Perinatal Mental Health 2.0

About This Course

The perinatal period is often marked by hope, anticipation, and significant transition as individuals and couples prepare to grow their families. For many, however, this season is complicated by the onset or worsening of mental health concerns, including perinatal depression and anxiety. When reproductive trauma is present, the emotional and relational impact may be profound. Reproductive trauma can result from miscarriage, infertility, assisted reproductive technologies, premature or complicated birth, fetal or infant health concerns, and recurrent pregnancy loss. As infertility rates, the use of reproductive interventions, and perinatal challenges continue to rise; clinicians are called to respond with clinical competence and compassionate care. This training provides a foundational overview of perinatal mental health with attention to the psychological, relational, and spiritual effects of perinatal mental health issues and reproductive trauma. The course reviews evidence-based screening and assessment practices and introduces trauma-informed treatment approaches with attention to integrating Christian faith and spiritual resources to promote well-being.

Learning Objectives

Participants will…

1. Examine common psychological, emotional, and relational symptoms associated with perinatal mental health conditions in individuals and couples.
2. Identify and apply evidence-based screening and assessment tools used in perinatal mental health care, including screening for reproductive-related trauma and clinical risk factors.
3. Apply trauma-informed, attachment-informed clinical interventions appropriate for individuals and couples presenting with perinatal-related mental health concerns.
4. Identify religious and spiritual practices that may be clinically integrated into perinatal mental health counseling, consistent with client’s values.

Lesson Titles

PMH 101: Understanding the Perinatal Story: Attachment, Emotional Well-Being, and Reproductive Trauma</strong
Caitlin Overfelt, Ph.D., and Vanessa Kent, Ph.D.

PMH 102: Attuning to Safety, Risk, and Resilience: Trauma-Responsive Screening and Assessment
Caitlin Overfelt, Ph.D., and Vanessa Kent, Ph.D.

PMH 103: Fostering Connection, Hope, and Healing: Trauma-Informed Treatment in Perinatal Care
Caitlin Overfelt, Ph.D., and Vanessa Kent, Ph.D.

Continuing Education Approval Statements

American Association of Christian Counselors has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7543. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) is an Approved Continuing Education CE provider by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.

Participants should check their state and/or local regulationsregarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/

References

• Behl, R. (2025). Perinatal mental disorders, mental health services, and human rights treaties: Recognizing the state’s obligations. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 28(5), 1349–1352. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-025-01604-y
• Blount, A. J., Adams, C. R., Anderson-Berry, A. L., Hanson, C., Schneider, K., & Pendyala, G. (2021). Biopsychosocial Factors during the Perinatal Period: Risks, Preventative Factors, and Implications for Healthcare Professionals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(15), 8206. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158206
• Brigance, C. A., Kim, S.-R., & Kashubeck-West, S. (2023). Mean comparisons of trauma symptoms between a reproductive trauma sample and a normative sample: Toward a trauma-informed practice. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. (2023-58261-001). https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001468
• Cantu-Weinstein, A., Cohen, M. J., Owens, D., Schiller, C. E., & Kimmel, M. C. (2022). A Qualitative Study of Religion and Spirituality in a Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit in the Southeast USA. Journal of Religion and Health, 61(1), 286–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01451-y
• Devooght, A., Stinnett, R., Philippi, K. J., Cahill, A., & Colburn, A. A. N. (2023). Promoting Wellness for an Inclusive Perinatal Population: Strategies for Counselors. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 45(3), 264–279. https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.45.3.06
• Perera, E., Chou, S., Cousins, N., Mota, N., & Reynolds, K. (2023). Women’s experiences of trauma, the psychosocial impact and health service needs during the perinatal period. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05509-5
• Saxbe, D., Rossin-Slater, M., & Goldenberg, D. (2018). The transition to parenthood as a critical window for adult health. American Psychologist, 73(9), 1190–1200. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000376