Dr. Leslie M. Butterfield, PhD

Media Releases

Seattle Clinical Psychologist Offers Comprehensive Support for Families Navigating Fertility, Pregnancy, and Early Parenthood Challenges

Leslie M. Butterfield, PhD, is a distinguished clinical psychologist with over thirty years of dedicated experience in perinatal psychology and women’s health. Based in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Butterfield specializes in guiding women and couples through the intricate challenges of fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of critical issues, including the prevention and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, addressing reproductive loss or trauma, and providing essential support for families with infants in the NICU or those facing medical complexities.

In her thriving private practice, Dr. Butterfield employs a compassionate and evidence-based approach to help clients navigate the emotional landscape of becoming parents. She addresses a variety of concerns, such as pregnancy loss, traumatic birth experiences, and the unique needs of parents of medically challenged infants. Beyond her clinical work, she is committed to enhancing the skills of healthcare providers in the childbirth community, offering training and therapeutic services aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Dr. Butterfield’s professional affiliations are extensive, including active membership in the American Psychological Association, the Washington State Psychological Association, and several national organizations focused on perinatal health. As an official trainer for Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth (PATTCh), Postpartum Support International, and Perinatal Support of Washington, she plays a crucial role in educating others on the prevention and treatment of traumatic childbirth experiences and postpartum support.

Recognized for her in-depth experience, Dr. Butterfield is a sought-after clinician and educator, traveling both nationally and internationally to share her knowledge as a trainer, public speaker, and consultant. She has addressed a variety of medical and mental health organizations in Turkey, France, China, and Singapore, and in 2025 will offer training in Portugal and Hungary.  Here in the United States she continues to teach and present for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, National Perinatal Association, PATTCh, a variety of midwifery organizations, and numerous hospitals and other perinatal organizations. Through her work, she emphasizes the profound significance of the perinatal period, striving to ensure that families receive the support they need during this transformative time.

She recently co-authored the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance Fact Sheet on Birth Trauma, as well contributing a two- part article to the National Association of Perinatal Social Work quarterly publication – “Partnership in palliative care for infants: Supporting patients and providers through tender times.”

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