April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress.
Dr. Shaenor Ishmael is a devoted and enthusiastic therapist who specializes in maternal mental health, providing emotional support for individuals during the perinatal period. She is the CEO and psychotherapist at Inspired Counseling Center, LLC. With over ten years of experience in the field of Social Work, Dr. Shaenor has a wealth of knowledge and expertise that helps women navigate through the unique challenges and transitions during this period.
Dr. Shaenor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional complexities that women can face during the perinatal period. She utilizes compassionate and evidence-based therapy to create a safe and non-judgmental space for mothers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Dr. Shaenor’s approach is based on a person-centered and strength-based perspective, where she tailors therapeutic interventions to meet each individual’s unique needs. She draws from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. By doing so, she equips women with practical tools and strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mental health conditions, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience.
She empowers women to develop effective coping skills, enhance self-care practices, and strengthen their emotional well-being by providing evidence-based interventions.
What was the inspiration behind starting your practice?
The inspiration behind starting my practice was deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences as a mother. Becoming a mother myself was a transformative journey, particularly with the challenges I faced having a child at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and during my second pregnancy and delivery. The traumatic experience of delivering a baby at 27 weeks gestation and spending multiple months in the NICU with my youngest child was a pivotal moment for me. It opened my eyes to the immense emotional strain that parents face when their child is in intensive care, and I realized there was a significant gap in support for families navigating this journey.
Witnessing the emotional rollercoaster, the stress, and the overwhelming feelings that parents in the NICU experienced, I felt compelled to do something to help. I wanted to provide a safe space where mothers like myself could receive the support and guidance they needed to navigate the complexities of maternal mental health. Drawing from my background in mental health therapy, I decided to specialize in maternal mental health, knowing firsthand the unique challenges that mothers face during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
Why is the conversation surrounding mental health so important?
The conversation surrounding mental health is incredibly important because it touches on so many facets of our lives. Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act, influencing our relationships, work, and overall well-being. By openly discussing mental health, we can reduce stigma, increase awareness, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Additionally, the conversation around mental health is essential for breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions. Many people still hold outdated beliefs about mental illness, viewing it as a sign of weakness or a character flaw. By promoting understanding and empathy, we can combat these harmful stereotypes and create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
What makes your approach unique?
What makes my approach unique is my specialized focus on maternal mental health, which has been honed over years of experience, training, and my personal journey. As a therapist, I have dedicated my practice to supporting women through the challenges they face before becoming pregnant, during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
My own experiences as a mother have deeply informed my approach. It has given me a profound understanding of the complexities of maternal mental health. These experiences have made me more empathetic and attuned to the unique struggles that individuals can encounter.
In my practice, I prioritize creating a non-judgmental space where women can openly share their thoughts and feelings. I use evidence-based practices tailored to the specific needs of each individual, recognizing that every person’s journey is different.
Learn more and Connect with Dr. Ishmael on Instagram here.
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