people in group therapy listening to a woman speak

Touchstone News

A mother sits on the edge of a bed, holding her child while rubbing her eyes in frustration and fatigue. The baby reaches toward her face, unaware of her emotional state. The image captures a moment of quiet overwhelm.

“Drowning and Exploding at the Same Time”: Reframing Maternal Rage in Clinical Practice

Maternal rage isn’t a diagnosis, it’s a signal. In this post, therapist Nicole McNelis, M.Ed., NCC, LPC, PMH-C, helps us reframe maternal rage as a valid, embodied response to powerlessness and overwhelm. We explore how it shows up in therapy, what research reveals, and what clinicians can do to support clients with practical, evidence-based interventions.

Jun 24 min read

A mother reaches through an incubator to gently touch her premature newborn in the NICU.

Supporting NICU Parents Through Trauma and Transformation

Psychologist Mara Tesler Stein reflects on NICU parenting, trauma, and identity in her Seeing Ability podcast interview. This post highlights key insights for perinatal clinicians and introduces resources for supporting NICU families with compassion and clinical clarity.

May 122 min read

A pregnant client sits in conversation with a therapist in a modern, sunlit counseling office. Both appear engaged in discussion, suggesting a supportive therapeutic environment.

How to Help Perinatal Clients Navigate Psychiatric Medication Decisions

Support clients through perinatal medication decisions with compassion, clarity, and confidence—without stepping out of scope.

Apr 164 min read

Smiling client engaged in conversation with a therapist during a session, representing collaboration and emotional safety.

The Hidden Harm of Traditional Intake: Rethinking How We Welcome Trauma Survivors

How can intake be more than administrative? Explore how trauma-sensitive practices turn the first session into a foundation for healing.

Mar 246 min read

A thoughtful woman wearing glasses and a sweater, sitting at a table with a laptop, appearing deep in reflection.

Should Therapists Share Their Own Experiences? Navigating Self-Disclosure in Therapy

How does a therapist’s lived experience impact their work? Explore self-disclosure, countertransference, and burnout in perinatal therapy.

Mar 105 min read

A therapist in a gray blazer holds a client’s hand while taking notes on a clipboard. The client, wearing a striped shirt, sits beside them, their hands clasped together in support.

Supporting Clients Through Pregnancy Termination for Medical Reasons: What Perinatal Therapists Need to Know

Supporting clients through TFMR requires compassion, knowledge, and legal awareness. Here’s what perinatal therapists need to know.

Feb 245 min read

Beyond the Individual: How Relationship Dynamics Shape Perinatal Mental Health

Discover how understanding relationship dynamics is essential for perinatal therapists, even when working with individual clients.

Feb 115 min read

Decolonizing EMDR: Centering Client Voice and Choice in Trauma Healing

Decolonizing EMDR shifts therapy beyond the individual, addressing systemic trauma and centering client voice, choice, and cultural context.

Feb 55 min read

Introducing EMDR Training in ASL: Advancing Accessibility in Mental Health Education

Discover our first-ever EMDR Training in ASL, designed to advance accessibility and inclusion in mental health education.

Jan 282 min read

Why Identity-Informed Care Matters in Perinatal Mental Health

Explore how culturally responsive, identity-informed care transforms perinatal mental health outcomes for diverse clients and communities.

Jan 204 min read

Same Self-Paced Series, New Training Titles

We've recently renamed our two self-paced training series to make it crystal clear what each course section offers.

Apr 1, 20242 min read

Mara's course is coming to the Spanish Institute of EMDR (ahora en Español)!

Mara has been invited to bring her training to the Spanish Institute of EMDR!

Feb 20, 20241 min read

Gratitude and Growth: Reflecting on a Transformative Year

2023 was a year of gratitude, growth, and heartfelt connections. Join us in celebrating a transformative journey!

Jan 4, 20241 min read

Help us heal Israeli and Palestinian trauma through EMDR

The Touchstone Institute is donating 25% of each new registration for these self-paced courses to EMDR 4 Peace...

Nov 8, 20231 min read

Free Four Blinks Trauma Training in Hebrew, Arabic, and English

This past weekend, fellow therapist and Touchstone facilitator, Thomas Zimmerman generously hosted an impromptu Four Blinks training...

Oct 13, 20232 min read

EMDR Therapy, Demystified

Discover the healing impact of EMDR therapy on early traumas through Kate White's interview with Mara Tesler Stein.

May 23, 20234 min read

5 Key Takeaways from Connecting the Rainbow: Healing Perinatal Trauma

Discover Jana Glass's course on perinatal trauma healing, with Dr. Peifer's insights on diverse families.

Apr 19, 20232 min read

Building Empathy and Trust: Supporting NICU Parents on Their Emotional Journey

Join our NICU Parenting course to support families in their emotional journey, guided by experts Mara Tesler Stein & Deborah L. Davis.

Apr 17, 20232 min read