Overview
While menopause is not universally associated with poor mental health, a significant number of women report psychological and cognitive symptoms during this transition and a subgroup are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders. Additionally, menopausal symptoms can overlap with or exacerbate common mental health conditions, which should be carefully considered during assessment, formulation, and treatment planning.
The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences presents this interactive, one-day professional development workshop providing an evidence-based update on the relationship between menopause and mental health. It will provide practical, CBT and Self-Compassion based strategies to integrate menopause-related factors into mental health assessment and treatment.
Delivered by an interdisciplinary team of leading experts—Professor Martha Hickey (Gynaecology), Dr Anne Unkenstein (Neuropsychology), and Dr Lydia Brown (Clinical Psychology)—the workshop also explores models of interdisciplinary care and ways to empower clients through menopause and beyond. Participants will leave with increased knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills based on the latest science.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the latest research on menopause, including common symptoms, treatment options and its relationship to mental health.
Develop skills incorporating menopause into mental health assessments.
Learn cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and self-compassion-based approaches to promote adjustment to menopausal symptoms.
Gain insight into brain fog, and practical strategies to address cognitive symptoms.
Upskill in interdisciplinary care that empowers women over menopause and beyond.
Presenter(s)
Professor Martha Hickey (Gynaecology)
Dr Anne Unkenstein (Neuropsychology)
Dr Lydia Brown (Clinical Psychology)
About the presenter(s)
Professor Martha Hickey: Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Head of Menopause Services,The Women’s Hospital. Professor Hickey led the team who developed the first Core Outcome Set for menopause (COMMA) and is leading an international Priority Setting Partnership in menopause (MAPS). She is the “clinical expert” for the NICE guidelines on menopause and in 2024 led the Lancet Clinical Series on Menopause.
Dr Anne Unkenstein: Anne is a clinical neuropsychologist with over 30 years’ experience working with people who experience memory change. Her work involves identifying the nature and extent of people’s memory issues, through midlife and as they get older and helping people develop strategies that will enhance confidence in their memory. She has published research on women’s experience of memory through the menopause transition and how women can improve their memory self-confidence at this time of their lives.
Dr Lydia Brown: Lydia is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne. Her research and clinical expertise centres on understanding and enhancing well-being during the menopause transition and beyond. She has worked as both a clinician and researcher for over a decade, incorporating self-compassion within cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) frameworks in her work with midlife women. Lydia is passionate about empowering psychologists with the knowledge and tools needed to provide thoughtful, evidence-informed care over the menopause transition.
Notes
This content is a paid advertisement. All information and claims are provided by the advertiser and are solely their responsibility. The APS does not endorse or verify the accuracy of the content.