NaTasha Benjamin
LCPC, PMH-C
Presenter's Bio:
NaTasha Benjamin, is dedicated to advancing research and advocacy in Black women’s health and Black maternal mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Perinatal Mental Health clinician (PMH-C), and Approved Clinical Supervisor, NaTasha brings over 20 years of experience serving individuals, families, and couples in mental health support, starting in North Carolina and now based in Maryland. Her personal journey toward motherhood shifted her focus to holistic wellness for BIPOC mothers and families, leading her to become a PMH-C, full-circle doula, meditation teacher, Reiki practitioner, and yoga instructor. Currently, she works as a psychotherapist in a group practice focused on empowering women and girls of color. Additionally, NaTasha serves as a Board member for Stillbirth Awareness and Infant Loss Support (SAILS), volunteers as a clinician and clinical supervisor with Pro Bono Counseling, and is an active member of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)’s Maryland Women of Color Network.
Black Birth is Sacred: A Black Feminist Therapy Approach
to Addressing Perinatal Mental Health in Black Parents
Course Summary:
This session will focus on the introduction to understanding perinatal mental health conditions, commonly known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which include depression and anxiety, and their contribution to difficulties during pregnancy and postpartum. The session will also center further exploration of Black Feminist Therapy (BFT), which centers the experiences of Black women and birthing individuals, while providing a clinical approach that is culturally responsive and attuned. BFT acknowledges the intersectionality of Black parents as individuals regarding race, gender, and other demographic aspects, and co-creates a space for healing to navigate their unique stressors, as well as aids partners in understanding how they are conjointly impacted by systemic oppression in mental and medical health care. In this session, understanding the role of the BFT practitioner as an aid to Black parents in exploring and challenging aspects of systemic racism, gender expectations and associated discrimination, as well as other social injustices that complicate their lives. Interventions in this session will focus on developing coping strategies in practice, promoting patient self-advocacy, and inspiring family and partner inclusion with an emphasis on encouraging a strong network of support. Parental mental well-being and overall familial outcomes can be improved by incorporating a BFT approach into perinatal mental health care.
