Background
After working in educational publishing for several years, Anna returned to University to pursue her keen interest in Psychology. She attained a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (with Honours) in 2005, having completed a thesis focusing on parent-child attachment. Over the next fifteen years, Anna became increasingly interested and involved in the area of perinatal mental health, working at Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) for over ten years. During this time, Anna completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology. Her Masters thesis focused on the development of obsessive compulsive-disorder (OCD) in new fathers.
During her time at PANDA, Anna provided emotional support and counselling to parents experiencing anxiety, depression and other psychological difficulties during the perinatal period. Anna’s experience at PANDA embedded considerable knowledge and skills in the area of perinatal mental health, and deepened her commitment to enhancing the emotional well-being of parents and children. In her last years at PANDA, Anna was also involved in developing guidelines and supervising counselling staff on PANDA’s National Helpline.
In addition, Anna has worked with adults and children at other life stages, in both hospital and community settings. She has treated psychological problems related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, hoarding disorder, psychosis, trauma, perfectionism, cancer diagnoses, relationship problems, persistent pain, anger management, behaviour management and emotional regulation. Anna received training and experience in couples therapy at Relationships Australia, and is passionate about helping people improve the quality of their family and other relationships.
Current Practice
In her private practice in Kew, Anna provides therapy for women, men and couples experiencing emotional challenges during the antenatal and postnatal periods. Such challenges include: Preparing for the birth of a baby; the transition to parenthood; difficulties with bonding; perinatal anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders in pregnancy and the first three years of parenting; family-of-origin experiences; relationship difficulties; and experiences of loss and grief associated with infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn loss and birth trauma.
Anna has a special interest in helping parents process and adjust to concerns related to congenital and developmental disorders in their children. She enjoys working with parents and their infants to nurture secure, resilient bonds.
Approach to Therapy
Anna is a curious, non-judgemental and compassionate therapist who values the development of strong, collaborative relationships with her clients to help them achieve their goals. Anna’s work is informed by an attachment model of relationships and, depending on the needs of the client, she utilises a range of evidence-based treatment modalities, including: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Schema Therapy, Family Systems Therapy; Emotion-Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. Anna supports individuals of all races, cultures, sexualities, genders and abilities, and in her life and work, promotes values of diversity, respect and equality.
Professional Affiliations
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Registered with The Perinatal Loss Centre
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