Emily Spencer, who earned both her B.A. in psychology and M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from Shippensburg, is now a doctoral student in Counselor Education Supervision presented a 60-minute session at the Mediterranean Region Counselors Association Conference in Seville, Spain.
Spencer’s session, “From Crisis to Connection: Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Clinical Practice,” offered an overview of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including but not limited to disorders associated with suicide risk, postpartum psychosis and practical screening tools for assessment. The presentation spoke to counseling students, clinical supervisors and counselor educators and explores common prenatal stressors and identity crises that people face as they transition into parenthood. The session aligned with the theme of the conference, Mental Health Beyond Borders: From Crisis to Connection.
“The perinatal period is a time of profound transition and vulnerability,” Spencer said, referencing her session summary, and also added that effective intervention can “transform moments of crisis into opportunities for deeper connection for clients during the early stages of parenthood.” Attendees were given strategies to support clients, adapt classroom material and supervisory practice to specifically address maternal mental health.
“One thing I value from presenting on this topic is hearing from the session attendees how the information I share with them will be incorporated into their classroom content or impact their work with their own clients,” Spencer said.
She described her experience presenting in Spain as both professionally and personally rewarding. “Spain reminded me of the importance of slowing down. I quickly realized that nobody was in a hurry,” she said. “As a doctoral student, practicing counselor and a mom it doesn’t seem like slowing down is possible, but it actually is a choice. I’m trying to be more intentional with that choice.”
As Spencer continues her doctoral studies and her work training counselors and supervisors, she plans to continue presenting at conferences and expanding research on perinatal mental health. She also recently agreed to contribute entries on perinatal mental health and prenatal development to the second edition of the American Counseling Association’s Encyclopedia of Counseling, where she will collaborate with Dr. Matthew Shupp, a faculty member in the Department of Counselor Education and Supervision.
