EPDS: When and how to use it,

acceptability and psychosocial risk factors


by Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). Vic

An assessment package to increase knowledge and skill in identifying perinatal mood disturbance using the EPDS.


Learning Outcomes:

  • How to effectively use the EPDS
  • Interpreting scores and giving feedback
  • How to implement the EPDS into routine care
  • Acceptability of using the EPDS
  • Assessment of broader psychosocial risk factors
  • Risk assessment
  • The addition of a formal diagnostic assessment for depression or anxiety
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral



Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness

This half day workshop is targeted at:

  • GPs
  • Midwives
  • Maternal Child Health Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers


For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Identification, Assessment and Management of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression

by Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). Vic


An assessment package to increase knowledge and skill in identifying anxiety and depression in the perinatal period.


Learning Outcomes:

  • Symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety
  • What tools are available
  • Differential diagnosis
  • Management plan including treatment options
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral


Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

This half day workshop is targeted at:

  • GPs
  • Midwives
  • Maternal Child Health Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers


For more information:
Contact: Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



How to Assess the Interaction Between Mother and Baby.

by Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) . Vic.

An assessment package to increase knowledge and skill in identifying difficulties in the interaction between mother and baby and attachment difficulties.


Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding attachment and elements of a interaction
  • What tools are available
  • Interpreting scores and giving feedback
  • What to look for in a positive relationship
  • What to look for in a troubled interaction
  • Factors that influence interaction
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral


Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness

This half day workshop is targeted at:

  • GPs
  • Midwives
  • Maternal Child Health Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers


For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Neurobehavioural Assessment of Preterm & Newborn Infants

by Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). Vic

A package to increase knowledge and skill in neurobehavioural assessement of preterm and newborn infants.


Learning Outcomes:

  • What tools are available
  • Interpreting scores and giving feedback


Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness


This half day workshop is targeted at:

  • GPs
  • Midwives
  • Maternal Child Health Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers


For more information:
Contact: Carol Newnham on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: carol.newnham@austin.org.au



Infant Mental Health

by Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). Vic

An advanced module on infant mental health.


Learning Outcomes:

  • What to look for in normal attachment and development
  • What to look for in a troubled interaction
  • Assessing infant mental health in the context of relationships
  • Case studies
  • Intervention approaches.


Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness


This half or one day workshop is targeted at:

  • GPs
  • Midwives
  • Maternal Child Health Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers


For more information:
Contact: Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au






Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression Group Program

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). VIC

An intervention package to provide skills in treating women diagnosed with postnatal depression using a well-established 12-week group CBT approach. Ideal for practitioner with CBT training.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Principles of CBT
  • Understanding risk factors and maintaining factors associated with PND
  • Model of PND
  • Behavioural interventions
  • Cognitive interventions
  • Managing group dynamics
  • Including fathers
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral



This full day introductory workshop is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Nurses with CBT experience

with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the group program.
Program effectiveness evaluated through RCT & published

Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Beating the Blues Before Birth

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC


An intervention package to provide skills in treating women diagnosed with antenatal depression using an 8-session CBT approach.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Principles of CBT
  • Understanding risk factors and maintaining factors associated with antenatal depression (AND)
  • Model of AND
  • Behavioural interventions
  • Cognitive interventions
  • Including fathers
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral


This full day introductory workshop with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the group program is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Nurses with counselling experience


Currently being piloted and evaluated as part of a research grant.
Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Overcoming Depression

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

A 6-week counselling program with some CBT strategies to provide skills in treating women diagnosed with postnatal depression. Designed for MCHN to implement.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding risk factors and maintaining factors associated with PND
  • Psychological formulations to understand PND; problem-solving; goal-setting
  • Exploring thoughts and feelings
  • Basic CBT interventions and counselling
  • One partner’s session
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral


Full day introductory workshop and ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the counselling program targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Maternal & Child Health Nurses


It has been piloted and evaluated as part of a research grant.
Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Counselling Women with PND

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

A 12-week counselling program to provide skills in treating women diagnosed with postnatal depression.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding risk factors and maintaining factors associated with PND
  • sychological formulations to understand PND; problem-solving; goal-setting
  • Exploring thoughts and feelings
  • Basic counselling and problem solving skills
  • Three couple sessions
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral



This full day introductory workshop with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the counselling program is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Maternal & Child Health Nurses


