The Impact of Language: Improving Outcomes for Those Affected by Perinatal Psychosis

Expert Training with Teresa Twomey, MFA, JD, Survivor-Leader & Advocate

The Perinatal Mental Health Institute presents this powerful 90-minute training on how language shapes outcomes for those affected by perinatal psychosis, led by Teresa Twomey, MFA, JD, survivor-leader with over 20 years of maternal mental health advocacy experience.

Why This Training Matters:

The language we choose when discussing perinatal psychosis doesn't just describe the condition—it actively shapes whether someone seeks help, receives appropriate care, or suffers from stigma. Current language practices contribute to delayed diagnoses, complicated recovery processes, harmful stereotypes, and increased stigma. This training provides tools to transform communication and improve outcomes.

What You'll Learn:

✨ How current language practices impact diagnosis and treatment seeking

✨ The connection between terminology and recovery processes

✨ Alternatives to problematic terminology in clinical and public settings

✨ Twomey's three-question framework for evaluating language

✨ Practical applications across clinical documentation and public communications

✨ Tools for recognizing and addressing language issues in your work environment

✨ Evidence-based approaches to reducing stigma through improved communication

Training Format:

This recorded 90-minute webinar provides comprehensive examination of language surrounding perinatal psychosis, from research definitions to media representation. The training synthesizes insights from hundreds of interactions with survivors and families, conversations with leading authorities, and scholarly research.

Who This Training Is For:

This session is valuable for all professionals working with perinatal mental health, including:

🌿 Mental health practitioners

🌿 Healthcare providers

🌿 Media professionals

🌿 Researchers and academics

🌿 Public health advocates

🌿 Anyone communicating about perinatal psychosis

About Your Instructor:

Teresa Twomey, MFA, JD, is a survivor-leader with over 20 years of maternal mental health advocacy experience and lived experience of postpartum psychosis, OCD, PTSD, and depression. She is the author of "Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: A Temporary Madness" and founder of the first and largest Facebook support group for those affected by perinatal psychosis, supporting over 1,200 people. Her work spans talks and trainings at hospitals and universities, television and radio appearances, conference presentations, and a TEDx talk. Each year PSI-CT presents the "Teresa Twomey Award" in recognition of her advocacy impact.

What's Included:

✨ 90-minute recorded training

✨ Certificate of attendance

✨ Language evaluation framework

✨ Implementation resources

Transform your communication about perinatal psychosis to reduce stigma and improve outcomes. This training will equip you with evidence-based tools to ensure your language is accurate, helpful, and compassionate—ultimately supporting better care and recovery for those affected.