Our Transition to Parenthood seminar is aimed at professional therapists. The group combines readings on theory, literature and the latest research concerning the treatment of perinatal women and families. We also incorporate case consultations and presentations.
Participants will collaborate on topics and readings based on interests and current client presenting problems.
This season will focus on culturally competent care in psychotherapy for black women in the perinatal period and is entitled “Perinatal Mental Health for Black Women: Understanding the Transition to Parenthood in Cultural Context.”
Through a combination of readings, lectures and case consultation, we will consider the history of the intersections of systems (including the mental health care system) and the treatment of black women as well as intergenerational impacts of racialized trauma on black women and their experience of pregnancy, the postpartum and the transition to motherhood. We will also address self-of-therapist issues that may negatively impact providing psychotherapy to black women in the perinatal period and provide frameworks for creating a culturally sensitive safe space in the therapy room.
Topics include:
- History of Mental Health Among Black Women
- Stereotypes & Generational Socialized Messages: Untangling Narratives
- Developing a Culturally Sensitive Safe Space
- Culturally Competent Care Frameworks
- Guiding Culturally Informed Attachment Development
- Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Practice
Certificate of Completion provided at the conclusion of the seminar.
What to Expect
Participants will be assigned two to three articles per meeting, and should come prepared to present at least one clinical case (preferably of an individual, couple or family dealing with some aspect of transitioning to parenthood) during the six-month course, and to actively participate in group discussions.
Meetings will take place virtually via Zoom and will be co-taught by Heather Lofton, Ph.D., LMFT, Core Faculty, Marriage & Family Therapy Program, and Nikki Lively, M.A., LCSW, Clinical Director of the Transitions to Parenthood Program.
Participant Requirements
Participants make a six-month commitment with the option to renew.
