Melisa Schuster, LMSW

About Melisa Schuster

Education and Training:

• Master’s in Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, December 1994
• B.A. Psychology, cum laude, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH, June 1985
• L.M.S.W. (Licensed Master’s Social Worker), State of MI, 2001
• A.C.S.W., Academy of Certified Social Workers, June 2001
• Certified Addictions Counselor, Level II, June 1993
• Certified Childbirth Educator (BirthWorks), September 1998
• E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Level II, April 2005
• Dynamic Facilitation Training, September 2007

Experience:

• Private Practice, Specializing in treatment of perinatal mood disorders, traumatic birth, childbearing losses, and child guidance.
  October 2001 – Present
• Individual and Family Therapist, Specializing in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and play therapy for victims, perpetrators, and non-offending parents of physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and domestic violence in an outpatient setting.
  January 1994 – March 2001
• Substance Abuse Counselor, Specializing in culturally sensitive substance abuse treatment and prevention services for adolescents, women, and impaired drivers in residential, hospital, and outpatient settings.
  February 1990 – December 1993
• Community Development Agent, U.S. Peace Corps, Senegal, West Africa.
  January 1987 – May 1989

Teaching:

• Postpartum Depression: Melisa trains doctors, nurses, childbirth educators, doulas, La Leche League leaders, parents and expectant parents about postpartum depression. Topics include: Postpartum Depression, The Myths of Motherhood, Counseling Skills for Doulas, and Making Effective Referrals.
• Grand Rounds: Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Postpartum Depression.
  September 1, 2005
• Conference Speaker:
  • NASW-MI Conference, Ann Arbor, MI: “The Myths of Motherhood: Innovative Treatment Strategies for Treating Postpartum Depression.”
    May 19, 2006
  • MI-AIMH Conference, Ann Arbor, MI: “The Myths of Motherhood: Innovative Treatment Strategies for Treating Postpartum Depression.”
    May 7, 2007
  • Midwifery Today Conference, Ann Arbor, MI: Positive Coping: Helping Survivors Self-Soothe without Substance Abuse or Harmful Behaviors.
    May 10, 2008
  • Midwives Alliance of North America, Traverse City, MI: “Postpartum Depression and the Myths of Motherhood.”
    October 18, 2008
  • MI-AIMH Conference, Ann Arbor, MI: “Self-Soothing Skills for Mothers: Managing the Intrusive Symptoms of PTSD.”
    May, 2009

Community Service:

• Co-Founder and Facilitator of Postpartum Depression Support Group of the Greater Ann Arbor Area.
  October 2002 – Present
• President of the Board of Directors of the Center for the Childbearing Year.
  February 2003 – November 2006

Publications:

• Author of monthly articles for the Livingston Parent Journal on topics related to attachment parenting.
  May 2005 – December 2006
• “Postpartum Adjustment: A Guide for New Mothers (PDF).” Self-published and distributed through area hospital discharge packets, doctor’s offices, childbirth education classes.
  Copyright 2002