The Power of Prenatal Psychotherapy – Podcast
Episode 180
May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025

Pregnancy is not just a physical journey—it’s an emotional and psychological one too. In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza speaks with Dr. Rosita Cortizo about the transformative power of prenatal psychotherapy.
They discuss how therapy can support expectant mothers, strengthen the bond with their unborn baby, and address common challenges like anxiety, trauma, and tokophobia (fear of childbirth). Dr. Cortizo shares insights from her decades of experience, emphasizing the importance of mental health care as part of prenatal wellness. Tune in to discover how approaches like EMDR and trauma-informed therapy can help create a more positive pregnancy experience for both mother and child.
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MEET THE GUEST
Rosita Cortizo, PsyD
Dr. Rosita Cortizo, born and raised in Panama City, Panama, Central America, is a high risk, multicultural, bilingual prenatal and perinatal Clinical Psychologist working with female adults and children. She earned a Master of Arts in Psychology with specialty in Chemical Dependency in San Diego, California. Dr. Cortizo has licenses as a Marriage and Family therapist and as a Clinical Psychologist in the state of California, she is EMDRIA Certified, an Approved EMDR Consultant, trained in Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Therapy Certified, and was the 2021 ISSTD President. Dr. Cortizo provides trauma-informed prenatal care and psychotherapy tailored to the unique needs of the client. She has worked in Public Health in Southern California with pregnant and diverse women at high risk with multiple diagnosis, traumatic stress, and relational crisis for more than 30 years. Dr. Cortizo is an advocate of womb-babies and infants, our future, and works to empower pregnant women, women, and families with devotion. Outside of work, Dr. Cortizo enjoys traveling, meditating, pottery, and eco-adventures.
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