Perinatal Distress encompasses all clinically significant symptoms of anxiety or depression that occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period. While medication exists to combat this specific form of anxiety and depression, the need for the development of non-pharmacological interventions is great, especially as many women are hesitant to take medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. One therapeutic approach that has particular promise in the treatment of perinatal distress is CBT. This volume is a step-by-step guide for the implementation of CBT for women with perinatal distress in an individual psychotherapy format. Described in detail is be the manner in which standard CBT session structure components and strategic interventions can be adapted in light of the unique needs of this population. The authors illustrate the compassionate, flexible cognitive behavioral treatment of perinatal women experiencing a wide range of depressive and anxious clinical presentations and unique life circumstances. About the Authors: Amy Wenzel, PhD, has specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as perinatal depression and anxiety disorders since 1995. She serves as an expert training consultant for the VA CBT-Depression initiative for an NIH-funded research project through the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Psychotherapy. Karen Kleiman, MS, is Founder of The Postpartum Stress Center, a treatment facility for prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety disorders. She is currently affiliated with a number of on-line sites where writes articles and facilitates support chats for pregnant and postpartum women. |