Mothering the Mother: Perinatal Mental Health and Family Systems
Lorissa Eichenberger, M.A., LMFT, PMH-C
In the past decade, the suicide rates of mothers has skyrocketed. Perinatal mood disorders are now the #1 complication of childbirth. Mothers are struggling more than ever with motherhood and mental health. This presentation is designed to educate mental health professionals on assessment/diagnosis, treatment, and resources for perinatal mood disorders. Sherry Duson, the director for The Center for Postpartum Family Health, has created a training model for therapists looking to work with moms and families impacted by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Lorissa, along with her colleagues at CPFH, have advanced training and unyielding determination in working towards improving outcomes for these women, partners, and families. This presentation will highlight the many areas of need in the maternal mental health population. Lorissa will also provide research data from her pilot curriculum-based birth trauma group, in addition to a wealth of resources for working with mothers and self-care.
Workshop Objectives:
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Introduction to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS): Attendees will be able to assess for multiple PMADs including: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosis
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Risk factors and cultural factors: Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the most commonly associated risk factors for perinatal mood disorders, including both economic and cultural influences
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Impact of PMAD’s: Attendees will have a greater ability to gauge multi-systemic impacts of perinatal mood disorders including partner, family, and community systems
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Treatment and recovery: Attendees will be able to utilize the various treatment modalities discussed in this presentation to help clients in their area of practice
Lorissa received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2010. A self-described "birth nerd," she began her journey into motherhood in 2008 with the birth of her first of four children. As new parents without family locally, it was a struggle for she and her husband to find resources for mental health support following a traumatic birth. So, Lorissa joined local birth/breastfeeding groups, and she subsequently attended trainings for doula and lactation support to further enhance her professional capacity as a therapist. Lorissa then chose to specialize her practice and focus her passion by supporting the mental wellness of mothers and their families in the Greater Houston Area.
Lorissa is a member of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) and fiercely believes in helping women make educated and informed choices about their pregnancy, birth provider, and preferences for childbirth when possible. Lorissa is an active member of the Houston Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (HAMFT) and the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (TAMFT). She is recognized by Postpartum Support International as a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C) with advanced training and experience working with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). She periodically speaks at local moms' groups and presents at conferences each year on PMADs. Lorissa strives to create a nurturing and safe place for clients to feel heard, validated, and empowered. Her areas of special interest include but are not limited to birth trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, partner support systems therapy, and parenting education.
