#18 - Alex Steric: birth trauma, postpartum countertransference, and private practice myths

In this conversation, we speak with Alex Steric, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. We discuss Alex's journey into private practice, her focus on postpartum mental health, and the therapeutic technique of brain spotting. Alex shares insights on birth trauma, the importance of recognizing dual experiences in motherhood, and the challenges therapists face with countertransference. We also explore the nuances of referring clients to specialists, assessing postpartum mental health, and the importance of supporting fellow therapists in their practice. Alex emphasizes the need to overcome gatekeeping in private practice and offers practical advice on marketing, networking, and setting fees for therapy services. https://alexstericlcsw.com/ @thriveafterbabywithalex @alexstericlcsw Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Postpartum Therapy 04:35 Understanding Brain Spotting 07:45 The Process of Brain Spotting 10:41 Exploring Birth Trauma 13:40 The Impact of Birth Trauma on Mothers 16:36 Misconceptions in Postpartum Care 19:31 Countertransference in Therapy 22:38 Self-Care for Therapists 25:34 When to Refer to a Specialist 26:53 Navigating Perinatal Mental Health Specialties 30:38 Assessment Tools for Postpartum Challenges 34:08 Referrals and Finding the Right Fit 35:10 The Impact of Untreated Birth Trauma 37:42 Supporting Therapists: Supervision and Coaching 40:43 Debunking Myths in Private Practice 42:04 Building a Client Base: Marketing and Networking 45:40 Setting Fees for Therapy Services 48:58 Future Aspirations: Hiring Associates