NaTasha Benjamin
LCPC, PMH-C
Presenter's Bio:
NaTasha is a first-year doctoral student at Bowie State University in Counselor Education and Supervisor with a Concentration in Social Justice Counseling and hopes to continue to expand focus, research, and advocacy around Black women’s health and Black maternal mental health.
NaTasha Benjamin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Perinatal Mental Health clinician (PMH-C), and Approved Clinical Supervisor. NaTasha has 20+ years of cumulative experience working in a variety of capacities serving individuals, families, and couples through difficulties experienced with mental health; starting in North Carolina and now in Maryland.
NaTasha’s difficult journey towards motherhood shifted her focus towards holistic wellness for BIPOC mothers, birthing individuals, and families as a PMH-C, full circle doula, meditation teacher, Reiki practitioner, and yoga instructor.
NaTasha currently works as psychotherapist in a group practice focused primarily on working to help women and girls of color improve their health through engagement, education, and empowerment. NaTasha is also a Board member for Stillbirth Awareness and Infant Loss Support (SAILS); a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping those who have lost their child by letting them know that they are not alone. Lastly, NaTasha has been an active volunteer clinician and clinical supervisor with Pro Bono Counseling since April 2022 as well as has been a member of Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)’s Maryland Women of Color Network for the last year.
Black Birth is Sacred: A Black Feminist Therapy Approach
to Addressing Perinatal Mental Health in Black Parents
Course Summary:
Perinatal mental health conditions, commonly known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which include depression and anxiety, contribute to difficulties during pregnancy and postpartum. These conditions impact mothers, their partners, and their families. Black Feminist Therapy (BFT) centers the experiences of Black women and birthing individuals and provides 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. The BFT practitioner assists 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. Intervention focuses include developing coping strategies, promoting self-advocacy, and inspiring resilience despite these adversities. Family and partner inclusion is emphasized to encourage 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.
