Trends and Influences in Pre- and Perinatal Psychology A Summary

The field of pre- and perinatal psychology (PPN) is informed by the work of many individuals, therapeutic and academic communities, and scientific achievements. Trends and influences on the field itself can be divided into several main categories: origins, historical threads, formal channels, legitimizing scientific studies and approaches, and finally, integration of therapeutic approaches. It is difficult to put all of these influences in one chronological chart; it is more like they weave together to form a tapestry. The road to the present has been long and winding, and hard to capture, although colorful. The pioneering individuals who have carried this paradigm since its beginning are to be congratulated. The one idea for the reader to grasp from this paper is that therapies, approaches, and teachings are now integrating into a much smoother array of healing and educational tools.