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318: Healing Perinatal Trauma Through Psychodynamic and Somatic Therapy
My guest today is doing important work with perinatal mental health through psychodynamic and somatic therapy. There is a great need for this therapeutic modality to be available to people who need it and for more training to be accessible to care providers. Join us to learn more!
Healing Perinatal Trauma Through Psychodynamic and Somatic Therapy Show Highlights
Why the perinatal period is a time of the clashing of biology and culture because of the vast changes to the body and nervous system
How Dr. Helena’s integrative treatment model combines somatic approaches with psychoanalytic tools
How Dr. Helena explains the basics of somatic therapy (aka somatic psychology or body psychotherapy)
How Dr. Helena explains the basics of psychodynamic therapy
How Dr. Helena’s book addresses trauma in the perinatal period with a broader concept beyond just PTSD
How the perinatal period is an opportunity for a parent to rework their relationships, along with their role and identity
Important principles around nervous system regulation in the perinatal period
Why sensory awareness is the starting point—and only happens when a person slows down
How Dr. Helena explains “maternal body fullness”
How trauma healing occurs when the tendency is avoidance
Dr. Helena’s message of hope: “It is possible to heal. Healing is not easy and may take a while, but it is possible.”
About Dr. Helena Vissing
Dr. Helena Vissing is a licensed psychologist certified in perinatal mental health as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She is experienced as an adjunct faculty member and on the training committee of Maternal Mental Health NOW where she provides consultations and helps train providers. Helena has written a book on her biopsychosocial model for the treatment of trauma in the perinatal period published with Routledge and titled, Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Trauma Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health.
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Healing Perinatal Trauma Through Psychodynamic and Somatic Therapy
In episode 318 of Dr. Kat’s Mom and Mind podcast, a significant spotlight is thrown on the transformative potential of psychodynamic and somatic therapy in healing perinatal trauma. Dr. Helena, a guest on the podcast, introduces listeners to a pioneering integrative treatment model that seeks to address the unique challenges of the perinatal period—a time marked not only by vast biological changes but also by profound cultural implications.
The Clash of Biology and Culture During the Perinatal Period
The perinatal period is characterized by significant physical and psychological transformations. It’s a phase where the biological and cultural expectations clash, leading to potential mental health challenges. Dr. Helena discusses how the body and nervous system undergo vast changes during this period, making it a critical time for mental health support.
Integrative Treatment Model: Combining Somatic and Psychodynamic Therapies
Dr. Helena’s integrative approach marries somatic therapies with psychodynamic tools. Somatic therapy, also known as somatic psychology or body psychotherapy, emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, focusing on bodily sensations as integral to processing emotional experiences. Psychodynamic therapy, on the other hand, delves into the psychological roots of emotional suffering—often exploring unresolved conflicts from the past as they manifest in present behavior.
Understanding the Basics of Somatic and Psychodynamic Therapies
During the podcast, Dr. Helena explains that somatic therapy involves the awareness and release of physical tension that remains in the body due to psychological stress. This form of therapy encourages patients to connect with their physical sensations to better understand and heal from their emotional traumas. Conversely, psychodynamic therapy helps individuals uncover how their unconscious thoughts affect their current behaviors and relationships, particularly useful during the perinatal period when women renegotiate their roles and identities.
Addressing Broader Concepts of Trauma in the Perinatal Period
Dr. Helena also discusses her book, which broadens the concept of trauma during the perinatal period beyond the traditional confines of PTSD. She explains how perinatal trauma can encompass a range of emotional and psychological issues, arising from both the delivery experience itself and the profound identity shifts associated with motherhood.
The Opportunity to Rework Relationships and Identities
The perinatal period presents an invaluable opportunity for parents to rework their personal relationships and their identities as caregivers. Dr. Helena highlights the importance of this transformative period, where new and expecting parents can redefine and strengthen their roles within their family structures and communities.
Principles of Nervous System Regulation in the Perinatal Period
One of the critical aspects of healing perinatal trauma is understanding and regulating the nervous system. Dr. Helena points out that effective trauma healing often involves learning how to regulate one’s nervous system, which can be particularly erratic during this emotionally charged period.
Sensory Awareness as a Gateway to Healing
Dr. Helena stresses that sensory awareness is crucial—it is the initial step toward healing and can only occur when an individual slows down enough to notice their bodily sensations. This awareness is particularly vital in the context of somatic therapy, where recognizing and addressing bodily sensations can lead to significant emotional breakthroughs.
Understanding “Maternal Body Fullness”
Another intriguing concept introduced by Dr. Helena is “maternal body fullness,” which refers to the physical and psychological state of being that encompasses the fullness of motherhood. It includes the myriad feelings, from joy and fulfillment to exhaustion and anxiety, that come with bearing and caring for a child.
The Healing Power of Facing Trauma
Dr. Helena also addresses how facing trauma, rather than avoiding it, is crucial for healing. She notes that avoidance can often exacerbate trauma symptoms, making it essential for those experiencing perinatal trauma to confront their feelings directly, however challenging that may be.
A Message of Hope
Concluding her discussion, Dr. Helena offers a message of hope: “It is possible to heal. Healing is not easy and may take a while, but it is possible.” This reassurance is vital for anyone struggling during the perinatal period, as it acknowledges the difficulties while also providing optimism about recovery’s potential.
Through episode 318 of the Mom and Mind podcast, Dr. Helena not only educates on the complexities of perinatal trauma but also illuminates the path toward recovery through psychodynamic and somatic therapy. This episode is a crucial resource for healthcare providers and anyone affected by perinatal mental health issues, offering deep insights and practical advice on navigating this challenging yet transformative period.
Dr. Kat offers perinatal mental health psychotherapy . consultation and training for the following:
Pregnancy Loss Support
Pregnancy Anxiety
Postpartum Anxiety
Pregnancy Depression
