On May 10th, we had the pleasure of hosting Julie Bindeman, PsyD, for our first Tuesday Tea with Touchstone! As a reproductive psychology expert, Dr. Bindeman shared valuable insights into the impact of abortion access in the US on clients and practitioners, as well as resources for continuing education and support.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Dr. Bindeman's presentation:
Abortion access is not just a political issue, but a mental health issue.
The recent wave of restrictive abortion laws in the US can have a chilling effect and providers need to be aware of how this can impact clients as well as their own emotional well-being. Every client may be impacted differently, and it's crucial for practitioners to remain attuned to their specific needs and circumstances.
How do we regulate our emotions when discussing abortion with clients? It's important to have a clear sense of what you can say as a therapist, what level of risk you're comfortable with, and to have a supportive network of colleagues to turn to for guidance.
Reproductive health is a continuum.
Practitioners must be equipped to support clients throughout the full spectrum of reproductive experiences - not just occurrences during pregnancy and postpartum, but prior to conception as well; and this may include abortion care.
The legal landscape surrounding abortion care is everchanging.
Laws related to reproductive health vary widely by state and can be complex and change quickly. Staying informed about the legal landscape in your area can help you be prepared to provide appropriate support when needed.
Dr. Bindeman shared a wealth of resources reproductive health and abortion access where you can keep up to date on the current climate:
Dr. Bindeman is currently writing a book on reproductive psychology, set to be released in 2024. She also offers a year-long course on reproductive psychology for providers looking to expand their knowledge and skills in this area.
We are grateful to Dr. Bindeman for sharing her expertise and resources with our Touchstone community!
Looking to continue the conversation and connect with other providers? Don't miss our next Tuesday Tea on May 23, 2023 with Suna Clinchard, LMFT, PMH-C!