Counseling Mexican American Men Struggling with Paternal Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression is generally attributed to women after bearing children. However, several studies have indicated that men face a similar condition after the birth of a child. About 10% of men experience paternal postpartum depression. Although this percentage reflects Caucasian men’s experience, studies have found Mexican American men experiencing paternal postpartum depression (PPD), too. This conceptual article addresses critical cultural aspects to consider when counseling Mexican American men struggling with PPD by providing a case study with implications for a counselor to consider when counseling Mexican American men struggling with PPD. In this manuscript, Sandtray therapy was used as an intervention to facilitate the client’s understanding of self, the surroundings, and certain parts of reality.