288: Healing from Reproductive Trauma with Beth Warren, LCSW, PMH-C

My guest today helps us understand reproductive trauma, what it looks like, and how to recognize it. She explains the difference between trauma and PTSD, how these conditions can show up in the reproductive period, and how they can impact individuals, partnerships, and families. Most importantly, her message is one of hope because there are proven ways to heal from reproductive trauma, and that’s the overriding theme of today’s episode. Join us to learn more! Bethany Warren is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego who has worked in reproductive mental health for 25 years. She has authored The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook and Healing from Reproductive Trauma. She is certified in EMDR therapy and perinatal mental health, specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth and reproductive trauma, pregnancy loss, and infertility. She’s also an EMDRIA-approved consultant and facilitates EMDR training. She is a current member and previously served as the President of the Board of the Postpartum Health Alliance. Beth joined us for three previous episodes: 15-Postpartum OCD, 107-EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health, and 216-Understanding Attachment and Bonding. Visit our podcast archives to find these episodes.  Show Highlights: Understanding trauma vs. PTSD How psychological and trauma-related words are often overused and misused in pop culture What PTSD might look like How people can experience trauma in the perinatal journey Why we need to recognize and validate ALL reproductive trauma—not just birth trauma Thoughts on triggers—and why some people are triggered by the word “trigger” How to be mindful of social media posts and the tendency to dissociate How partners can also experience reproductive trauma and shouldn’t be overlooked How reproductive trauma impacts people through grief and loss How to begin the healing journey with treatment, therapy, new skills, and support groups Resources: Connect with Beth: Website and Instagram Visit our Mom & Mind podcast archives to find other episodes with Beth: 15-Postpartum OCD, 107-EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health, and 216-Understanding Attachment and Bonding.  Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!