Beyond Hot Flashes: Menopause in Clinical Practice
(3 CEUs)
with:
Eden Schmeichel Ph.D.
When: Friday, June 12, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Where: Online via Zoom (link will be emailed 2 days before the event) Cost: BVPA Members Free, Non-Members $80, TPA Members 10% discount at registration with TPA Member Number, Student Non-Members $10.
When: Friday, June 12, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Online via Zoom (link will be emailed 2 days before the event)
Cost: BVPA Members Free, Non-Members $80, TPA Members 10% discount at registration with TPA Member Number, Student Non-Members $10.
Program Description: Menopause is more than a series of hot flashes. In addition to the well-known physiological changes, the psychological and emotional impact can be profound, often disruptive, and at times overwhelming. Despite this, many women report that their symptoms are dismissed as “normal,” minimized, or treated with antidepressants without a fuller exploration of hormonal influences. The role of therapists during the menopause transition is therefore critical. As in all areas of clinical work, it is essential to consider the role of underlying physical and physiological factors in a client’s presenting concerns. Yet menopause-related hormonal changes are still too often under-recognized in mental health settings. Psychotherapy can play a crucial role in identifying biological and psychosocial factors in menopause transition. Hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect emotional regulation, cognition, and overall mental health. Beyond providing emotional support and symptom management, therapists can offer validation that is both empathic and informed: not just that these experiences are “normal,” but that they are real, physiologically grounded, and worthy of attention and care. Clients need to know they are not “crazy.” Therapists can also support education and self-advocacy, encouraging women to seek appropriate medical care and collaborate with healthcare providers. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the stages of menopause and differentiate the associated physiological, psychological, sexual, and social changes. 2. Explain the hormonal changes during menopause and analyze the effects of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone on emotional and cognitive health. 3. Evaluate their clinical practice for gaps in menopausal care and develop strategies to improve patient assessment and advocacy.
Program Description:
Menopause is more than a series of hot flashes. In addition to the well-known physiological changes, the psychological and emotional impact can be profound, often disruptive, and at times overwhelming. Despite this, many women report that their symptoms are dismissed as “normal,” minimized, or treated with antidepressants without a fuller exploration of hormonal influences.
The role of therapists during the menopause transition is therefore critical. As in all areas of clinical work, it is essential to consider the role of underlying physical and physiological factors in a client’s presenting concerns. Yet menopause-related hormonal changes are still too often under-recognized in mental health settings.
Psychotherapy can play a crucial role in identifying biological and psychosocial factors in menopause transition. Hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect emotional regulation, cognition, and overall mental health. Beyond providing emotional support and symptom management, therapists can offer validation that is both empathic and informed: not just that these experiences are “normal,” but that they are real, physiologically grounded, and worthy of attention and care. Clients need to know they are not “crazy.” Therapists can also support education and self-advocacy, encouraging women to seek appropriate medical care and collaborate with healthcare providers.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the stages of menopause and differentiate the associated physiological, psychological, sexual, and social changes.
2. Explain the hormonal changes during menopause and analyze the effects of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone on emotional and cognitive health.
3. Evaluate their clinical practice for gaps in menopausal care and develop strategies to improve patient assessment and advocacy.
About Our Speaker Dr. Eden Schmeichel is a Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice in College Station for over 20 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Since moving to the Brazos Valley in 2005, Dr. Schmeichel has worked at Texas A&M University through the Employee Assistance Program, as a contractor with the former Student Counseling Services, and as an Adjunct Faculty member teaching and supervising graduate students in the Department of Psychology, Clinical Program. Her professional experience also includes several years working in a nursing home setting, as well as conducting disability evaluations for veterans. In the mid-2010s, Dr. Schmeichel helped revive the Brazos Valley Psychological Association alongside colleagues Dr. Jennifer Rockett and Dr. Celeste Riley, before stepping back to focus on her family. Now, with her children nearly out of the house, she is beginning to re-engage with the local professional community—leading to her enthusiastic (and somewhat impulsive) decision for the presentation today.
About Our Speaker
Dr. Eden Schmeichel is a Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice in College Station for over 20 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Since moving to the Brazos Valley in 2005, Dr. Schmeichel has worked at Texas A&M University through the Employee Assistance Program, as a contractor with the former Student Counseling Services, and as an Adjunct Faculty member teaching and supervising graduate students in the Department of Psychology, Clinical Program. Her professional experience also includes several years working in a nursing home setting, as well as conducting disability evaluations for veterans.
In the mid-2010s, Dr. Schmeichel helped revive the Brazos Valley Psychological Association alongside colleagues Dr. Jennifer Rockett and Dr. Celeste Riley, before stepping back to focus on her family. Now, with her children nearly out of the house, she is beginning to re-engage with the local professional community—leading to her enthusiastic (and somewhat impulsive) decision for the presentation today.
