle (Wisner, Gracious, Piontek, Peindl, & Perel, 2003). One of the rarer presentations seen during this time period is postpartum…
life transitions
What to Expect from Psychotherapy When You’re Expecting or Postpartum
The perinatal period, or the time leading up to and following labor and delivery, is often hallmarked by uncertainty. In addition to joy and hope, fear and anxiety are frequent companions on the road to motherhood. You might find yourself wondering: How can I take care of my mental health while pregnant and postpartum? What…
How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Can Help Challenge Mental Health Stigma in Pregnancy
Mental Health Stigma During Pregnancy Pregnancy is a transformational period in life. You may experience joy, comfort, or excitement as you navigate your pregnancy journey, which are emotions that may feel welcomed and special. Additionally, a myriad of less pleasant emotions can also surface during pregnancy including sadness, loneliness, anxiety, discouragement, anger, and fear. Pregnant…
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…
The Birth of a Mother
When a woman gives birth, she births not only her child but also a new identity: that of a mother. This identity has been in the making since the moment she found out she was pregnant — and perhaps even before then — especially if her decision to start a family was an intentional one.…
Therapist Spotlight: Reyna Schwartz, PsyD
Reyna is a psychotherapist and believes her role as a therapist is to act as a guide in helping individuals work toward living a meaningful life in accordance with their values. Her clinical work focuses on the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, and women’s health issues. Reyna obtained her…
Therapist Spotlight: Amanda Matousek, MSW, LCSW
Amanda is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her Master’s degree at Loyola University Chicago in Social Work. Amanda has extensive training in evidence-based modalities used in treatment of trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, relational conflict, and other challenges. She works with individuals, couples, and families.…
Therapist Spotlight: Rosemary Kelley, MS, LCPC, CADC
Rosemary is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Mills College and Master’s degree from National-Louis University in Addictions Studies. Rosemary is also a certified alcohol/other drug counselor (CADC). She has extensive training in mood disorders and trauma, and draws from a variety of clinical approaches including Cognitive Behavioral…
Therapist Spotlight: Rosa Figueroa, MA, LCPC
Rosalena (Rosa) is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in Human Services, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University in Chicago. Prior to coming to Wildflower, Rosa was a clinical director at a rape crisis…
Therapist Spotlight: Victoria Stroz, MA, LPC
Victoria is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University and Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Villanova University. Victoria is an integrative therapist who calls on various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her clinical work. Prior to becoming a…
