327: Mothering Without a Mother with Dr. Olivia Wedel, LPC, NCC, PMH-C

Mom and Mind

The grief process can be messy and unpredictable, and it can vary widely from person to person and through the different phases of life. Grief comes up in multiple, unexpected ways in the motherhood journey when you have already lost your mother. Join us to hear a personal story of motherhood and mother loss from today’s guest.

Dr. Olivia Wedel is a licensed professional counselor in Texas. After almost 17 years working in the mental health field, Dr. Olivia started her private practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and she enjoys working with students as a permanent adjunct faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at TCU. In addition to postpartum and maternal mental health counseling, she offers non-clinical perinatal support services and postpartum planning for families, psychoeducation and support for parents with children ages 1-3, and community and provider education on perinatal mental health. She is a trained facilitator for the Circle of Security Parenting Intervention Program and is a certified provider for Mother Loss Grief Training.

Show Highlights:

• Dr. Olivia’s personal experience of motherhood later in life after losing her mom while in her 20s
• Blindsided at her son’s birth by joy, love, and grief for the loss of her mother
• Feeling the paradox of motherhood joy and disorienting grief at the same time
• Common feelings that come up in mothering without a mother
• “Disenfranchised grief”--what it is and how it manifests itself
• Feelings that can lead to postpartum anxiety and depression
• Validating values through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Managing the motherhood journey without a loving, supportive mother
• Dr. Olivia’s approach with clients whose mother is still alive–but there is not a healthy, supportive relationship
• The importance of education and supportive resources for parents
• The goal is to reduce the stigma and encourage parents and providers to reach out for support.

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Olivia Wedel: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!