Expanding the Clinical Lens with Perinatal Loss Clients: Postpartum Care, Matrescence, and Moral Injury
Presenter: Ricci Howell, LCSW, PMH-C
Date: October 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM MDT
Format: Live, synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers, Medical Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Certificates Available: ASWB/ACE, AASECT, THGI
Course Description
Perinatal loss is frequently conceptualized through the lenses of grief and trauma. While these frameworks are foundational, they often do not fully encompass the clinical complexities clients experience following pregnancy or infant loss. This presentation expands clinicians’ conceptualization of perinatal loss by examining three often-overlooked considerations: postpartum care, matrescence, and moral injury. Participants will examine how these considerations can inform assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning. The primary goal of this training is for attendees to gain an expanded framework for providing comprehensive, evidence-informed care to clients experiencing perinatal loss.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Identify at least three postpartum care considerations that may influence the clinical presentation and treatment needs of clients following perinatal loss.
Describe the concepts of matrescence and moral injury and explain their relevance to the experience of perinatal loss.
Apply an expanded clinical framework that integrates postpartum care, matrescence, and moral injury into case conceptualization and treatment planning for clients experiencing perinatal loss.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This training presents a limited amount of information and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians who desire additional depth are encouraged to seek out supplemental resources and peer-reviewed literature on this topic. Some content is based on emerging research that has not yet reached full consensus in the peer-reviewed literature, and the evidence base may have limitations in generalizability across diverse populations, cultures, and practice settings; the content reflects information available at the time of its development, and practitioners are encouraged to stay current with evolving research and regulatory standards. Delivered via an online platform, this training carries no anticipated risks beyond those typically associated with online learning environments, though it may not replicate the full interactivity of in-person instruction, and participants may encounter discomfort as they explore sensitive topics or are asked to challenge existing beliefs and practices. Benefits include an increased understanding of postpartum care, matrescence, and moral injury and the ability to apply this knowledge in professional practice; attendees will gain foundational knowledge and practical skills that build upon their existing training, supporting compassionate, inclusive care and the ongoing development of professional competencies that improve services to the public.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training incorporates case examples and discussion that reflect diverse populations and lived experiences, and addresses how systemic inequities and social determinants of health may impact the populations clinicians serve, including disparities in access to mental health services and their effect on underserved and marginalized communities. It incorporates perspectives from communities directly impacted by the topics discussed and addresses how multiple identity factors can intersect to compound experiences of discrimination, trauma, or barriers to care. Participants are invited to reflect on how their own cultural background and professional training may influence their clinical practice, and the training supports the development of culturally humble, ongoing self-reflective practice and the use of inclusive, affirming, non-stigmatizing language, along with strategies for providing culturally responsive and affirming care across diverse client populations.
Course Content
This training presents intermediate-level content that builds upon existing clinical knowledge and practical experience. It covers evidence-based assessment and intervention methods relevant to perinatal loss, grounded in current research and peer-reviewed literature, with particular attention to trauma-informed approaches and their application in practice. Content is delivered through lecture and didactic instruction, large group discussion and facilitated dialogue, and case study review and analysis, along with a live question-and-answer session with the presenter.
Relevance
This training addresses content directly applicable to social work clinical practice, including assessment, intervention, and treatment planning, and builds upon foundational knowledge gained through a completed graduate-level degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field. It addresses ethical responsibilities and standards as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics and covers content related to psychological assessment and intervention methods supported by current peer-reviewed scientific evidence, as well as human behavior and the social environment. The training addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as they relate to social work and mental health practice, and is relevant to clinicians working with specific populations, including children and families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing substance use or mental health challenges. It addresses trauma-informed care and its application across practice settings, reflects current peer-reviewed research and best practices, and prepares participants to better navigate the intersection of mental health practice with medical, legal, educational, and other systems. This training is relevant to professionals across mental health disciplines, including licensed social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
About the Presenter
Ricci Howell, LCSW, PMH-C, is a licensed clinical social worker and Postpartum Support International-certified perinatal mental health specialist at The Healing Group, where she works with birthing individuals prior to pregnancy and throughout the postpartum experience. Her background includes several years in the medical field, giving her particular familiarity with medical trauma, crisis, and the grief that accompanies loss. She provides trauma-informed, compassion-centered care grounded in empirically supported approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and strengths-based and person-centered modalities. Ricci holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Psychology from Brigham Young University.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Lecture and didactic instruction with live Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
Commercial Support & Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No commercial entity has provided funding or support for this course. Ricci Howell has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
ASWB ACE Statement:
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA:
H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.
AASECT ST:
E. Principles of consultation, collaboration, and referral.
F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.