Support groups are an effective way to facilitate connection and community among those who may be struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Combating isolation is an important key to promoting mental health for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Furthermore, support groups may be structured in a variety of ways to serve the unique needs of individuals at various points along the perinatal journey.

In this 2-hour course, perinatal psychotherapists and group facilitators, Gabrielle Kaufman, MA, LPCC, NCC, BC-DMT, PMH-C and Anna King, LCSW, PMH-C, will cover the benefits of facilitating a support group for both provider and client. They will provide specialized tips for serving the perinatal community covering the who, what, when, where, why, and how of starting a support group including a list of suggested group topics.

You will also hear tips and reflections from other perinatal therapists including Smadar Garritson, LCSW, CLE, Robyn Park, MA, LMFT, and Melanie Weiner, LMFT.

Finally, you will hear testimonials from support group participants who will share what was most helpful to them about joining the group during their transition to parenthood.

AUDIENCE:
This course is beneficial to anyone providing healthcare during the perinatal period who seeks to increase their knowledge of how to support pregnant, postpartum, and lactating individuals in a support group setting including doctors, midwives, therapists, peer support specialists, and more.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course learners will be able to:

1. Define what a support group is and identify what its most common benefits are for providers and parents.
2. Identify 2 of the most common barriers to support group access.
3. Discuss the importance of storytelling within the group setting and its potential for social skill-building.
4. Discuss how to address the limits of confidentiality in a group and uphold ethical boundaries with and between support group members.
5. Facilitate the co-creation of an effective community agreement with support group participants to establish group cohesion and a safe, brave space.
6. Explain the importance of culturally sensitive services and identify 2 ways to create inclusive and culturally sensitive material and environments.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE):

CE: Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course meets criteria for 2 continuing education credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, LEPs, and psychologists through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) in the state of CA. If you hold a license not listed here or are licensed outside of the state of California, please check with your licensing board directly to confirm that these CE credits will be accepted. We are unable to assist in verifying if CE credits will be approved for your license type/state outside of California.

CME: CMEs are not provided for this activity.

** If you hold a license not listed here or are licensed outside of the state of California, please check with your licensing board directly to confirm that these CE credits will be accepted. We are unable to assist in verifying if CE credits will be approved for your license type/state outside of California.