Dr. Kimberly Ciardella, PsyD, LMFT, founder of The Path Wellness Center, brings over 15 years of diverse experience in psychology, gender studies, and marriage and family therapy. Her therapeutic work is deeply influenced by her own journey with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which she integrates into innovative treatment strategies that emphasize deep self-exploration and resilience. Kimberly's approach combines methodologies from attachment theory, Internal Family Systems, and Brainspotting, focusing on redefining self-narratives and empowering clients to embrace all parts of themselves for comprehensive healing. Her professional path began as a sexual assault and domestic violence advocate, and she holds a BA from Sonoma State University, an MA, and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from The California School of Professional Psychology. Kimberly is committed to helping others navigate their vulnerabilities and discover profound, transformative healing.

Jennifer Viscidy, MA, LMFT is a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist who helps individuals and couples throughout the state of California learn how to better identify and manage their Premenstrual Disorder symptoms. Jennifer has utilized her own journey with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder to better serve clients in navigating their own struggles with Premenstrual Disorders by incorporating modalities such as Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, parts work, and Relational Life Therapy. Jennifer found a love for behavioral neuroscience when pursuing her bachelor’s in psychology from California State University, Sacramento. After completing her degree Jennifer worked in a research lab focused on better understanding the underpinnings of PTSD. Through this experience she realized her passion for helping folks understand themselves better when surviving through a mental health disorder. This catapulted her to pursue her masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy through Alliant International University in Sacramento, California. Jennifer finds purpose and fulfillment in helping clients find a deeper and more loving relationship with themselves whether they are thriving or courageously surviving.

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Premenstrual Disorders: Connecting the Dots between Hormones and Mental Health
Saturday | May 3, 2025
9:30 am – 11:30 am
(2 CEs)

Session Description

Research shows that an estimated 5.5% of women and individuals assigned female at birth worldwide suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD); that’s nearly 1 in 20. That’s roughly 8 million individuals (though the reality is that the number is probably much larger) in this country alone that are affected by PMDD. Research also shows that women (or those assigned female at birth) are 3 times as likely to attempt suicide during their reproductive years. As helpers and healers, we hold a very special place in the lives of the clients we treat. Sadly, there are very few places that we can go to find an in- depth and inclusive training on what it’s like to live with PMDD or PME, how to begin healing the wounds it creates, and ways to provide the help and support that often acts as a life saving measure for many individuals.

Learning Objectives:

What you will gain from this training:

• Become intimately familiar with the variety of experiences and symptoms of PMDs, what this looks like in the lives of clients, and a greater knowledge of premenstrual disorders to serve all the women/AFAB you treat
• Gain a better understanding of the intricate cyclical nature of the female reproductive cycle and the ways in which this impacts our overall wellness, mental, physical, emotional and relational health.
• Learn how to fully support clients living with PMDs through symptom management interventions and skills, resources for medically as well as naturally treating PMDs, and adjusted versions of many of the tools you are already using as a psychotherapist to meet the needs of clients with premenstrual and hormonal mood disorders.
• Understand how to integrate this work into relational and couples therapy/coaching and create a deeper understanding for both partners by utilizing knowledge of those living with PMDs to engage partners as advocates and supporters instead of rivals. Additionally, learn how to tailor couples work to fit the monthly battles of PMDs that ensue in the relationship.