January 19, 2026

467: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Perinatal Mental Health

39 minutes

Today’s focus is on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Our expert guest will help us understand this therapy technique, its processes, and the overarching goal of this method. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Carissa Gustafson, PMH-C, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in perinatal psychology. She supports clients from preconception through parenting, with a particular focus on pregnancy and postpartum care. As the author of Reclaim Your Life: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 7 Weeks, she utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients learn to relate to their thoughts and feelings with acceptance and compassion, while aligning their behavior with their values. Dr. Gustafson sees clients online throughout California and in person at Village Birth, a part of Heartship Psychological Services. In addition to seeing clients, she has been an adjunct professor and clinical faculty at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Gustafson’s path to serving perinatal mental health clients through ACT

Understanding ACT as a therapy technique

The unpredictable nuances of the perinatal journey align perfectly with the core processes of ACT, especially for high-achieving women.

The need to be present with our difficult emotions

Learning to “surf the waves” of emotions and feelings

Compassion is essential because of the shame and blame we put on ourselves.

ACT core processes: mindfulness, acceptance/compassion, cognitive defusion, the observer self, values, and committed/valued action

“Bringing presence to our pain brings peace.”

We don’t want to make an enemy of our internal experiences.

ACT offers a clear path to relief for PMADs if someone is willing to use the techniques.

Psychological health can be improved with flexibility in our thoughts and behaviors.

Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. Advocacy and agency are vital!

Learn more about Dr. Gustafson’s book, training courses, and workbook (get yours for free at Dr. Gustafson's website!)

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Carissa Gustafson: Website, Instagram, and Reclaim Your Life: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 7 Weeks

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.

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By Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

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