ENCORE: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts with Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW

Instead of a normal Behind the Sessions episode today, I’m featuring a great interview with Karen Kleiman from a previous show as we approach May, Maternal Mental Health Month. Maternal mental health needs a massive spotlight on it because it’s gone under-recognized and undersupported for far too long.  Karen Kleiman is a well-known international maternal mental health expert with over 35 years of experience. She is an advocate and the author of several groundbreaking books on postpartum depression and anxiety. Her work has been featured in multiple media outlets, including local and national TV, magazines, radio shows, and health websites. Karen founded The Postpartum Stress Center in 1988 and The Karen Kleiman Training Center in 2022. Their work is dedicated to the advancement of clinical expertise and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her advanced trainings are heavily influenced by The Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress™ model of intervention, created by Karen. She’s here to discuss intrusive thoughts and how to determine when intervention is necessary. Join us to learn more!  Show Highlights: Karen’s passion for writing, which is still there after 14 books! Karen’s purpose in being a compassionate voice to others through her books So many women are still suffering without the support they need and deserve! The harsh reality of the pandemic’s effects on new moms The wide range of scary thoughts: “What’s normal and what’s not?” The truth: Not all moms feel good about motherhood. “How do I know my scary thoughts are TOO scary?” (How to measure a mom’s distress) Fact: Not all intrusive thoughts are OCD-related. The biggest problem: Moms aren’t telling us how bad they feel. Karen’s book, What About Us?, and its guidance on navigating relationships, which ends up being primarily the woman’s responsibility Karen’s best advice for new moms Resources: Connect with Karen Kleiman and The Postpartum Stress Center: Website, Facebook, Instagram, What About Us?, and Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts 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/adchoices