Description
608: Counseling Women: Mental Health Issues and Challenges for Motherhood
Susanna Capri Brooks, Ph.D.
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Summer Perhay-Kuba, Ph.D.
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Summary
The emotional journey leading up to, and walking through, motherhood and then learning to navigate the various stages of life that follow can present a wide range of challenges, emotions, and conflicts for women. From changing diapers and wiping noses to imparting knowledge, values, morals, love, and godly direction to children, the scope of motherhood is an ever-changing and often challenging season. Mental health professionals are tasked with meeting the diverse needs of their female clients (Lamar et al., 2019). When our female clients are also faced with challenges related to motherhood, a unique approach must be considered (Vetriselvi & Kalavathi, 2013; Monach, 2013). Over the past decade, there has been a cultural and social shift regarding women and motherhood (Berariu et al., 2015). Mental health professionals must understand these dynamics and work to guide women through the sometimes muddy waters. This presentation will explore the numerous challenges women may face in their role as mothers and internal conflicts that often lead to doubts, hopelessness, and role confusion. Some of the most common challenges that will be explored include parenting, adoption, fostering, infertility, and miscarriage. As a means to help women cope with the pressures of today’s society, evidence-based practices will be reviewed to equip counselors to serve mothers better so they can recognize the blessings and joys within the ever-present challenges of motherhood.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Summarize basic parenting styles and the research behind how parenting styles impact future generations
• Discuss challenges associated with motherhood, specifically those related to parenting, adoption, fostering, infertility, and miscarriage, as well as the conflicts pertaining to traditional and non-traditional roles
• Apply evidence-based practices for psychologists and licensed mental health professionals to help women cope with the challenges motherhood brings while also recognizing the blessings
