Beyond the Baby Blues: A Case-Based Approach to Complex Perinatal Experiences, Identity, Trauma, and Relational Care
Description
The perinatal period represents a profound transition involving identity, embodiment, relationships, sexuality, attachment, and meaning-making. While many clinical approaches focus primarily on symptom reduction and diagnosis, complex perinatal experiences require practitioners to understand the broader psychological, relational, and systemic contexts shaping pregnancy, birth, postpartum adjustment, and reproductive experiences.
This intermediate-level training supports clinicians working with clients navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum transitions, infertility, pregnancy loss, reproductive trauma, changing identities, and evolving relationships. Through primarily case-based learning, participants will examine complex clinical presentations involving perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, medical trauma, grief, identity shifts, body changes, sexuality after birth, and diverse family structures.
Clinical case studies will explore how practitioners can integrate trauma-informed, attachment-based, culturally responsive, and identity-affirming approaches into perinatal mental health practice. Particular attention will be given to experiences often overlooked in traditional models of care, including queer and trans perinatal experiences, nontraditional family structures, reproductive decision-making, and the impact of healthcare systems on psychological well being.
Participants will strengthen their ability to assess complex perinatal concerns, develop appropriate therapeutic interventions, and support clients in navigating the intersection of vulnerability, resilience, embodiment, and transformation during the perinatal period.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Assess complex perinatal clinical presentations, including birth trauma, reproductive grief, identity transitions, perinatal mood disorders, and relationship changes.
- Apply trauma-informed and attachment-based interventions when supporting clients through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and reproductive transitions.
- Analyze case examples involving diverse family structures, queer/trans perinatal experiences, and culturally responsive approaches to care.
Instructor Bio
Christa McCrorie is an internationally recognized social work educator, clinical therapist, researcher, and consultant whose work integrates trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ affirming practice, perinatal mental health, sexuality, embodiment, and social justice. Through her teaching, clinical practice, research, and professional training, she advances innovative, relationship-centered approaches to social work practice and education.
As the founder of Creative Therapeutic Solutions, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama, Christa provides psychotherapy and clinical supervision with specialties in trauma processing, queer and transgender affirming care, identity development, relationships, sexuality, and life transitions. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Social Work Clinical Supervisor, and holds a Private Independent Practice credential in Alabama. She is also a DONA International Certified Birth Doula and a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Therapist.
Christa's scholarship explores the intersections of identity, embodiment, relational healing, and liberation, with a focus on how the body, relationships, and social systems shape well being and human connection. Her work emphasizes practical, evidence-informed approaches that help clinicians provide compassionate, affirming, and culturally responsive care.
An emerging international voice in social work and relational health, Christa presents nationally and globally on topics including LGBTQ+ mental health, queer and trans healthcare, perinatal experiences, clinical supervision, sexuality, and embodied approaches to healing. She was selected as a Fulbright Specialist through the U.S. Department of State in recognition of her contributions to social work and community well being.
In addition to her academic and clinical work, Christa is an author, media contributor, and public educator. She is the author of “Rediscovering You: Exploring Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation for Established Adults” and has contributed expertise to numerous media outlets and social work publications. She also develops educational programming on mental health, emotional regulation, gender identity, sexuality, and affirming clinical practice.
Whether working with local communities in Alabama or collaborating with partners around the world, Christa is committed to fostering healing through authenticity, connection, curiosity, and compassion. Her work bridges clinical practice, scholarship, and education to help individuals, professionals, and systems create more equitable, affirming, and human-centered care.
The instructor does not have any conflicts of interest for this webinar.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Policy:
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.
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.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8145. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.