Supporting New Dads: Effective Treatment Approaches-Webinar Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation focused on paternal mental health, particularly supporting new dads and dads with young children. Hosted by NYSL, which offers continuing education for psychologists, the session highlighted the challenges new fathers face, such as postpartum depression, despite limited DSM criteria for diagnosing it in men. The speaker emphasized that all new dads experience significant life changes, which can affect their mental health, as evidenced by the experience of a client named John, who developed severe anxiety and depression after his child's birth. Key factors contributing to paternal mental health issues include difficult birthing experiences, lack of social support, and financial stress. Treatment approaches such as motivational interviewing, ACT, CBT, DBT, and others were recommended, focusing on validating emotions, addressing core beliefs, and practicing communication skills. The presentation advocated for increasing awareness and support systems for new fathers, highlighting that partners often play a crucial role in encouraging men to seek help. Group therapy was also suggested as beneficial for providing support and encouraging behavioral activation among new fathers.

Keywords

paternal mental health

new dads

postpartum depression

DSM criteria

motivational interviewing

CBT

social support

financial stress

group therapy