About this course

Learning Objectives

• Review the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and explain the therapist’s role in assessment, psychoeducation, and treatment planning for clients experiencing these conditions
• Analyze contributing factors—including biological, psychological, relational, and societal influences—that shape the experience of PMADs.
• Critique common myths and concerns regarding the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Apply knowledge of referral pathways, adjunctive services, and interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., OB/GYN, psychiatry, lactation, support groups) to support families effectively.
• Demonstrate awareness of how societal expectations and cultural narratives about motherhood impact clients’ mental health.

Learning Levels

• Beginner

Target Audience

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Megan MacCutcheon, LPC, PMH-C

  Megan MacCutcheon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health practitioner, and Board Approved Supervisor. She specializes in working with individuals who are experiencing mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and following childbirth. She also provides EMDR intensives for those who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic birth. In her private practice, Be Well-Wellness, she provides a holistic and collaborative space for providers whose missions are focused around serving families during pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, and beyond.

References

• Billotte Verhoff, C., Hosek, A. M., & Cherry, J. (2023). “A fire in my belly:” Conceptualizing U.S. women’s experiences of “mom rage.” Sex Roles, 88(11–12), 495–513. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-023-01376-3
• Chemaly, S. L. (2019). Rage becomes her: The power of women’s anger. Atria Books.
• Dubin, M. (2023). Mom rage: The everyday crisis of modern motherhood. Seal Press.
• Dubin, M. (2020, April 15). The rage mothers don’t talk about. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/mom-rage.html
• Gunyon-Meyer, B., Cole, J., Tremayne, L., & Standeven, L. (2018). Perinatal mood disorders: Components of care [Training manual]. Postpartum Support International 2-Day Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Training.
• Handal, A. J., Kisby, C. M., Zochowski, M. K., & Shields, A. D. (2024). Neurobiological and behavioral underpinnings of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs): A selective narrative review. Brain Sciences, 14(3), 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14030267
• Lamott, A. (1998, October 29). Mother rage: Theory and practice. Salon. https://www.salon.com/1998/10/29/lamott_2/
• Lockman, D. (2019). All the rage: Mothers, fathers, and the myth of equal partnership. Harper.
• McNelis, N. (2024, June). Maternal rage: Implications & interventions. Presentation at the Postpartum Support International Conference, Washington, DC.
• Ou, C. H. K., Hall, W. A., Rodney, P., & Stremler, R. (2022). Seeing red: A grounded theory study of women’s anger after childbirth. Qualitative Health Research, 32(12), 1780–1794. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323221120173
• Postpartum rage: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24768-postpartum-rage
• Reddy, N. (2025). The Good Mother Myth: Unlearning our bad ideas about how to be a good mom (1st ed.). St. Martin’s Press
• Tramell, B. (Host). (2024, October 11). Ep 114: Understanding and managing maternal rage: Insights and strategies for mothers with Nicole McNelis. Things You Learn in Therapy [Audio podcast]. https://thingsyoulearnintherapy.com/episode114
• Weingarten, S. J., & Osborne, L. M. (2024). Review of the assessment and management of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Focus, 22(1), 40–47. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20230023