Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, Vol 28(1), Mar 2024, 41-59; doi:10.1037/gdn0000205
Objective: The Holding Space is a new experiential–dynamic group therapy (EDGT) developed by the authors for mothers with postpartum anxiety and depression that combine psychoeducation about emotions, anxiety, and defense mechanisms with psychodynamic group process interventions. A naturalistic case study was conducted of three Holding Space groups that were conducted simultaneously online. Method: The authors utilized a mixed-method design to collect and analyze quantitative outcome data and qualitative outcome and process data from 13 Holding Space group members who were experiencing some symptoms of anxiety and/or depression that started or worsened within 1-year postpartum. Results: Outcome data indicate small-to-medium effect sizes for decreases in overall postpartum depression (PPD) and subscale measures of anxiety, sleep, emotional lability, guilt, mental confusion, and suicidal ideation from pre- to post-intervention. Decreases in PPD, anxiety, sleep, and mental confusion were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Outcome data also indicate increases in self-compassion with small-to-medium effect sizes on subscale measures of self-kindness, self-judgment, and common humanity that were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Qualitative data suggest that the combination of psychoeducational components and interpersonal support was particularly helpful to the participants. When asked what changed for them as a result of the intervention, participants most frequently discussed themes about improved parenting, increased self-awareness, meaningful connections, more acceptance of self, and more acceptance of mixed feelings. Conclusion: The case study demonstrates that EDGT for mothers with postpartum anxiety and depression has the potential to help reduce symptoms of PPD, increase self-compassion, and improve confidence and anxiety around parenting. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)