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Perinatal Mental Health: Clinical Blind Spots, Policy Gaps, and the Path Forward with Elyse Springer, LMFT, PMH-C

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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina is joined by perinatal mental health expert and advocate Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C, for a rich and deeply human conversation on the realities of working with clients during the perinatal period. They explore what often gets overlooked in clinical training, how systemic gaps in policy and access compound suffering, and what therapists can do right now to offer more competent, compassionate, and inclusive care.

While this conversation primarily centers on experiences related to wanted pregnancies, Elyse brings a nuanced lens that honors the full spectrum of perinatal experiences—including loss, trauma, non-birthing partner mental health, intersectionality, and the social determinants that shape who gets care and who gets missed.

Elyse also shares powerful insights from her own personal journey, and offers practical, evidence-based strategies for assessing and supporting perinatal clients in both individual and systemic contexts.

This episode is essential listening for any therapist working with adults, couples, or families—and especially for those looking to deepen their confidence and competence in this vital area of care.

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Topics Covered:

  • Defining perinatal mental health beyond postpartum depression
  • Clinical presentations of perinatal OCD, PTSD, and psychosis
  • Ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic thoughts: why the distinction matters
  • Mental health risks and hormonal shifts in non-birthing partners
  • Why inclusive language and frameworks matter in perinatal care
  • The absence of required training—and what clinicians can do about it
  • Systemic barriers to access and advocacy opportunities at the policy level
  • Trauma-informed approaches and integrative treatment modalities
  • Shame reduction, storytelling, and the importance of psychoeducation

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About Our Guest: Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Oregon, and Washington specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, pregnancy and infant loss, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, trauma, anxiety, OCD, and HIV/AIDS. She is certified in EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Perinatal Mental Health.

Elyse is the Policy and Advocacy Chair for Postpartum Support International California, an emeritus board member and faculty trainer with Maternal Mental Health NOW, and a trainer for Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. and Love, Dad. She maintains a clinical practice and lives in Los Angeles.

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Resources Mentioned:

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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