Watch on YouTube:
Bioenergetic Body-Centered Healing for Perinatal Mental Health
There is an increased awareness recently about bringing somatic-based tools into our therapy practices, mainly because so much of the perinatal experience is influenced by the changes taking place in our bodies. Today’s guest explains why a body approach to therapy can help perinatal clients, how perinatal experiences can alienate a woman from her body, and why this type of therapy can be beneficial for those in the perinatal period. Join us to learn more
Bioenergetic Body-Centered Healing for Perinatal Mental Health
The cultural shift that focuses more on the mother and her somatic experience
The “mother first” philosophy in perinatal mental health
Respecting the language of body sensation OVER the language of emotion and story
Using physical grounding exercises can help with emotional overwhelm.
With somatic tools, slower is always better.
Not having the language for your direct experience is normal.
Dr. Costello’s message about the benefits of body-centered healing therapies
Understanding somatic interventions
The WHAT is more important than the WHY in understanding a body experience.
Drawbacks of the current culture of aesthetic living and parenting
Maternity leave: differences in the US and Canada
Drawbacks in the US practice of maternity leave (It’s not socially responsible to ignore the 4th trimester.)
About Dr. Leslie Ann Costello, Ph.D, PMH-C, CBT
Dr. Leslie Ann Costello is a psychologist and certified bioenergetic therapist. Originally a preschool teacher, she volunteered as a Lamaze instructor in the 1980s and subsequently studied developmental psychology, with a focus on infant mental health. Professional encounters with pregnancy and infant loss propelled her toward maternal mental health as a career focus. As a freshly minted Ph.D., she landed in a grant-funded prenatal clinic in Louisiana, soaking up experiences that shaped the trajectory of her thirty-year career as a professor, therapist, trainer, and supervisor. Leslie is a mom, step-mom, and grandmother who identifies as an American living in Canada. Her new book, Helping Mothers Helping Babies, is for perinatal therapists who want to bring somatic tools into their work with clients
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Leslie Ann Costello: Instagram and Helping Mothers Helping Babies
Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.
You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!
If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi
Tools, Skills and Hacks for New Moms
Manage thoughts & feelings of overwhelm
Learn how breathing & grounding help reach calmness
Exercises to find peace
