Is therapy for me???
Why do we avoid therapy?
- Stigma against mental illness
- Fear of being judged
- Fear of being vulnerable
- May feel like it is a luxury activity instead of
a health activity
- Treatment cost
- Insurance issues
- May have to discuss painful past events
How to choose a therapist?
First, consider the type of therapy that they use…
For perinatal depression & anxiety, the two most effective therapies are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) &
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Second, look for a maverick.
-Look beyond the years of experience and look for someone who is regularly learning.
-Verify their baseline therapy credential (state and board certified)
-Also look for someone who is specifically trained in perinatal mood disorders, e.g.
by Postpartum Support International
Third, look for someone with similar life experience.
-Look for someone of similar race, ethnicity, gender, lifestyle
-Will make it easier to enter a safe space for therapeutic work to occur
Fourth, know that you are in control.
-Meet for 15 minute free consult if possible
-Schedule only if you were able to connect
-If you do not agree with the treatment plan, or you don’t connect or you don’t think that you
are being listened to, keep looking
Fifth, look for social emotional intelligence.
-adaptable
-flexible
-self aware
In Summary,
- You have to feel safe in your interactions with your therapist.
- Feel free to shop around until you have the right fit.
- Self evaluate mood for improvement and keep a journal or mood log.
References
McNamara, J., Townsend, M. L., & Herbert, J. S. (2019). A
systemic review of maternal wellbeing and its relationship with
maternal fetal attachment and early postpartum bonding. PloS
one, 14(7), e0220032.
Smith, K. (2021). How to choose a therapist? Retrieved from
How to choose a therapist | Psyche Guides
Symes, E. (2017). The transition to motherhood. Psychological
factors associated with pregnancy, labour and birth. Retrieved
from The transition to motherhood: Psychological factors
associated with pregnancy, labour and birth | APS
(psychology.org.au)
Resources
Psychology Today - Psychology Today Belgium: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist
ZenCare - Find The Best Therapists & Psychiatrists Near You — Zencare
Postpartum Support International - https://www.postpartum.net/
Guest
Lydia Moore Allen is the Founder and CEO of Se-ReNew Therapy & Consulting Services LLC.
She has been in the mental health field for almost 20 years. Lydia is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker, Certified Master's Level Addiction Professional, Certified Parenting Instructor and
Qualified Supervisor. Lydia provides counseling for individuals, couples, families and
supervision for registered MSW Interns. She also offers comprehensive Diagnostic
Evaluations
for Immigration Court for Hardships, Violence against Women (VAWA), U-VISA (for
immigrants who were victims or witnesses to a crime in the U.S) and T-VISA (for victims
involved
in human trafficking. Lydia has dedicated her years working with individuals, couples and
families
facing life changing challenges, including addiction, marital/relationship conflict, mental
health imbalance and parenting hurdles. She has experience working in residential and partial-
hospitalization settings with clients of varying cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lydia is transparent and compassionate while collaborating with her clients to achieve their
goals. Furthermore, she dedicates time as a Board Member for Phoebe’s Fortress Non-profit
Organization in Miami, Florida. Her commitment to Phoebe’s Fortress is geared towards
supporting and equipping young ladies aging out of the foster care system with skills to
advance into adulthood.
