361: Healing Birth Trauma Through Storytelling and Sharing the Narratives of Black Mothers

Today’s episode focuses on the narrative style of therapy, and it’s a topic that we haven’t covered on the podcast before. We always want to explore new therapeutic approaches and the various ways they can offer healing and support for more women. Everyone needs to know about the different therapies that are available to them. Join us to learn more! Dr. Lyneia Richardson is a mother, healer, and licensed psychologist, and she works as a maternal mental health advocate dedicated to revitalizing the spirit of all mamas. She received her BA in psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s in mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University. After earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Howard University, she focused her work on decolonizing therapy and education through a mothering praxis. She is currently a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the proud owner of Melanated Women's Therapy LLC. Dr. Richardson recently published Mothering As A Work of Art, an anthology collection of personal narratives exploring the multiple dimensions of black mothering aimed at changing the narrative on mothering and what it means to mother in contemporary times. In today’s episode, she discusses these topics and the value of using narrative therapy as a pathway through healing birth trauma.  Show Highlights: The narrative approach: to externalize and separate yourself from the problem (It’s the opposite of self-blaming and internalizing issues, challenges, and traumas.) Understanding the difference between storytelling and narrative The common experience for women of all races in not being listened to by their doctors and nurses Dr. Richardson’s personal birth story and her work with social justice and advocacy to amplify the voices of black mothers The challenge in advocacy work Broadening the network to have a bigger outreach to help moms Collective healing and community healing Empowerment through a support network Trying to normalize the struggle when social media makes everyone else’s life look perfect Mothering As A Work of Art: How the book came to be Being a creative mom The value of sharing stories as a form of healing and therapy Resources: Connect with Dr. Lyneia Richardson: Website, Melanated Women's Therapy LLC, Instagram, and Mothering As A Work of Art Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!