DBT for Moms: Treating Perinatal Mood Disorders
The perinatal period is the time frame from conception through and including the first year after giving birth. While many women experience some mild mood changes during or after the birth of a child, 15 to 20% of women experience more significant forms of depression or anxiety. Although often debilitating, postpartum anxiety and depression is highly treatable through a variety of well-researched treatment options including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and, when necessary, medication.
While the expression “postpartum depression” is more commonly used, the term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) captures the many different forms of mood or anxiety disorders that one can experience during the perinatal period which includes prenatal and postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and Psychosis.
Leslee Gillette is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a special interest in helping birthing parents navigate their journey from trying to conceive (commonly referred to as TTC) through the perinatal period. Leslee has training and experience in working with parents who have experienced birth trauma, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She provides a safe space where birthing parents can learn that they are not alone and receive evidence-based tools to navigate the many challenges that come with becoming a parent. Blending her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), clients will leave treatment empowered with the tools necessary to help navigate the perinatal period. She also offers couples and family therapy to ensure that all members of the family receive adequate support and tools.
Leslee Gillette was trained through Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization that has developed a nationally recognized evidence-based training program for healthcare providers. Leslee is also a member of PSI and is dedicated to the on-going research and treatment of PMADS.
Issues treated:
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Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
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Trying to conceive (TTC)
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Identity changes
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Infertility
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Birth trauma
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Relationship difficulties
Services offered:
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Assessment and diagnosis of PMADS
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Individual, group, couples and family therapy for those TTC through the perinatal period
