“Mental health and physical health can’t be separated.” – Julie Cardoza

For many women, the first signs of perimenopause aren’t hot flashes or irregular cycles; they’re mental health changes like anxiety, burnout, irritability, and brain fog. In the conventional medical system, these symptoms are often treated in isolation, without anyone connecting the dots between hormonal shifts, nervous system regulation, and the overall health picture. This is where mental health professionals have a huge opportunity to step in and make a difference.

By asking the right questions and being willing to listen without rushing to “fix,” you can uncover the physiological changes that may be contributing to your clients’ mental and emotional symptoms. The reality is that up to 85% of women in midlife are also dealing with other chronic conditions like pain, fatigue, dysautonomia, or gut issues, all of which can impact mental health. Understanding these mind-body connections is key to providing effective, compassionate, and comprehensive care.

Today, I’m joined by Julie Cardoza, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, a Polyvagal Theory Specialist, and a graduate of our Perimenopause and Menopause Coaching program. Julie integrates trauma-informed mental health care with holistic menopause support, helping clients feel truly heard while taking a holistic approach to their health.

In this episode, Julie and I discuss the intersection of mental health and women’s health during perimenopause and menopause, the importance of integrating hormonal health knowledge into clinical practice, recognizing mind-body connections, providing holistic, trauma-informed care, Julie’s RADIANT framework, why we need more interdisciplinary collaboration, how we can better support women navigating their midlife transitions, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

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Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/why-we-need-more-perimenopause-professionals-in-mental-health-with-julie-cardoza-ms-lmft-and-iwhi-graduate/.

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