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About Dr Rachel Baskin(she/her)
BAppSc (Honours), PhD (Clinical), AssocMAPS Psychologist Hours Wednesdays - am, pm Rachel's books are currently closed for new referrals.
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Background
Rachel developed a passion for working with individuals in the perinatal period during her honours year when she volunteered at Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)’s phone helpline. She went on to complete a joint Master/PhD in Clinical Psychology at Swinburne University.
During her clinical training, Rachel worked in a number of perinatal and women’s health settings, including the Parent Infant Research Institute, Austin Health and Northpark Private hospital MBU. In these roles, Rachel worked individually with women to provide psychological therapy and support during vulnerable transitions in their lives. Rachel also co-facilitated a number of therapeutic groups including cognitive behavioural therapy for postnatal depression and anxiety, an attachement based group for new mums, an anger management group for women and art therapy.
Following the completion of her studies, Rachel worked at the Royal Women’s Hospital Mental Health Service on the intake and triage team. She also provided psychological therapy and counselling to women experiencing depression and anxiety during pregnancy, pregnancy after loss, gynaecological issues and significant relational stressors.
Doctoral Research
Rachel’s PhD examined disordered eating in the perinatal period, in a study that followed women from early pregnancy to the early postpartum period. In her research, Rachel also explored the impact of psychosocial factors, including relationship satisfaction, attachment to baby and self-compassion, on mental health during pregnancy and motherhood.
Rachel currently works as a psychologist at Cabrini’s Women’s Health Service. She also sees women in private practice providing support for women during the perinatal period. She assists women with depression, anxiety, OCD and stress during pregnancy and motherhood, and she supports women in enhancing parent-infant bonding and attachment. Rachel also works compassionately with clients who experience pregnancy after loss, gynaecological and other women’s health issues.
Approach to Therapy
Rachel uses a gentle approach to explore a women’s whole experience. Informed by a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy, Rachel works collaboratively with clients to address their goals and concerns and to develop practical skills that they can implement in their lives.
Rachel has a non-judgmental and empathic manner. She works with clients to explore issues related to family of origin, grief and loss, trauma and self-identity in order to heal from painful past experiences and feel empowered in everyday life.
Professional affiliations
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (AssocMAPS)
Member of Australasian Marcé Society
Member of International Marcé Society
Publications
Baskin, R., Meyer, D., & Galligan, R. (2021). Predicting the change in perinatal disordered eating symptoms: An examination of psychosocial factors. Body Image. 37, 162-171.
Baskin, R., & Galligan, R. (2019). Disordered eating and the perinatal period: A systematic review and best evidence synthesis of mental health and psychosocial correlates. European Eating Disorders Review, 27, 462-480.
