Host Amy Pelkey speaks with Mandy Wannarka, LICSW, PMH-C, RYT-200, a therapist specializing in supporting mothers and couples through the difficult journey of pregnancy and infant loss, including making the decision to terminate a pregnancy for medical reasons (TFMR).
Mandy shares insights from her career in social work, focusing on her experience with the perinatal population in hospital settings and now in her outpatient mental health practice called Mindful Wellbeing Clinic in Coon Rapids, MN. They discuss the emotional toll of medical terminations, how to make informed decisions, and the importance of finding supportive community and professional resources.
Mandy also introduces therapeutic approaches like EMDR and mindfulness to help individuals process their emotions and build resilience. This episode aims to offer compassionate guidance and a sense of community for healthcare providers and other parents navigating this challenging topic.
00:00 Introduction to a Heartbreaking Decision
00:36 Meet the Host: Amy Pelkey
01:26 Introducing Mandy Wannarka
02:31 Mandy's Journey into Perinatal Support
03:40 Challenges and Transitions in Hospital Settings
04:52 Establishing an Outpatient Mental Health Practice
05:08 Supporting Families with Complex Medical Journeys
09:31 Empowered Boundary Setting
15:43 Navigating Family Dynamics and Unsolicited Opinions
19:37 Returning to Work After a Loss
25:10 Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR
31:55 Unpacking Childhood Trauma
33:18 Addressing Immediate Needs
35:13 Coping Mechanisms and Maladaptive Behaviors
37:21 Navigating Grief in Relationships
44:20 Pharmacological Options and Therapy
48:41 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
54:59 Finding the Right Therapist
57:42 Final Thoughts and Support
Links
Mindful Wellbeing Clinic
199 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Suite 208, Coon Rapids, MN 55433; phone (612) 440-1899; email: hello@mindfulwellbeingmn.com
Postpartum Support International (PPI)
- PSI TFMR Support Groups
- PSI Directory to find a provider
- Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)
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Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website
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