Our Story
How We Got Our Start
The Life Workshop, Inc. was founded in June 2021 in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, by Danielle Stone, MSW LICSW PMH-C, Owner and Clinical Director. Established as a group private practice, The Life Workshop, Inc. is committed to delivering comprehensive reproductive mental healthcare services, supporting individuals and couples through every stage of their journey. In addition to client care, we are dedicated to advancing the field of reproductive mental health by offering professional education, training, and consultation. Our goal is to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide invaluable services, fostering a stronger and more supportive community.​​
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Driven by her own journey, Danielle identified the lack of well trained and educated providers able to provide competent, dignified, and trauma informed care to people receiving reproductive care in all capacities throughout the entire healthcare industry. Notably, there's an imperative that we do better.
The maternal mortality rate in the USA has nearly doubled, from 17/4 in 2018 to 32.9 per 100,000 live births in 2021 (AJOG , 2024) with the leading cause of death being suicide, 39% of deaths postpartum, MMHA, 2023). 1 in 3 women felt dismissed and unheard by "insensitive practitioners," (eClinicalMedicine, 2024) and "women are more likely than men to be undertreated or inappropriately diagnosed and treated for their pain," per a study completed by Dianne Hoffman and Anita Tarzian, 2001. Up to 75% of those with PCOS don't receive a diagnosis for their condition and those that do are often undertreated and minimized in their symptoms (Medical News Today, 2021). 1 in 10 fathers will experience a paternal perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (anxiety, depression, and beyond) during pregnancy or the first year following pregnancy and often goes untreated having long-term negative impact on the child's and family unit's development and health, (MMHLA, 2024). More than half (51%) of LGBTQ+ birthing people reported that the quality of their experience with pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care was impacted by bias or discrimination, compared to 35% of cisgender, heterosexual people, and 37% of all birthing people, (AAMC Center for Health Justice, 2022).
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About Us
At The Life Workshop, Inc. compassionate care meets transformative support on the journey to reproductive, perinatal, and maternal/parental well-being. Our practice is a sanctuary for individuals seeking affirming and dignifying therapy services. Whether navigating pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum, the complexities of parenthood, or another vulnerable reproductive concern, our team is well equipped to meet the identified needs. At The Life Workshop, Inc., we prioritize the client experience, creating a supportive environment where mental and physical health is nurtured with care, respect, and expertise.