Coming into Form: The Unique Experiences of Practicing Prenatal and Perinatal Therapists

This article presents the results and discussion portions of the author’s dissertation research (submitted in 2009 to the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute) that are relevant to the conversations centered in attribute development of PPN professionals. The author’s dissertation, Prenatal and Perinatal Therapists’ Experiences of the Psycho-therapeutic Alliance: A Mixed Method Exploration, investigated prenatal and perinatal therapists’ experiences of practicing therapy, exploring the unique and common areas of what it is to specialize in this therapeutic modality. Key themes emerged as a result of this doctoral research. By reviewing the findings of this research, the reader will gain greater insight in what are shared experiences in this specialized practice as well as provide a grounding structure to spark further discussion and inquiry that supports the continuing embodiment of the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology.