Full Description
Written by a pioneer in the field, this second edition provides updated skill-building tools and a more developed, comprehensive understanding of how therapists can use the holding approach when treating perinatal distress.
First conceptualized by D.W. Winnicott, the "holding" approach refers to a therapist's capacity to respond to postpartum distress in a way that facilitates an immediate and successful therapeutic alliance. This model has continued to advance, and this newly updated edition will help readers learn how to contain high levels of agitation, fear, and panic in a way that cultivates trust and the early stages of connectedness. Filled with vignettes throughout, this book includes chapters on what holding is, how to prepare using this model, the emotions specific to postpartum mothers, the essential holding elements, and the practice of holding. This book uniquely addresses the needs of therapists who may find themselves confronting, struggling with, or recovering from their own reproductively related journeys, with chapters discussing the professional's identity, clinical challenges, and a new chapter on cultural humility.
This book is essential reading for all of those in the perinatal mental health community, such as therapists, social workers, and clinicians.
Contents
Chapter 1 Postpartum Women and Therapy
Chapter 2 Preparing to Hold
Chapter 3 Theories Behind the Concept
Chapter 4 Postpartum Mamas
Chapter 5 Mother and Therapist: On Being Good Enough
Chapter 6 The Practice of Holding
Chapter 7 Authentic Suffering and the Holding Elements
Chapter 8 The Postpartum Voice of Depression
Chapter 9 Hands On: How to Hold Better
Chapter 10 Hard-to-Hold
Chapter 11 The Anatomy of Holding
Chapter 12 Your Professional Identity
Chapter 13 Holding Diverse Parents
Chapter 14 Clinical Challenges and FAQs
Chapter 15 Holding and Letting Go
Epilogue: Therapist, Hold Thyself
