Perinatal Music Therapy: Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing and Maternal-Fetal Attunement
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Music therapy provides an evidence-based, integrative approach to supporting birthing individuals and their families throughout the perinatal continuum, particularly in the context of high-risk pregnancy.
This seminar will explore the clinical application of in-hospital music therapy within acute perinatal care settings, including antepartum hospitalization, labor and delivery, and neonatal intensive care. Interventions will be examined for their role in reducing maternal stress and anxiety, promoting maternal-fetal bonding, supporting emotional regulation, and addressing the psychological impact of perinatal loss. The presentation will also highlight music therapy’s role in supporting infant neurodevelopment, pain management, and parent-infant attunement in the NICU. Finally, strategies to address postpartum mental health, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), will be discussed, with a focus on supporting NICU parents in the early postpartum period. Clinical case examples and interdisciplinary considerations will be integrated throughout to illustrate best practices and practical application.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this seminar, participants will:
- Explore music therapy interventions used to support individuals during antepartum hospitalization, labor and delivery, and/or NICU hospitalization.
- Learn the benefits of music therapy for parents coping with perinatal loss.
- Identify clinical referral indicators for music therapy within acute perinatal hospital settings.
- Define perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and identify how music therapy may support parents experiencing PMADs.
Tuition
- $80 – Registration Fee
- $60 – Alumni, Field Instructor, FFL, Current Adelphi University School of Social Work Adjunct Rate
- $45 – Veterans Rate
- Free with Promo Code – Current Adelphi University Students
Faculty Bio
Shawna Vernisie
Shawna Vernisie, MHA, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, NICU-MT, PMH-C is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist specializing in neonatal and perinatal care at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York. With over 14 years of experience, she leads clinical services, supports bereavement and staff wellness initiatives, and mentors students and professionals. Shawna has served in leadership roles within both the American Music Therapy Association and Certification Board for Music Therapists, and contributes as a manuscript reviewer, published author, and national presenter. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards for professional excellence and exceptional patient experience. Shawna is dedicated to advancing the field of music therapy, collaborating with interdisciplinary professionals, and expanding access to perinatal mental health care.
Credentialing Information
Successful completion for the award of approved continuing education credits requires attendance at the entire training/workshop and submission of a completed evaluation form.
CEs: 3
See full credentialing information and CEUs.
Cancellation Policy
Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made seven working days or fewer before the event for any reason—or for no-shows. We can provide credit towards a future workshop up to 24 hours before the event. After that, no credit will be issued.
Accessibility Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.