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Centering Humanity in Postpartum Care: Supporting Neurodivergent Parents Through Presence and Connection

Brenda Santos, LPC, LMHC
Clarissa Attara, PhD, LPC
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Description

This presentation explores the intersection of neurodivergence (particularly ADHD) and postpartum mental health, examining how counselors can center humanity by recognizing and honoring the unique experiences of neurodivergent parents. Drawing from both research and lived experience, we will examine how traditional postpartum screening and support models may miss or misinterpret neurodivergent presentations, leading to gaps in care during a vulnerable period. Participants will learn to adapt their therapeutic presence to better serve neurodivergent clients, moving beyond pathology-focused approaches to embrace strengths-based, person-centered care that prioritizes connection, belonging, and authentic presence. Special attention will be given to the compounding effects of the pandemic on healthcare access and postpartum support systems, and how counselors can bridge these gaps through intentional, humanizing practice.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least three ways neurodivergent traits (particularly ADHD) may present differently or be masked during the postpartum period, distinguishing these from typical postpartum mood and anxiety symptoms.

  • Apply at least two strength-based therapeutic adaptations that center the humanity and lived experience of neurodivergent postpartum clients, moving beyond deficit-focused models.

  • Describe how pandemic-related healthcare access barriers disproportionately impacted neurodivergent individuals seeking postpartum care and identify strategies for addressing these ongoing systemic gaps.

  • Implement culturally responsive practices that honor neurodivergent ways of being while fostering therapeutic presence, connection, and belonging in postpartum counseling settings.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is for participants to learn how neurodivergent traits (particularly ADHD) may present differently or be masked during the postpartum period, and will apply strengths-based therapeutic adaptations that center the humanity and lived experience of neurodivergent postpartum clients while addressing pandemic-era barriers to healthcare access.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Brenda Santos, LPC, LMHC
Brenda Santos, PhD Student, MBA, LPC, LCADC, SAP CCS, ACS, NCC, EMDR-Trained expertise spans trauma-informed care, substance use, anxiety, and depression—particularly in adolescent and adult populations. Her dual licensure and multiple advanced certifications (CCS, ACS, NCC) reflect her deep commitment to clinical excellence and her ability to lead and develop high-quality behavioral health programs. Her programmatic leadership is informed by her training in EMDR and a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
Clarissa Attara, PhD, LPC
Dr. Clarissa Mulligan Attara (she/her), Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania, aLicensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC) in New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York. Dr. Attara is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). She has her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Attara has experience as a clinical director in New Jersey at substance use treatment facilities and as a supervisor in adolescent mental health facilities. She also is as a co-owner of Grace and Healing Psychotherapy, a group practice providing individual counseling services to adolescents, adults,families and couples. Aside from addictions, she specializes in trauma and with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. Most recently she has sought trainings in couples work with EFCT, and treating neurodivergence within the maternal mental health realm. Dr. Attara is certifiedin EMDR and is a Consultant-In-Training with EMDRIA. She is trained in a fairly new therapy: Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). She is a trainer at the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN) in the Clinical Training and Workforce Development department. Dr. Attara is an adjunct faculty member in the MACP program at Yorkville University. She has presented at the national and international level and is working on several publications related to multicultural and addictions topics.  

Financially Sponsored By

  • New Jersey Counseling Association (NJCA)