Dr. Solimar Santiago- Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C

Welcome, my name is Dr. Solimar Santiago- Warner. I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in NY and CT for nearly two decades. As a dedicated perinatal EMDR specialist, I focus on alleviating distressing symptoms and providing effective results for individuals and couples navigating reproductive and maternal mental health challenges. When embarking on the journey to start a family, one likely never envisioned encountering the distress, disappointment, and sorrow that often accompany fertility struggles. Such challenges can deeply affect mental well-being, influencing one's sense of self and identity. Couples may find themselves coping with these difficulties in divergent ways, leading to added strain on their relationship amidst an already painful situation. When the stress of reproductive loss becomes overwhelming, even the most resilient individuals may find themselves grappling with emotional, physical, and financial burdens. During our therapy sessions, we'll focus on: Navigating through difficult emotions and memories Addressing any relationship challenges and communication breakdowns between partners Developing strategies for managing triggers, such as anniversaries or encounters with pregnant acquaintances Finding ways to incorporate the loss into your life and derive meaning from such a profound experience Exploring plans and hopes for the future Practicing self-compassion and acceptance during the healing process What is EMDR? And how does this therapy work? EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it's a type of therapy that's particularly effective in treating trauma-related disorders, including those experienced in a perinatal context such as perinatal grief, loss, and birth trauma. Here's how EMDR works and why it can be beneficial in a perinatal context: Processing Traumatic Memories: EMDR helps individuals process traumatic memories by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain through bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. This bilateral stimulation is thought to mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, during which processing and integration of memories occur naturally. Changing Negative Beliefs: During EMDR sessions, the therapist helps the client identify negative beliefs or thoughts associated with the traumatic experience. Through a series of structured steps, including bilateral stimulation, the therapist helps the client reprocess these negative beliefs and replace them with more adaptive and positive beliefs. Reducing Emotional Distress: EMDR aims to reduce emotional distress and physiological arousal associated with traumatic memories. By processing these memories and changing negative beliefs, clients often experience a reduction in distressing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. In a perinatal context, EMDR can be highly effective in addressing trauma and distress related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. Through EMDR therapy, my clients start to see a reduction in their symptoms within just a few sessions. For some, the effects of EMDR therapy last long after treatment has ended, while others may benefit from additional sessions. With nearly two decades of experience in critical care and maternity services, I bring firsthand understanding to the complex emotions surrounding perinatal care. My approach blends empathy with a gentle push towards growth, acknowledging that each journey is unique. Here's what you can expect from working with me: Specialized Expertise: I specialize in understanding the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and perinatal loss. Whether you're dealing with grief, trauma, or perinatal mood disorders, I offer comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. Furthermore, I am equipped to diagnose and treat a spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, ensuring comprehensive care for postpartum mental health concerns. Compassionate Support: I provide exceptional support to women and couples facing various challenges on their journey to parenthood. From the highs and lows of pregnancy to the depths of postpartum struggles, I offer a compassionate ear and tailored guidance to help you navigate these sensitive issues. Proven Interventions: I'll help you build a personalized toolbox for creative problem-solving, drawing from proven interventions like EMDR therapy. Together, we'll work towards healing and empowerment, ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive. Take the first step towards healing and reach out to me today. With my expertise in perinatal mental health, trauma, and grief, I'm here to support you every step of the way. You don't have to face these challenges alone – let's work together to create a brighter, more resilient future for you and your family. *****not in-network with any insurance panels, though many of my patients are able to utilize their out-of-network benefits to pay for some or most of our fees. Superbills are provided monthly and I am able to help with additional insurance paperwork if needed for coverage.