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Perinatal and Post-Natal Mental Health
Presented by Christina L Wichman, DO, Medical College of Wisconsin; Emily Aleksy, LCSW, PMH-C, Postpartum Support International; and Sarah Bloomquist, CFLE, Moms Mental Health Initiative
*Up to 4 CE credits will be issued to those attending this virtual opportunity.
Details: February 9 (10:00am - 2:30pm, including a 30-minute lunch break)

Description: Did you know that 1 in 5 women struggles with postpartum depression or another perinatal mood or anxiety disorder? In low socioeconomic communities, the number rises to 1 in 4. In this workshop, a panel of three expert presenters join forces to share about perinatal mental health—including diagnostic criteria, treatment modalities, the importance of peer support, and local/national resources for practitioners.

This session will provide the “mom” voice and what parents need to fully recover from a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Moms Mental Health Initiative (Milwaukee) will be discussed as a resource for clients/patients and providers. Perinatal mental health will also be covered from a therapeutic perspective, including assessment, working with other service providers, treatment modalities, and relevant clinical considerations for therapists working with perinatal clients.  In addition to discussing risk factors and evidence-based treatment options, The Periscope Project will be discussed as an additional resource for health care providers and professionals.

• Understand how perinatal mood and anxiety disorders present.

• Differentiate between types of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

• List risk factors for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

• Learn the role of peer support in the treatment of and recovery of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

• Identify common treatment options/modalities for perinatal clients.

• Identify clinical considerations specific to this population (red flags, opportunities for connection, self-disclosure, etc.)

Presenter Information: 

Dr. Christina Wichman is a Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed residency in Adult Psychiatry and fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Clinically, she created and directs a co-located perinatal psychiatric service, embedded within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is the Director of Women’s Mental Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She is the Medical Director of The Periscope Project, a state-wide, provider to perinatal psychiatrist teleconsultation service. Dr. Wichman’s research pursuits have been within the realm of women’s mental health; she has published and lectured extensively regionally and nationally.

Emily Aleksy, LCSW, PMH-C is a psychotherapist in private practice. She specializes in perinatal mental health, trauma, stress, and anxiety. She owns a group private practice in Whitefish Bay, WI. Her therapeutic style is conversational, relaxed, and often includes humor, and overall she rejects the idea that therapy has to be boring or look a certain way. Emily strives for deep and meaningful work with each client she meets, utilizing a combination of techniques including Brainspotting, mindfulness, and CBT. She is a mom of three, including twins, who keep her life interesting at every moment. She enjoys yoga, sarcasm, coffee, and inspirational quotes.

Sarah Ornst Bloomquist, CFLE is Moms Mental Health Initiative's (MMHI) Co-Founder and Executive Director. She has been advocating for perinatal mental health since she experienced her own postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her first son. Sarah brings over 20 years of professional experience including her work as child advocacy program coordinator, life coach, family support specialist for perinatal couples and crisis pregnancy counselor. Sarah is a Certified Family Life Educator, advocate and  speaker. She is committed to helping moms break down the obstacles to effective treatment and find hope in the process. Born and raised in the greater Milwaukee area, Sarah is a cheesehead at heart but spent many treasured years as a Hoosier. She currently lives in Ozaukee County and is a proud mom of two. She enjoys playing soccer, being active, hanging out with friends and neighbors, and taking her rescue dogs for hikes.  

 About our Offerings:

WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies. 

Wisconsin Association of Family & Children's Agencies (WAFCA)
16 N Carroll St, #750
Madison, WI 53703  (608) 257-5939 
www.wafca.org