Facing the Reality of Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression changed my life. I let my postpartum depression go untreated for a long time after my son was born. I suffered needlessly — and my husband suffered too. A therapist very kindly referred me to a female psychiatrist, more than once. But I refused. I was nursing, and those nursing times were the best parts of my day. They were soothing. I could sit, breathe, and feel the love between us. I did not want to expose m

Originally posted August 15, 2017. Robin Blakely is the co-director of The Creative Center of America , where the scope of work encompasses securing and managing promotional placements at print, broadcast, and live venues that have included: ABC, NBC, CBS, HGTV, The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The National Baseball Hall of Fame, Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, The Golden Door Spa, The Hollywood Reporter, ABC World News, Vanity Fair, and more. Kathy’s intervi

Over the years, certain phrases come up again and again in my office. They aren’t slogans. They aren’t quick fixes. They are reminders of how real psychological growth actually unfolds. Here are five things I say often — and what I mean by them. If you’re curious about the research behind why therapy works, I explore the evidence in What Makes Therapy Successful? Eight Evidence-Based Keys. 5 things I often say in therapy - Hint: they're not slogans 1. This is not a quick fix.

Spring was a great time for Women’s Reproductive Health events in New Jersey. I was fortunate enough to attend and also was invited to present at La Leche League of the Garden State’s Annual Conference in Jamestown, New Jersey. I also went to an event hosted by St. Clare’s Hospital and the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey. I had so much fun meeting and seeing some virtual colleagues/friends, such as Ruth Callahan and Colleen White at LLL

This post is part of an ongoing series of conversations with professionals in the perinatal mental health field. It is offered to share perspectives, not as clinical guidance. Biography : Heidi Koss, LMHCA, has been an activist in many areas of Maternal Mental Health for two decades. She has volunteered for Postpartum Support International (PSI) of Washington for sixteen years and is the Postpartum Support International Washington State Coordinator. She runs a busy Marria

Originally posted January 24, 2013. #LifeWellLived Did it. Done it. BOOM. I’m joining a small group of my bloggy friends, including Yuz at Not Just About Wee and Andrea B at Good Girl Gone Redneck in sharing the things we HAVE accomplished in a #LifeWellLived blog hop! Please join us in this positive psychology exercise! Soooo, here’s my list: Published three books, BirthTouch® Shiatsu and Acupressure for the Childbearing Year, BirthTouch® Healing for Parents in the NICU and

Originally posted April 11, 2012. "Pets respond eagerly to care and attention, offering unconditional love and non-threatening...

Originally posted April 1, 2012. Science and Sensibility I am honored and hope that I can do a good job for Lamaze International for the month of April as their Guest Community Manager for the Science and Sensibility. Stop in here and take a look at my introduction and the the happenings over at Science and Sensibility for the month of April! thanks! Take care,

Originally published March 12, 2012. Mindbody practices have so many benefits, you’d have to order online from outside the US to be able...

Originally published February 20, 2012. In this interview, a mother shares her personal birth story in her own words, offering insight into the emotional, physical, and relational experience of childbirth. Ann Kirchner, CD(DONA) has graciously agreed to share her personal story of her birth, birth trauma, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and her struggle to just get recognition and diagnosis and treatment for severe postpartum depression. Her story is very important. Sprea

Originally published February 11, 2012. You remember the intensity at the beginning of your relationship: you were enveloped in an...

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. – Dalai Lama Dr. Ann Becker-Schutte wrote a blog post called Invisible Pain , discussing how people with chronic invisible illnesses such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, Cushings Disease, etc. might be silently suffering and dismissed as having pain “all in their head.” Her post reminded me of a video on You Tube posted on Facebook by one of my therapist friends, Carol Rosen . It shows a man who, with special glasses, can tel

Revisiting Attachment Parenting In Part Five of my Infant Sleep Series, I revisit Dr. Sears’ bed-sharing and attachment parenting books as I am today, the mother of a 17-year-old son and a trained and experienced Licensed Professional Counselor. I first read about Dr. Sears' philosophies as a new mother learning how to breast-feed and learning how to parent, so long ago. I approach Dr. Sears’ work with mixed feelings. I deeply respect his cultural contribution to restoring e

Originally posted October 9, 2011. This is a personal reflection shared in honor of World Mental Health Day, offered to reduce stigma and remind others that help, healing, and hope are possible. Hey there! Honored to be part of PsychCentral’s World Mental Health Day Blog Party! Today, as an LPC, I could write another professional blog about treatment options or family dynamics; like outline a specific self-care relaxation, expressive or cognitive re-framing exercise. But,