Ashley Sonnone, M.S., ATR-BC, LMHC

Menstrual Cycle Health is an area I am very passionate about. Having had struggles with my own cycle, along with shame and general lack of education about it, menstrual health was an area I really have had to reclaim for myself. I absolutely love bringing this into the therapy room and providing menstruators with the education, support, and empowerment that many of us never received about our reproductive and gynecological health. Some benefits to talking about this in therapy include:

· Making connections between your menstrual cycle and mental health 

· Gaining insight into patterns and triggers for symptoms

· Education and empowerment 

· Reducing stigma and shame 

· Fostering the mind-body connection and improving your relationship with your body

· Developing self-compassion and the ability to give yourself what you actually need

· Exploring relationship between menstrual cycle and gender identity 

The mind and body are interconnected, as are mental and menstrual health. Fluctuating hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can have a significant impact on mood. For some, certain phases of the menstrual cycle can be particularly challenging, and precipitate or exacerbate feelings of depression, anxiety, or irritability. I help those with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Exacerbation of existing mental health conditions (PME) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) gain education and insight into their symptoms and learn ways to navigate their cycles with more ease. 

I like to open the door for another taboo topic: sexual health. Whether it be exploring sexuality or sexual identity, coping with chronic sexual or pelvic pain, or history of sexual trauma, I create a safe place for clients to explore these areas without shame or judgment.