( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Dr. Ishmael Is CEO Of Inspired Counseling Center LLC
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Dr. Shaenor Ishmael is a dedicated maternal mental health therapist. She specializes in supporting the emotional well-being of individuals during the perinatal period. Stress can be hard to manage and carry with you throughout your life. It has a huge impact, more than we realize, and can affect our lifestyle—especially mothers who are high on stress during pregnancy and after. She is the CEO and psychotherapist at Inspired Counseling Center, LLC. With ten-plus years of experience in social work, Dr. Ishmael has the advantage, knowledge, and expertise to help women navigate this period’s unique challenges and transitions. Her services include maternal (women’s) mental health counseling, premarital counseling, and relationship counseling.
Dr. Ishmael is a licensed clinical social worker, and she understands the emotional complexities during the perinatal period for her specific clientele. Compassionate and evidence-based therapy, she provides a non-judgemental space and safe zones for mothers. Inspired Counseling Center, LLC gives women a sense of empowerment and resilience to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Part of Dr. Ishmael’s approach is a person-centered and strength-based perspective while tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the client’s needs.
Different therapeutic modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness. Dr. Shaenor Ishmael offers mechanisms to help manage anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mental health conditions. In addition, she provides evidence-based intervention, which allows the development of practical coping skills, enhances self-care practices, and strengthens emotional well-being. Furthermore, she collaborates with healthcare professionals, partners, and support networks. Part of her counseling center that stands out is the use of holistic approaches to maternal mental health. Her goal for each patient through her psychoeducation expertise is to support mothers in their journey.
We explored Dr. Shaenor Ishmael’s career in social work and psychotherapy, her choice of maternal clientele as her key focus, Inspired Counseling Center’s services, and much more.
Explain your journey into becoming a social worker and psychotherapist. How did it start? What were the highs and lows of that journey, and how did you make it?
My journey into becoming a social worker began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges. It started during my undergraduate studies in social work, where I became fascinated by the intricate interplay between individuals and their environments. I was drawn to empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve their fullest potential.
As a medical social worker, I gained invaluable experience working with diverse populations facing various health-related challenges. This experience exposed me to the profound impact that mental health has on overall well-being, particularly during critical life stages like the perinatal period. Witnessing the resilience of individuals and families facing daunting circumstances fueled my determination to pursue further education and training.
Transitioning into forming my private practice presented both highs and lows. On one hand, I had the autonomy to tailor my therapeutic approach to meet each client’s unique needs, which was incredibly rewarding. Transitioning from a brick-and-mortar practice to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was initially necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of clients and staff. While it presented logistical challenges and required adapting to new technologies and workflows, it also opened up opportunities for innovation and flexibility.
Throughout my journey, resilience, self-reflection, and a commitment to ongoing professional development have been key factors in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Building a supportive network of colleagues and mentors has also been invaluable, providing guidance and encouragement during moments of uncertainty.
Could you tell me why did you specifically pick the maternal route with your therapy?
Choosing to specialize in maternal mental health therapy was a profoundly personal decision rooted in my own lived experiences and the profound challenges I faced during the perinatal period. Having my postpartum expertise at the height of the pandemic with one pregnancy, followed by the premature birth of my child at 27 weeks with another pregnancy, brought to light the critical need for enhanced mental health support for mothers.
Navigating my journey through maternal mental health challenges underscored the gaps in existing support systems and the urgent need to shift the narrative surrounding maternal mental health. It became clear to me that the perinatal period is a vulnerable and transformative time that requires comprehensive care, including robust mental health support.
My own experiences highlighted the pivotal role that mental health professionals can play in the perinatal journey. I realized that conception planning and prenatal care should include not only physical health considerations but also proactive mental health support. Integrating mental health professionals into the healthcare team during pregnancy ensures that mothers receive holistic care that addresses both their physical and emotional well-being.
By specializing in maternal mental health therapy, I can draw upon my personal experiences to provide empathetic and informed support to mothers navigating similar challenges. I am deeply committed to advocating for maternal mental health awareness and destigmatizing conversations surrounding perinatal mental health. Through my practice, I can address the significant disparities in maternal mental health outcomes experienced by Black women and aim to empower mothers to prioritize their mental well-being and access the support they need to thrive during the perinatal period and beyond.
Could you explain what your services offer and how they differ for maternal mental health, relationship, and premarital counseling?
In my practice, I provide an array of specialized services crafted to address the complex needs of individuals and couples as they navigate the journey of conception, pregnancy, and parenthood. Maternal mental health therapy is meticulously designed to offer solace and guidance to individuals who may be confronting challenges in their journey to conceive, experiencing difficulties during pregnancy, or grappling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as postpartum depression or anxiety. These sessions are finely tailored to address the unique emotional hurdles and adjustments that accompany the process of conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
My focus is on creating a secure and nurturing environment where mothers can openly explore their experiences, process their emotions, and cultivate effective coping strategies to navigate the complexities of fertility challenges, pregnancy complications, and the transition into motherhood.
