Post-traumatic stress disorder is a diagnosis discussed frequently for families navigating the NICU. A family’s personal journey can also cause strain on marriage and a change in family dynamics with siblings at home. We will be speaking about these important topics today with Kellie Wicklund and Jenny Limm. Kellie Wicklund is a licensed Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience, and is the Owner and Clinical Director of the Maternal Wellness Center. Kellie is certified by Postpartum Support International as a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist. Her experience with both private and community clients has nurtured a passion in the area of reproductive health psychology — a specialty that acknowledges the complexity and trials of the developmental process of parenthood. Jenny is a marriage and family therapist, with specialization in sex therapy holding both a masters degree from Drexel University’s Couple and Family Therapy Program and Widener University’s Master of Education in Human Sexuality. She is currently a PhD candidate at Widener University to officially become a sex-doctor, as a clinical sexologist. Prior to this specialization in sex therapy, Jenny had extensive experience working with teens and families in crisis, as a lead clinician at a adolescent psychiatric hospital (both inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs), as well as lead therapist in family based services in Philadelphia. 

On this podcast episode:

• Kelly and Jenny discuss Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, among NICU families, and what that actually means

• You will hear information about how to know if you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

• Knowing the NICU experience is traumatic, as parents, we will find out how not to transfer that anxiety and feelings of trauma to our own children as they are babies and grow older.

• With our personal story, we have always been very protective of Claire probably out of fear and just all that we have navigated through to help her feel successful. Kelly and Jenny will share what they tell parents to help them feel empowered to let go even a little bit.

• We talk about siblings in a home with medically fragile children, and what that has looked like with families Kelly and Jenny have helped.

• You will hear about how parents can include the child who does not have special needs.

• We discuss how trauma can impact a marriage or partnership.

• Kelly and Jenny share the signs that a family may need counseling.

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