Maternal Rage: Implications & Interventions
In this course, Nicole McNellis explains how “maternal rage” shows up in clinical practice—what it is (and isn’t), how it unfolds across three stages, the systemic forces that intensify it, and how to apply evidence-based, perinatally-informed interventions so clients can meet unmet needs, reduce “on-edge” arousal, and harness rage as a catalyst for positive change.
About this course
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In this course, perinatal mental health specialist Nicole McNellis, NCC, LPC, PMHC, introduces a clear framework for understanding maternal rage – defining it in line with the academic literature, distinguishing it from postpartum rage, and mapping three research-derived stages. You’ll explore guilt/shame dynamics, how outward expression can signal unmet needs and invite support, and why inward suppression keeps parents “on edge.” McNellis then situates rage within gendered, socioeconomic, and racial contexts, before walking through a two-pronged intervention approach – individual tools (e.g., somatic regulation) alongside acknowledgement of broader forces – to help clients move from distress toward productive change.
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