Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perinatal Distress

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Wenzel, A., with Kleiman, K. (2015). Cognitive behavioral therapy for perinatal distress. New York, NY: Routledge.

Countless studies have established the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for many manifestations of depression and anxiety. This book discusses the benefits of CBT for pregnant and postpartum women who suffer from emotional distress. The myths of CBT as rigid and intrusive are shattered as the authors describe its flexible application for perinatal women. This text teaches practitioners how to successfully integrate CBT structure and strategy into a supportive approach in working with this population. The examples used in the book will be familiar to postpartum specialists, making this an easily comprehensive and useful resource.

Praise for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perinatal Distress:

Wenzel and Kleiman have done a superb job in writing this comprehensive guide utilizing CBT with a unique population. Their clinical expertise, in the care of women living with perinatal distress, informs their presentation, making it easy to read and highly applicable to providers in this specialty practice area.

— Jeanne Watson Driscoll, PhD, RN, PC, Co-author of Women’s Moods; Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Clinician’s Guide; and Traumatic Childbirth.

We usually think of pregnancy and the postpartum as times of happiness and joy, yet for a number of reasons, depression and anxiety are actually very common experiences during these times. All too often, these problems go unrecognized by healthcare providers. This book, which emphasizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, the most effective treatment for emotional distress, is sure to be of great use to practitioners and patients alike. The many personal examples and illustrations of therapeutic techniques make this a very usable workbook.

— Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, Professor and Associate Chair of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Two experts in the field of perinatal mental health have teamed up to produce an outstanding volume on the identification and management of perinatal distress. This book recognizes that few women present with pure perinatal depression or anxiety and it provides a thorough going guide to working with the perinatal woman who is suffering from a mixture of symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perinatal Distress should be read by any clinician or student who works with women suffering from perinatal depression or anxiety.

— Michael W. O’Hara, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Iowa