As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dr. Shaenor deeply understands the psychological and emotional complexities that can arise during the perinatal period. Through compassionate and evidence-based therapy, Dr. Shaenor provides a safe and non-judgmental space for mothers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. Her approach is rooted in a person-centered and strength-based perspective, tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet each individual’s needs. Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-informed care, Dr. Shaenor equips women with practical tools and strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mental health conditions. She empowers women to develop effective coping skills, enhance self-care practices, and strengthen their emotional well-being by providing evidence-based interventions.
Beyond individual therapy, Dr. Ishmael recognizes the value of comprehensive care for mothers.
Collaborating with healthcare professionals, partners, and support networks, she takes a holistic approach to maternal mental health, advocating for integrated care and providing psychoeducation to ensure a network of support for mothers in their journey.
Q: What do you define as success?Â
Dr. Shaenor: As a maternal mental health therapist, I define success as helping women navigate the perinatal period with improved mental health and well-being. This includes supporting them in developing coping skills, reducing symptoms of anxiety or depression, improving their self-care practices, and enhancing their overall quality of life. However, success goes beyond just providing therapy—it also involves actively participating in conversations surrounding perinatal mental health. This includes educating others and fostering an environment that normalizes the challenges and difficulties that individuals may face during the perinatal period. By contributing to these discussions, I can help reduce stigma and increase awareness, ultimately creating a more supportive and understanding community for individuals experiencing perinatal mental health issues. Ultimately, success is achieved when women feel supported, understood, and equipped to navigate the challenges of their pregnancy journey while prioritizing their mental health.
Q: Why do you think mental health is often overlooked in the spectrum of maternal health?Â
Dr. Shaenor: Mental health issues related to pregnancy and postpartum are frequently stigmatized and misunderstood. This leads to a lack of awareness and discussions on these critical topics. Healthcare systems often prioritize physical health aspects, overlooking mental health concerns. Moreover, policies on maternal health tend to focus more on traditional medical interventions rather than mental health promotion and support.
Q: You have a holistic approach to your work with clients. How does this differ from traditional care?
Dr. Shaenor: Embracing a holistic approach means I consider clients as complete individuals, taking into account their physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being within their environment and relationships. I address not only psychological symptoms but also explore underlying factors contributing to their distress, such as lifestyle and support systems. This comprehensive approach empowers clients to make positive changes and enhances their overall well-being.
Q: What makes your approach unique?
Dr. Shaenor: My specialized focus on maternal mental health, enriched by personal experiences, sets my approach apart. I create a non-judgmental space for women to share openly and tailor evidence-based practices to their unique needs. By integrating professional expertise with personal insights, I offer holistic support addressing emotional, psychological, and relational facets of maternal mental health.
Q: What inspired you to start your practice?
Dr. Shaenor: My journey as a mother, particularly navigating challenges during the pandemic and a NICU experience, sparked the inception of my practice. Witnessing the emotional toll on parents in the NICU, I felt compelled to support families through similar struggles. Inspired by my personal journey, I strive to offer mothers a nurturing environment to prioritize their mental health during this transformative phase of life.
Connect with Dr. Shaenor on Instagram at @dr.shaenor.
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