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The conversation around parenting in non-traditional families needs to be expanded and better understood in today\u2019s world. More and more families are being created with dynamics that make them non-traditional in some way, and support on the path to parenthood for EVERYONE is crucial. Join us to explore this topic in today\u2019s episode!\xa0\nMarie Sloane is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist based in Arizona. She focuses her practice on helping new parents of all backgrounds, specifically LGBTQ+ families and those with non-traditional family dynamics, like co-parenting, single parents by choice, queer parents, polyamorous families, and others. As a single parent for four years and a survivor of postpartum depression, Marie brings compassion and lived experience to parents adjusting to a variety of new dynamics and transitions. In our conversation, Marie explains why support for any parenting journey is vital, especially for those on a non-traditional path.\xa0\n\nShow Highlights:\n\nHow Marie came to the important work she does today after experiencing postpartum depression after the birth of her son\n\nHow Marie didn\u2019t know how to take care of herself, advocate for herself, or set healthy boundaries as a struggling new mom\n\nWhy Marie felt alienated and isolated as she left her unhealthy relationship without good support in place\n\nHow counseling helped her reframe her trauma and rebuild her self-esteem\u2013and why she wanted to become a counselor\xa0\n\nHow Marie has learned to navigate the world of co-parenting with her son\u2019s father\n\nWhy Marie found the niche (during the pandemic) of working with LGBTQ+ parents and non-traditional families\n\nWhy many non-traditional parents are reaching out for a non-judgmental and affirming space\n\nWhy Marie encourages her clients to find a combination of online support and local community support (Explore locally to find other family groups like yours!)\n\nHow \u201cdeconstructing\u201d happens for those who grew up with a very specific worldview around faith, family, morality, etc.\xa0\n\nWhat Marie sees that is lacking in perinatal mental health and support for LGBTQ+ families\n\nHow we can best educate ourselves to support non-traditional families around us\n\n\nResources:\nConnect with Marie: Website and Facebook\nVisit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!\xa0\nVisit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.\xa0\xa0\nVisit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!