It has been piloted and evaluated as part of a RCT and found to be highly effective in reducing depression. Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



A GP Guide to Managing or Treating Postnatal Depression

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

A skills-based intervention package including counselling skills, mental health first aid and care planning in managing women diagnosed with antenatal or postnatal depression.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Screening, assessment and diagnosis
  • Risk and maintaining factors associated with PND
  • Understanding PND
  • Supportive counselling informed by CBT
  • Principles of CBT (advanced workshop)
  • Basic CBT interventions (advanced workshop)
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral



This one hour introductory, individual or group session, half or full day advanced workshop is targeted at:

  • General Practitioners


It has been piloted and evaluated as part of a research grant.
Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au




A Nurse’s Guide to Managing Perinatal Depression

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

A skills-based introduction to PND including assessment, counselling skills, and care planning guide in managing women diagnosed with antenatal or postnatal depression.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Screening, assessment and diagnosis
  • Risk and maintaining factors associated with PND
  • Understanding PND
  • Supportive counselling informed by CBT (advanced workshop)
  • Case examples and trouble-shooting
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral


This one hour introductory, individual or group session, half or full day advanced workshop is targeted at:

  • Midwives
  • Maternal & Child Health Nurses


Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Toward Parenthood: Preparing for the Changes and Challenges of a New Baby

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

An antenatal intervention package to provide skills in assisting women, men or couples to prepare for the challenges of a new baby.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Models of life transition
  • Understanding risk factors and maintaining factors associated with perinatal mood disturbance
  • Coping skills based on CBT
  • Increasing support networks and pathways to care
  • Common feelings for Mothers To Be
  • What do babies need?
  • Toward fatherhood and communication
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral



This full day introductory workshop with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the program is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Midwives


This has been piloted and evaluated as part of a research grant and is published by ACER and available in all good book shops. Counselling manual available.
Workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Developing Relationships, Fostering Attachment following PND

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

An introductory package to provide an understanding of difficulties in mother-infant attachment in the context of perinatal depression, anxiety or trauma and approaches to strengthen relationships.


Learning Outcomes:

  • Evidence of link between postnatal depression and mother-infant difficulties
  • Theories for understanding mother-infant difficulties
  • Observational skills of the infant and dyadic relationship
  • Working with the dyadic relationship to build trusting relationships
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral


This half or full day workshop with workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Nurses with counselling experience



For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Baby H.U.G.S: A Specialised Mother-Infant Program Following

Postnatal DepressionParent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

An intervention package to provide skills in working with mothers and infants following treatment of maternal symptoms of postnatal depression, using a well-established 3-session group or individual program.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Evidence of link between postnatal depression and mother-infant difficulties
  • Theories for understanding mother-infant difficulties
  • Observational skills of the infant and dyadic relationship
  • Working with the dyadic relationship
  • Managing group dynamics
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral
  • Session by session overview


This full day workshop with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the program is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Nurses with counselling experience


Program effectiveness evaluated through published research.
Workshop and evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au




Community H.U.G.S: A Specialised Playgroup, Focussing on the Interaction Between Mother and Infant


Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

An intervention package to provide skills in working with mothers and their infants following postnatal depression, using a 10-session playgroup program.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Evidence of link between postnatal depression and mother-infant difficulties
  • Theories for understanding mother-infant difficulties
  • Observational skills of the infant and dyadic relationship
  • Working with the dyadic relationship
  • Managing group dynamics
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral
  • Session by session overview


This full day workshop with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the program, currently being piloted and evaluated as part of a research grant is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Maternal & Child Health Nurses with counselling experience


There is a workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au




Premie H.U.G.S: A Specialised Mother-Infant Program Following a premature Birth

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

A psychoeducational playgroup which provides mothers and their premature infants with skills to enhance ongoing development using a 10-session group program.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Theories for understanding mother-infant and developmental difficulties following premature birth
  • Maternal mental health and CBT strategies
  • Observational skills of the infant and dyadic relationship
  • Working with the dyadic relationship
  • Promoting infant development
  • Managing group dynamics
  • Knowledge of pathways to care and onward referral
  • Session by session overview



This full day workshop with ongoing co-facilitation &/or supervision while implementing the program is targeted at:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Nurse with counselling experience


This is currently being piloted and evaluated as part of a research grant.

