Perinatal Mental Health

I work as a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse Psychotherapist with over 20 years experience and education in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health. Before starting my private practice in 2013, I had spent 9 years working as a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist and Consultant in the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health team at Central Coast Health, as well as many years working in the general and acute Mental Health Services.

The perinatal period spans the period from pregnancy to a child's third birthday and is critical time for an infant's development. I also include the pre-conception stage. Along with the joys of parenthood comes the challenges. Often regarded as one of the hardest jobs in the world, parenting struggles frequently go unrecognised. Increasing research highlights the profound impact that poor parental mental health can have on the developing infant’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

I offer specialised mental health counselling and therapy services tailored to this crucial developmental stage. While I primarily work with women, I also support men affected by the changes that come with becoming a parent.  In my practice, common issues I work with include perinatal anxiety, perinatal depression, complex trauma, grief and loss, birth trauma, and adjustment to parenting—all of which can impact parental functioning during the pre- and postnatal stages.

This trauma-informed therapeutic work is grounded in Attachment Theory, and draws heavily from Circle of Security® parenting principles. My approach to therapy is integrated and holistic, employing a combination of modalities including positive-oriented counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Mindfulness-based and DBT-informed strategies. Additionally, it incorporates Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

No medical referral is necessary to access these services. However, there may be access to Medicare and/or Private Health Fund rebates if appropriate.