A mother’s mental health affects her own sense of self, the well-being of her children, her close relationships, and the functioning of the family. A mother of an infant or young child who is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties faces multiple challenges in coping and parenting. This course will examine the profound emotional transformation of becoming a mother, the influence of culture on maternal mental health, and the impact of mental health on the parent-child relationship. Included in the class sessions are issues of trauma, intergenerational parenting patterns, research on maternal depression, and mothering under special circumstances. Use of video and opportunities for exploring case material will be provided. The Maternal Mental Health course is offered through the Infant-Parent Training Institute (IPTI) of the Center for Early Relationship Support of Jewish Family & Children’s Service.
Time and Date:
The course will meet on Wednesdays, 9:30 -11:30 a.m.
March 28
April 4
April 11
April 25
May 2
May 9
May 16
May 23
Tuition: $690.00
CEUs for some disciplines will be available.
Faculty:
Debbie Whitehill, LICSW is the Director of the Visiting Moms Program and a clinician in the Early Connections program of Jewish Family & Children’s Service. With a background in family therapy, Debbie’s clinical interests include providing parent-infant psychotherapy as well as leading groups for mothers experiencing post-partum depression/anxiety and parents of preemies. Supervision and training continue to be among her special professional interests.