Working with Trauma and Perinatal Mental Health

Understanding the impact of trauma on individuals experiencing pregnancy is essential for promoting perinatal mental health and providing effective prenatal care. This course offers a comprehensive overview of how trauma affects the mind and body of pregnant individuals, exploring special considerations, supportive strategies, and trauma-informed interventions for this vulnerable population.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Impact of PTSD on Pregnancy: Identify special considerations for the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on pregnant individuals, recognizing how trauma symptoms can influence prenatal experiences and mental well-being.

2. Risk Factors for Trauma Symptoms: Identify two risk factors that may contribute to the development or exacerbation of trauma symptoms in expectant parents, enhancing awareness and proactive intervention strategies.

3. Trauma-Informed Practices: Explore at least three trauma-informed practices for supporting pregnant individuals with a history of trauma, including strategies for creating safe and supportive environments, fostering trust, and promoting holistic well-being.

Course admission requirements:

Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Erin Fanshier, LCSW 

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked for years in the domestic violence and sexual assault community. Erin enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, and helping families heal after abuse and trauma. Erin also enjoys working with parents and expecting parents to help their children heal, and learning to parent after experiencing abuse, trauma, and childhood abuse. Her approach comes from an Attachment, Psychodynamic, and somatic lens. She leans toward somatic approaches in therapy and believes in working with trauma from a “bottom-up” approach, working on grounding to help you feel safe in your body and in the world. Erin has specialized in working with survivors of trauma who have difficulty feeling connected with their bodies.