In a multitude of ways, we, as a society have done a disservice to those who bear children with the insertion of assumptions regarding reproductive health and mental health. Assumptions that are often unsubstantiated, unfair, and inaccurate. Among them: getting pregnant (and staying pregnant) will be easy; pregnancies always end with a viable, live, and healthy birth; a birthing plan will be successful; you will immediately bond with your baby. The stigmas surrounding perinatal mental health have been so vast that we know rates of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are substantially underreported. Even so, our research shows that 1 in 5-to-7 women will experience the effects of a PMAD and 1 in 10 men.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Perinatal Mental Health certified therapist with over ten years of experience in the field, I work with individuals through all stages of reproductive health. This includes planning a potential pregnancy, fertility challenges and treatment, perinatal grief/loss, the pregnancy, and the postpartum period. My goal is to help individuals intertwine their old life with their new while challenging negative thought processes that can lead to internal turmoil and—consequently—anxiety, depression, and other mood fluctuations.
My style leads with compassion, acceptance, and a healthy touch of humor. I pride myself on creating a safe environment for my clients while also fostering comfort with empathic confrontation and utilization of direct approaches to help clients recognize unhealthy ways of thinking by challenging negative internal dialogue and subsequently instilling momentum for change. I believe this methodology encourages honest reflection and increases the natural capacity for growth that we all encompass. I use several evidence-based treatment approaches that are effective in the treatment of PMADs, grief for the neonatal loss, and fertility challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps to challenge unhealthy patterns of thinking that, in turn, lead to disruptive behaviors and poor functioning. Through CBT, we will identify avenues to manage complex emotions, cope more successfully and communicate effectively. I also practice from within an Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) framework which relies on the focus on relieving unwanted symptoms by improving and resolving interpersonal relationships.
I pepper in the usage of Psychodynamic Therapy and Behavioral Activation to uphold CBT and IPT in the “why?” and “how?” of behavior. These approaches have been scientifically backed as effective for the treatment of PMADs. The perinatal period the time from conception through 1 year postpartum — is full of emotional, physiological, and psychological changes and can be immensely challenging. I am dedicated to working through these challenges in a collaborative environment.
I have experienced tremendous treatment success with PMADs and feel lucky and proud to meet such unique and extraordinary individuals on my therapeutic journey. I am excited and honored to meet you! You are not alone in your struggles, and effective treatment is available.YE
