Becoming an Empowering Ally at the Intersection of Menstrual Health and Mental Health
Description
Due to substantial stigma and historical lack of research at the intersection of mental health and menstrual health, there has been limited dialogue and significant misunderstanding of premenstrual disorders in the healthcare arena. Given the impact on daily functioning and heightened risk of suicide for those living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, it is imperative that clinicians are equipped with up-to-date knowledge to more effectively and compassionately respond to the needs of patients with a menstrual cycle.
This training provides an introduction to the landscape of premenstrual disorders with the aim of learning how to show up as a therapeutic ally to empower clients. Healthcare professionals will gain insight into the current research, assessment, and evidence based treatment options for premenstrual disorders. Clinical considerations that are specific to this population will be reviewed. Participants will also reflect on their role in collective care and advocacy efforts, creating systemic ripples of healing that benefit individuals managing mental health difficulties associated with their menstrual cycle.
Topics to be covered: Relevant socio-historical context of premenstrual disorders: pertinent research, issue of stigma, medical gaslighting, use of inclusive language (LGBTQIA+); Basic overview of the menstrual cycle and the link to mental health; Detailed description and DSM 5 TR criteria of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Considerations for assessing and treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, including cycle tracking, differential diagnosis, relationship building, and interdisciplinary care; Advocacy efforts and community resources
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the difference between Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Premenstrual Exacerbation.
- Integrate a refreshed approach to the assessment/intake process, taking into thoughtful consideration the impact of menstrual health on mental health.
- Describe ways to apply shared decision making with patients navigating clinical treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
- Recognize at least one community advocacy step to uplift awareness and support for premenstrual disorders
Instructor Bio
Monique Gonzalez, Psy.D. (she/her/ella/they) is a licensed clinical psychologist who personally lives with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Dr. Gonzalez is passionate about elevating PMDD awareness and advocacy in the mental health profession. She is a professional community member of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD). Dr. Gonzalez has contributed to the PMDD Community Coalition (PCC), a collaborative of approximately 35 patient and professional stakeholders who convened to outline a strategic plan for patient-centered care and outcomes research. Dr. Gonzalez’s background includes trauma-informed therapeutic services for youth and families, neurodiverse learning, interdisciplinary collaboration in school settings, community education, and organizational/staff training. She holds speciality training in mindfulness based stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy, and is a certified Cultural Humility training facilitator. She holds a graduate degree from the California School of Professional Psychology with pre-doc clinical training from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and a post-doc fellowship at Tulane University School of Medicine.
Dr. Gonzalez has shifted from therapy services to community offerings that allow her to honor the pace, flow, and cycle of her own body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Gonzalez now facilitates online courses, workshops, consultation, and community spaces that uplift mindful collective care. She is eager to collaborate with fellow ‘sacred messy’ humans who are also committed to ongoing learning and seeking ways to disrupt systems of oppression. When she’s not talking about periods, she enjoys sipping on cozy coffee with an audiobook, communing with nature, learning about the lunar cycle, and exploring her new home in Spain.
Dr. Gonzalez does not have any conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu or call (848) 445-3987
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.