I provide couples or relationship counseling for couples seeking support to navigate challenges and strengthen their relationship bond. These sessions involve both partners and concentrate on enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and deepening emotional intimacy. Couples counseling aims to foster healthier relationships and promote mutual understanding and support between partners by addressing trust, parenting disagreements, and life transitions.
In addition, I offer premarital counseling for couples planning to marry, aiming to establish a strong foundation for their future together. Through discussions about critical aspects of marriage, including communication, conflict resolution, financial management, and shared values, premarital counseling helps couples proactively address potential conflict areas and equips them with tools and strategies to navigate challenges in their marriage.
Whether supporting mothers through the perinatal period, helping couples strengthen their bond, or preparing couples for marriage, I aim to provide compassionate and evidence-based therapy that inspires individuals and couples to thrive in their personal and relational lives.
What are some examples of holistic practices that you’ve seen help patients?
In my maternal mental health practice, I focus on holistic approaches that empower women to thrive through self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. One essential aspect is encouraging mothers to explore and embrace their authentic selves, recognizing their strengths, values, and needs. This journey of self-identification and self-acceptance forms a foundation for mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness practices, guiding mothers to cultivate present-moment awareness. Creating sacred spaces within themselves and their environments allows them to connect with their inner selves and find moments of peace and calm amidst the challenges of motherhood.
A key aspect is supporting mothers in setting boundaries with others and themselves. Establishing healthy boundaries helps protect their mental and emotional energy, enabling them to prioritize self-care without guilt. Journaling or expressive writing is a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional processing. Through cognitive reframing, we challenge traditional notions of what motherhood “should” look like, empowering mothers to redefine their experiences based on their unique circumstances and values. These holistic practices collectively promote maternal well-being, fostering resilience and a sense of empowerment in navigating the complexities of motherhood.
What are the types of coping skills in each of your counseling services? What are the advantages of obtaining these mechanisms into the patient’s lifestyle?
For individuals navigating the perinatal period, coping mechanisms may include mindfulness techniques, journaling, identifying and implementing boundaries, creating a birth plan and a postpartum plan, and building support networks to manage stress and anxiety effectively. This support system can include family and friends and a healthcare support team. The healthcare support team comprises a mental health provider, a doula, a pelvic floor physical therapist, and a lactation specialist. Developing mindfulness and self-compassion can enhance emotional resilience and well-being, enabling one to navigate the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood with greater ease and self-awareness.
For couples counseling and premarital counseling, I explore what I reference as the five pillars of a relationship. These are communication, finances, in-laws, intimacy, and self-development. Couples in relationship counseling may learn communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and collaborative problem-solving exercises to deepen their emotional connection and navigate challenges together. In premarital counseling, coping skills involve discussing expectations, values, and conflict resolution strategies to establish a strong foundation for the relationship. Couples who learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills in counseling can strengthen their bond, deepen their emotional intimacy, and foster a more harmonious relationship.
Moreover, by proactively addressing potential conflict areas and developing coping strategies, couples in premarital counseling can establish a solid foundation for their marriage, enhancing their ability to navigate challenges and cultivate a thriving partnership over time. Integrating coping skills into counseling services empowers clients to manage stress, strengthen their relationships, and develop greater resilience and well-being.
What is the intent behind the Blog, and how does it help inform those about your services, types of therapy, and premarital/maternal experiences?
The intent behind my blog is to create a nurturing and informative space for those navigating maternal mental health challenges and the intricacies of relationships during this transformative phase of life. Through accessible insights, tips, and resources, I aim to empower mothers, couples, and families to prioritize their mental wellness throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. By offering educational content, I strive to raise awareness about the complexities of maternal mental health and diminish any associated stigma.
Additionally, my blog serves as a virtual support system, providing readers with validation and encouragement amidst the challenges they may face. Practical strategies and evidence-based tips are shared to assist individuals in managing stress, coping with difficult emotions, and fostering healthier relationships. I aim to destigmatize therapy by highlighting its effectiveness in addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as relationship conflicts. Ultimately, while my blog serves as a platform for education and support, it also acts as a gateway for individuals to explore the therapy services I offer, thus facilitating their journey toward improved maternal mental health and stronger relationships.
Are there any future goals for expanding the psychotherapy practice?
I’m thrilled to share that I am expanding to offer courses on navigating maternal mental health. The first course will be launched on my website on May 1, 2024. Looking forward, my goals for expanding the psychotherapy practice are multifaceted. I aim to develop a comprehensive range of courses covering various aspects of maternal mental health, including prenatal and postpartum well-being, managing anxiety and depression, and strengthening partner relationships during the perinatal period.
Future goals include continued collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians, pediatricians, and doulas, to ensure a holistic approach to maternal mental health care. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to empower and support individuals on their journey to maternal mental wellness through a combination of therapy services and educational resources.
Dr. Shaenor Ishamel provides expert care and skills for premarital and perinatal patients. For more information on how to get started, visit https://www.inspiredcounselingcenter.com/ or follow her on Instagram.
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