March 7, 2006

Dr. Susan Highsmith completed her dissertation, “Primaparas’ Expectations of Childbirth: The Impact of Consciousness” at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, receiving her doctorate in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology.

EG: Now that you have successfully completed your dissertation, what are you doing in the world of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology?

Dr. Highsmith:  I am watching, waiting, and listening for what to do next.  At the same time, I believe the universe is supporting me to respond appropriately to the opportunities as they arise.  Since the beginning of my involvement with Santa Barbara Graduate Institute the events surrounding my life’s work have been both serendipitous and undeniable in their clarity of direction.  With that said, I recently distilled my dissertation into a forty page article which was published in the APPPAH Journal, Winter 2006.  I have been enjoying a number of speaking engagements, such as the APPPAH Regional Conference in November, 2006, where I presented “The Synergy of Storytelling and Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology.”

EG: How has SBGI been instrumental in supporting your endeavors?

Dr. Highsmith: Initially, I learned about SBGI in an advertisement in an APPPAH Newsletter.  I felt elated after reading all of the names of the SBGI adjunct faculty in the advertisement.  I remember saying to myself, “What a dream come true to have all of the pioneers under one roof.”  Now, I have begun to create professional relationships with so many of the mentors that I had previously admired from afar.  Santa Barbara Graduate Institute has successfully opened my mind to new thought and has contributed to illuminating ideas that I had only barely conceived previously.  I have been able to expand my perceptions of pre- and perinatal (PPN) issues as well as lay the groundwork for future growth in the field.   I have learned from direct experience that if you study PPN psychology your own PPN material will inevitably emerge for transformation.

EG: How does having a strong foundation in Pre- and Perinatal Psychology help you to help others?

Dr. Highsmith: I love the educational aspect of the work I do.  Having a strong foundation in PPN psychology helps me to inform and encourage healing in others to create momentum for new choices.  In fact, the psychotherapeutic experiences and the psychoeducational pieces go hand in hand.  I work frequently with Barbara Findeisen at Pocket Sanctuary/Kenyon Ranch only an hour and a half away from where I live in Arizona.  I am a staff member at 10-day STAR workshops supporting people’s experiential processes.  I am also an Emerson trainee learning how to resolve early pre- and perinatal issues.  I have a small ongoing private practice, yet my heart is currently drawn to writing and presenting – to “getting the word out”.  

EG: What is the latest and greatest opportunity that has presented itself to you?

Dr. Highsmith: I was most recently invited to be a founding member of a “think tank” in which I will be contributing pre- and perinatal perspectives to influence policy and to make a difference at a governmental level.  What could emerge from this meeting may influence policies and legislation at county and state levels to empower women within their communities, to promote women’s abilities to give birth naturally, to support midwives and women supporting women, and to embrace a new childbirth paradigm in our culture.

EG: What drives you to continue to work as you do with such heart and passion?

Dr. Highsmith: I was recently struck by the simplicity of what we are striving to get back to in our society.  I attended a gathering of “Moms in the Park” here in my own community.  Women who were pregnant or who had recently given birth were sitting around on blankets doing all the things that we talk about in the field of PPN Psychology in order to promote healthy and secure bonding and attachment.  These young women exemplified what we are teaching, actively living the change we wish to see.  My heart gladdened to see the movement happening right before my eyes. 

EG: If you had one wish what would it be?

Dr. Highsmith: I wish to awaken, celebrate, and support young women to listen to their intuition by giving birth naturally and by using natural approaches that are healthier for mommies, babies, and society at large.