Background
Anna attained a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (with Honours) in 2005 after completing 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.
In 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 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, social anxiety, psychosis, trauma, cancer diagnoses, persistent pain, behaviour management and emotional regulation. Anna has also undertaken training in couple therapy at Relationships Australia and is passionate about helping people improve the quality of their couple, family and other relationships.
Current Practice
In her private practices in Kew and Coburg, Anna provides therapy for women, men and couples experiencing emotional challenges during the antenatal and postnatal periods. Such challenges are often related to: preparing for the birth of a baby, the transition to parenthood and difficulties with bonding; mental health disorders in pregnancy and the first three years of parenting; family-of-origin relationships; couple relationships; 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-judgmental 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, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, Schema Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Anna supports individuals of all races, cultures, sexualities, genders and abilities.
Professional Affiliations
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Member of the Perinatal Loss Centre
© Antenatal and Postnatal Psychology Network 2014 | Website Terms & Conditions
