Perinatal Mental Health & PMADs: Understanding & Supporting Clients

Onsite Learning Programme

Build confidence in recognising and supporting PMADs.

Grounded in current perinatal mental health research, this CPD offers practical tools for immediate clinical use, integrates trauma- and attachment-informed approaches, and is facilitated by a specialist in perinatal psychotherapy.

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Programme Type: The college will issue a certificate of attendance to those who take this workshop.

CPD: 6 hours
Next Intakes: 5th September

NFQ: N/A
ECTS: N/A

Academic Validation: N/A

Professional Accreditation: N/A

Overview

Introduction

A one‑day applied workshop providing mental health professionals with evidence‑based skills to assess, understand, and support clients experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Perinatal mental health difficulties are common yet often under‑recognised. Many practitioners feel unsure how to assess risk, differentiate PMADs, or support clients experiencing distress during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This workshop provides a grounded, compassionate introduction to perinatal mental health, helping therapists respond with confidence, sensitivity and clinical awareness.

Who Should Apply

Primary

  • Psychotherapists and Counsellors
  • Trainee therapists
  • Perinatal mental health practitioners
  • Mental health professionals working with women, couples, or family transitions
  • Midwives, PHN’s and primary care professionals

Secondary

  • Coaches or support workers in perinatal mental health, reproductive health, or women’s wellbeing
  • Professionals in related fields (e.g., doulas & birth support professionals)

Course Structure

Overview
  • Full day in person workshop (class room based).
  • Case‑based learning and real-world scenarios.
  • Practical assessment tools and intervention templates.
  • Space for personal reflection and professional integration.
  • Certificate of completion and CPD hours (if applicable).
Course themes
  • Overview of PMADs.
  • Emotional and psychological transitions in pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Matrescence and identity transformation.
  • Birth trauma, medical experiences and relational impacts.
  • Assessment, formulation and intervention.
  • Risk, safeguarding and referral pathways.
Key learner outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the spectrum of PMADs and their presentation. 
  • Recognise common presentations, risk factors and protective factors. 
  • Explore the emotional, relational and identity-based shifts of Matrescence. 
  • Have a greater understanding for clients experiencing birth trauma, anxiety, depression and other transitions of the perinatal period. 
  • Apply evidence-based interventions to support clients. 
  • Identify when referral, collaboration or additional support may be appropriate. 
Assessment

N/A

Validation and Accreditation of Award

Certificate of attendance

CPD: 6 hours

Credits

N/A

Start Dates

2026

Venue

This workshop will take place onsite IICP College, Killinarden, Dublin 24

Programme Lecturers

Linda Bolger

Course Fees

Cost:

  • €95.00 ( 3 for 2 summer series discount, (15% Discount for IICP Students/ Alumni and VCS Counsellors)

Expert Programme Facilitator

Linda Bolger

Linda is a fully qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist with a Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy. She also holds a Professional Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a Level 9 Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health. Linda is an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

Linda specialises in all areas of women’s health – working with women with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to the following: Preconception & Fertility, Infertility, IVF & Assisted Reproduction, Pregnancy, Miscarriage & Loss, Traumatic Birth, Post Natal Anxiety, Post Natal Depression, Transition to Motherhood, Perimenopause & Menopause, Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Self Esteem & Confidence.

Linda is an EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional and offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions.

Linda also holds a Level 9 Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education and lectures part time on the Degree Programme in IICP and also offers workshops, training and talks in Fertility & Perinatal Mental Health.

Take the next step
APPLY NOW

+353 (0)1 661 0168

[email protected]

IICP College Office

+353 (0)1 4664205

©IICP.ie 2026. IICP Education and Training Unlimited Company trading as IICP College registered in Ireland under number 413668 with its registered office at IICP College, Killinarden Enterprise Park, Tallaght, Dublin D24 TKC7.