In the world of maternal mental health, Dr. Shaenor Ishmael stands out with her specialized focus and empathetic approach. With years of experience and personal journey shaping her practice, she prioritizes creating a non-judgmental space for women facing the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Inspired by her own experiences as a mother and driven by the need to fill a gap in support for families, Dr. Shaenor’s practice is not just a profession, but a passion rooted in empowering women through one of the most transformative periods of their lives.
Join her in celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the women who inspire her, and gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship as she shares her best advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs. Connect with Dr. Shaenor online and discover the nurturing environment she provides for women’s mental health at Inspired Counseling Center.
What makes your approach unique?
Dr. Shaenor: What makes my approach unique is my specialized focus on maternal mental health, which has been honed over years of experience, training, and my personal journey. As a therapist, I have dedicated my practice to supporting women through the challenges they face before becoming pregnant, during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
My own experiences as a mother have deeply informed my approach. It has given me a profound understanding of the complexities of maternal mental health. These experiences have made me more empathetic and attuned to the unique struggles that individuals can encounter.
In my practice, I prioritize creating a non-judgmental space where women can openly share their thoughts and feelings. I use evidence-based practices tailored to the specific needs of each individual, recognizing that every person’s journey is different.
I also emphasize the importance of self-care and coping strategies, helping women develop tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. By integrating my professional expertise with my personal experiences, I strive to offer a holistic approach that addresses the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of maternal mental health.
Overall, my approach is characterized by empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to supporting women through every step of their journey.
What was the inspiration behind starting your practice?
Dr. Shaenor: The inspiration behind starting my practice was deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences as a mother. Becoming a mother myself was a transformative journey, particularly with the challenges I faced having a child at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and during my second pregnancy and delivery. The traumatic experience of delivering a baby at 27 weeks gestation and spending multiple months in the NICU with my youngest child was a pivotal moment for me. It opened my eyes to the immense emotional strain that parents face when their child is in intensive care, and I realized there was a significant gap in support for families navigating this journey.
Witnessing the emotional rollercoaster, the stress, and the overwhelming feelings that parents in the NICU experienced, I felt compelled to do something to help. I wanted to provide a safe space where mothers like myself could receive the support and guidance they needed to navigate the complexities of maternal mental health. Drawing from my background in mental health therapy, I decided to specialize in maternal mental health, knowing firsthand the unique challenges that mothers face during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
My own journey through motherhood, especially the difficulties surrounding my youngest child’s NICU stay, inspired me to create resources like the NICU journal. I wanted to offer something tangible to help other parents cope with the stress and uncertainty of the NICU experience, knowing how valuable such support would have been for me during that challenging time.
Ultimately, my practice is not just a profession; it’s a passion born out of my own struggles and triumphs as a mother. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where women feel heard, understood, and empowered to prioritize their mental health during one of the most transformative periods of their lives.
It’s Women’s History month. Name two women that you look up to. Why?
Dr. Shaenor: As a maternal mental health therapist, I deeply admire my mother for her unwavering drive and dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges, she always prioritized her family’s well-being and worked tirelessly to provide us with a loving and stable home. Her resilience and selflessness have been a constant source of inspiration for me, shaping the way I approach my work and personal life.
Additionally, Michelle Obama’s advocacy for women’s rights, education, and health is deeply inspiring to me as a maternal mental health therapist. Her commitment to these causes reflects a deep understanding of the importance of these issues in creating a better world for everyone, particularly women and children. Her grace and intelligence are evident in the way she navigates complex issues with poise and thoughtfulness, setting an example of effective leadership and advocacy.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Dr. Shaenor: My best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs is to stay true to your vision and values, even in the face of challenges. Starting and growing a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its share of obstacles and setbacks. It’s important to have a clear understanding of why you’re pursuing your entrepreneurial venture and what you hope to achieve.
Additionally, surround yourself with a strong support network of mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Building relationships with others in your industry can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Stay focused on your goals, stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
Connect online: @dr.shaenor
Website: https://www.inspiredcounselingcenter.com/
