Thursday, July 07, 2016

Change at Brooklyn PPD Support

As some of you know already, I will be moving to Seattle next month.  I’m so excited about living in the Pacific Northwest and really looking forward to creating something of a post-stay-at-home-mom career in social work out there.  I will miss NYC, of course, and especially the wonderful moms and neighbors who have generously, thoughtfully, and patiently been my support network here since my first son was born 11 years ago. 

Melissa Paschke will be taking over as Brooklyn PPD Support’s head honcho beginning next month. She is an experienced, capable LCSW and also the mother of two boys.  To read her bio, please visit: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=293007&sid=1467908434.964_15452&zipcode=11231&search=11231&tr=ResultsName . 

Melissa will continue to offer the PMAD support group at Families First in Cobble Hill and she will be running bi-monthly groups beginning in September.  Though peer support will continue to be a significant aspect of Melissa’s groups, she will be wearing the professional hat of a clinical social worker, rather than the fellow mama hat I have worn at meetings in the past.  As stated in her bio, she also offers therapy to individuals and couples.

If you would like to continue to receive information about BPPDS, please send Melissa an email at melissapyoga@gmail.com.  You can also “like” us on Facebook. 

Molly
What Are PMADs?

PMADs have the following symptoms: insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness/hypervigilance, frightening and/or suicidal thoughts, escape fantasies, feelings of worthlessness, anger, guilt, sadness/crying, grief, hopelessness, agitation, inability to concentrate, joylessness, sleeplessness/restlessness, appetite changes. You may experience one or some of these symptoms over a period of time.

Founded in 2006, Molly Coffin and Chris Lindsay-Abaire co-created the peer support they needed in their community. In Spring of 2014, Brooklyn PPD Support was joined by Melissa Paschke, LCSW. Melissa has been practicing medical social work since 1994. She is also a mother of two boys and a 500 hour+ certified yoga teacher. Melissa offers individual, partner and group therapies, crisis intervention, family support, health/wellness counseling, and yoga for the pre-natal and postpartum woman. She is a graduate of Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work and holds advanced clinical training certificates from the NYU Silver School of Social Work and Seleni Institute.

Please contact Melissa for information about group participation or individual and partner therapy.

See Melissa on Psychology Today: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=293007&ref=8&sid=1511988653.5793_30722&zipcode=11231&tr=ResultsName

What is Brooklyn PPD Support?

If you are a pregnant or post-partum woman experiencing Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and/or other mood challenges, you are welcome to join this group. It is advised that you also reach out to your medical provider to be assessed for any psychopharmacological needs. Group can also be used as a complement to any private psychotherapy you may be receiving, or you may inquire about private therapy with Melissa Paschke, LCSW, in addition to Brooklyn PPD Support Groups.

Brooklyn PPD Support is currently offering groups by Zoom, as per COVID-19 restrictions. There is a suggested fee of $40 to attend. It is the primary intention of Brooklyn PPD Support to remove as many barriers to participation as possible, so if fees are preventing you from attending, please reach out to Melissa. You are encouraged to attend as many meetings as you wish. This is a closed group; Only women experiencing symptoms of PMADs will be allowed to participate. Graduate students, researchers and well-meaning partners may not sit in on meetings.

Emotional support from empathic listeners is one key part of expediting a woman's recovery from PMADs. This offering is a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment where women can share their experiences. Women in all stages of stress, illness and recovery are welcome. If you aren't sure or formally diagnosed with a PMAD, you are welcome. You are also welcome if your child is older, but you relate to the stressors described. We are women helping women to share, witness and support each others' experiences. This is a professionally facilitated group led by a licensed clinical social worker who will also offer appropriate referrals for any additional treatment or supportive services that may be needed.

Postpartum Support International's Universal Message:

You are not alone
This is not your fault
You will feel better