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Melisa Schuster, LMSW
psychotherapy for the childbearing years
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:
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
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