In this episode, Jennifer talks with Kendra Quincy Knauf. Kendra is a licensed mental health counselor with a specialization in perinatal mental health, particularly supporting people dealing with fertility challenges, pregnancy after loss, and postpartum identity. She has worked in multiple settings, particularly in the community mental health space with a diverse group of clients over the past ten years. Currently she has a telehealth private practice.
Kendra spent years undergoing fertility treatments and is a NICU mom. Kendra lives in the metro-Boston area with her family, and volunteers with her town government, undergraduate alumni organization, and is a dog foster parent. Kendra is an avid reader, a fiber artist, dog mom, and enjoys spending time outdoors. She is often spotted at the local library. Kendra received her bachelor's degree in history from Dartmouth College and holds a Master of Education from University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Counseling from University of Massachusetts Boston.
Kendra is also a beloved former client of Jennifer’s.
Key points discussed:
- 1 in 6 struggle with infertility, and rates of anxiety and depression are higher in those men and women
- Everybody’s fertility journey is unique, and feeling isolated is a common thread in those journeys
- Kendra’s fertility journey
- Support is available and how to find reliable and trusted sources of information
- The benefits of group support
- The importance of self-advocating for your care, assembling a team and becoming a partner in your care
- Practical ways to support your mental health day-to-day
- How to find a therapist or mental health provider who is a good fit for you
Resources Mentioned:
- AllPaths Family Building
- Resolve: The National Infertility Association
- Spirit Babies book
- Postpartum Support International
- Psychology Today therapist search
Connect with Kendra:
Connect with Jennifer:
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.