Course: Reproductive Trauma: Tools For Working With Clients Experiencing Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Perinatal Mental Health Issues
Presented by: PSCP: The Psychology Network and Equilibria Mental Health Services LLC
Date: February 20 and 27, 2026
Location: Virtual Platform
Time: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Overview:
We all have a reproductive story – whether we have children or not, whether we want children or not. Our reproductive stories start in our own childhoods as we observe and imitate our parents and caregivers; these interactions form the basis of our adult relationships. We think about, fantasize, and plan how we may become parents someday; our parental identity is thus born. Imagine what happens when all our hopes and dreams about having a baby come crashing down with infertility or pregnancy loss. The trauma we experience is like no other, shattering our sense of self and shaking the foundations of our intimate relationships.
This workshop will outfit participants with skills to help patients heal from reproductive trauma. Using the reproductive story, we examine grief and loss from psychodynamic, cognitive, and narrative perspectives. We explore the opportunity for growth that follows from finding a meaningful end to the story – whether that includes having children or not.
Lastly, not only do patients have a reproductive story, but we, as clinicians, do too. Reflections on our own stories and how they interact, interfere, or enhance treatment for patients are of utmost importance. Issues of self-disclosure must be dealt with sensitively, always keeping in mind the patient’s best interest. Working in reproductive trauma and loss can be particularly draining; as such, special focus on clinician self-care will be addressed.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course participants will be able to:
- Identify the reproductive story, its theoretical and developmental underpinnings, and what happens when the story goes awry
- Differentiate between PTSD and reproductive trauma
- Define basic core assumptions as well as assumptions specific to pregnancy and parenting
- Discuss unique challenges for the LGBTQ+ community and single parents by choice
- Recognize posttraumatic growth by editing and rewriting the reproductive story
- Identify clinician’s personal reproductive story and how it can impact the treatment of patients
- Discuss ways to promote therapist self-care when working with reproductive clients
Presenter:
Dr. Janet Jaffe, clinical psychologist, has devoted her career to helping others navigate the pitfalls and anguish that can occur on the road to parenthood. She works with patients in private practice, has trained countless mental health professionals in the US and internationally, and has written and lectured extensively on the topic, both for professionals and patients. Not only is she informed by years of academic scholarship, but also from her personal experience. She knows from the inside what it means to want to build a family, and what happens when those hoped for dreams come crashing down – whether due to miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, or other neonatal trauma. She also knows what it takes to move forward and rebuild from these unimaginable losses.
Books of note:
- Unsung Lullabies (with Drs. Martha and David Diamond)
- Reproductive Trauma (First Edition) (with Dr. Martha Diamond)
- Reproductive Trauma (Second Edition)
- Healing From the Trauma of Pregnancy Loss: Reclaiming Your Reproductive Story
You must confirm your attendance no later than Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in order to attend this Continuing Education program.
*Participants must attend both trainings to receive CE credit
*Graduate students attending the training at no cost are not eligible for CEs
This program is co-sponsored by the PSCP: The Psychology Network and Equilibria Mental Health Services LLC. PSCP: The Psychology Network is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor Continuing Education for psychologists. PSCP: The Psychology Network maintains responsibility for the program and its content. This program provides 7 Hours of CE credits for Psychologists. Clinicians with other licensure types are also eligible for CEs and may wish to check with their professional board or licensing body to confirm that credits will be accepted.
Thank you for your interest in Reproductive Trauma: Tools For Working With Clients Experiencing Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Perinatal Mental Health Issues. Unfortunately, this training has reached capacity and registration is no longer available.
