About Dr Kate Caldwell

(she/her)
MPsych, PhD, MAPS
​Clinical Psychologist

Hours
Tuesday - pm, evening
Wednesday - am, pm
​Thursday am, pm
​

contact kate - carlton north

IN-PERSON AND ​TELEHEALTH ​

​Background
Kate completed a PhD and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at The University of Melbourne. During her studies, Kate gained experience as a Provisional Psychologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic and the Royal Women’s Hospital. Having developed a keen interest in perinatal psychology, Kate undertook further perinatal training, and continued to work in private practice, focussing predominately on seeing women and couples during pregnancy and the postnatal period. 
 
The perinatal period can be a vulnerable time for parents and their families – a time when mental health issues can arise or re-emerge. Kate finds working with families, during this important developmental period, rich and rewarding work. Kate continues to enhance her knowledge and skills in this specialised field with an ongoing commitment to perinatal professional development. 
 
Prior to studying Psychology, Kate completed a Bachelor of Commerce from La Trobe University and gained 12 years of experience in the finance and recruitment sectors, progressing into leadership roles. Drawing from this background, Kate has good insight into the common struggles working parents face. 
 
Research
Kate’s PhD investigated the development of empathy and how this may be impaired in individuals with psychological disorders. This research has enhanced Kate’s interest in the role of empathy in healthy psychological functioning and in helping parents assist their children to develop this important capacity through parenting with empathy. 
 
Current Practice
Kate works in private practice in Carlton North. She provides treatment forexpectant and new parents. This includes providing support for emotional distress around pregnancy, perinatal depression and anxiety, adjustment to parenthood, birth and intergenerational trauma, grief and loss and relationship difficulties. Kate also offers individual treatment for clinical disorders including mood and anxiety disorders. 

Kate is a registered Circle of Security parent educator, assisting parents in developing secure relationships with their babies and toddlers.

Approach to Therapy 
Kate is aware that attending therapy can be an overwhelming prospect for many people. This is particularly so in the perinatal period, as women can carry additional concerns relating to not coping and feeling judged. Kate’s warmth, and her supportive, non-judgemental and compassionate approach, helps to create an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing and exploring their difficulties. 
 
Kate is committed to assisting clients to make meaningful and long-term improvements to their lives. Her treatment approaches are tailored to meet the needs and background of each individual, and she draws from evidence based psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based approaches, Schema-Focused Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and principles from attachment theory. 

Professional affiliations
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
Registered Circle of Security parent educator
Registered with The Perinatal Loss Centre