For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au




Intuitive Mothering: Dance Therapy Program

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

Using dance, movement and play to address difficulties in the mother and infant relationship.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Using music to support mothers experience
  • Choosing music for babies
  • Choosing ‘toys’ to enhance interaction
  • How to play , discovering delight
  • Practice moving with baby, observation and experience
  • Noticing the baby


This half day workshop and workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness is targeted at:

  • General Practitioners
  • Midwives
  • Maternal Child Health Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers


For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au



Experiential Mother Baby Groups

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) VIC

Using dance, movement and play to address difficulties in the mother and infant relationship.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding depression and anxiety
  • Impact on the infant
  • Infant social development
  • Using music to support mother-infant social learning
  • Self regulation and anxiety
  • Baby observation
  • Contextual issues



This one day workshop with workshop evaluation given to participants to assess satisfaction and usefulness is targeted at:

  • Expressive arts therapists


For more information:
Contact Jennie Ericksen on Ph: (03) 9496 4496




Other Presentation Topics

  • Building Therapeutic relationships
  • Communication skills for working in teams
  • Including Fathers
  • Experiences of the beyondblue Postnatal Depression Program
  • Screening for PND and parenting difficulties as part of routine primary care in a large Australian community sample
  • Perinatal depression/ assessment/ treatment (For MCHN)
  • Intervening with the mother-infant interaction
  • The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
  • Is it enough to use depression improvement as an outcome measure with PND treatment? The parent-infant interaction.
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Evidence based treatment for depression.
  • Women speak out-acceptability of screening with the EPDS.
  • Optimising emotional health during pregnancy and early parenthood
  • Self directed minimal intervention antenatally to prevent parent-infant difficulties
  • Recognizing and treating women with perinatal depression and anxiety (for midwives)
  • Innovative PIRI treatment programs
  • Midwives’ role with women experiencing anxiety and depression
  • Community HUGS. A specialised playgroup focusing on the interaction between mother and infant
  • Basic counselling skills
  • Psychological principles important to the physical design of child care
  • Perinatal mental health
  • Women’s attitudes to depression
  • Adjustment to parenthood
  • Childhood maltreatment
  • Selecting music for infants and young children.
  • Play forms in space for infants and toddlers
  • Introduction to movement and dance.

MCHN Professional Development Program

PND INITIATIVE

  • Issues associated with using medication for perinatal anxiety and depression. Research and practice. Answering women’s concerns.
  • Developing a community safety net. Working effectively with GPs and other health professionals in your community to better support women with perinatal anxiety and depression.
  • Managing women with perinatal anxiety and depression; a GPs perspective.
  • The impact of a history of abuse/substance abuse/domestic violence on a woman’s capacity to parent. Issues to be kept in mind when dealing with vulnerable women, including cultural differences.
  • Mother-Infant attachment. Theory and practice. What to look for and how to measure it.
  • Looking after the kids while looking after mum. The effects of perinatal anxiety and depression on the family. What can be done to improve outcomes for older children?
  • Long term impact of maternal depression and anxiety on the family.
  • Effects of trauma on families, parenting capacity and child development. Exploring the effects of war, abuse and being a refugee.
  • Transition to parenthood; what can help adjustment?
  • Fathers and their role in identifying and supporting their partners in the perinatal period. Caring for their own mental health. Cultural differences in fathering.
  • Risk assessment and management of women in clinical practice.
  • Looking after your own well being.
  • Assessment of perinatal mood disorders in routine care.
  • EPDS when and how to use it, its acceptibilty, translations and using interpreters.
  • What women want from their primary health care professionals.
  • Building on existing counselling skills to improve support to women with PND.
  • Dealing with women who do not want to be referred onto another health professional.
  • Promoting infant mental health where mums are very unwell or isolated. Facilitating supported play sessions.
  • What makes some women more challenging to work with? Exploring cultural & personality factors as well as knowledge, expectations & health beliefs.
  • Migrant & refugee issues relevant to providing perinatal care. Cultural issues relevant to practice.


This is an example of the type of training we have offered in the past. We are always open to requests and can tailor make a presentation or workshop to the needs of the audience.

Please contact Jennie Ericksen to discuss your training needs on Ph: (03) 9496 4496
Email: jennifer.ericksen@austin.org.au