Background
Gillian completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne and has worked with adults and adolescents in a range of clinical settings. During her studies, Gillian trained and worked as a volunteer support worker at Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), where she consolidated a special interest in perinatal and infant mental health. She has conducted research investigating the topic of perinatal (pregnancy and postnatal) mental health risk factors of women of refugee backgrounds, and has a deep understanding of the psychological and social stressors that impact women’s coping during the childbearing years. Gillian’s research during her Masters investigated the relationship between stressful life events and well-being, exploring the role of self-compassion. Gillian has previously worked as a psychologist at The Royal Women’s Hospital, Centre for Women’s Mental Health, supporting antenatal and postnatal women experiencing emotional difficulties.
Current practice
Gillian consults from her practice in Malvern, where she supports individuals through the challenges they face as they navigate their way through pre-conception, pregnancy and new parenthood.
Gillian provides therapy support for pregnancy planning, ambivalence during pregnancy, perinatal anxiety and depression, adjustment difficulties, difficulties with parent-infant bonding, and other mental health problems that arise during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Gillian works compassionately with women and couples who experience reproductive disappointments and losses. Gillian brings a non-judgmental and caring approach to supporting new parents to enhance their wellbeing and to build confidence in getting to know their baby.
Approach to therapy
Gillian recognises that the emotional experience in the period from pre-conception through to early parenthood (and beyond) is extraordinarily complex and can bring about unexpected mental health and adjustment difficulties.
Gillian appreciates that no two individuals will experience these transitions in the same way, and that people’s own experience of being parented can be brought to light when they become parents themselves. She works sensitively with her clients to explore and process their feelings, and motivations, to do with parenting.
She provides a safe and non-judgmental space where hopeful, expectant and new parents are supported to navigate the unique personal challenges that they are facing.
Gillian uses an integrative approach to therapy, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT), Mindfulness, Psychodynamic and Attachment-informed therapies. Gillian works, collaboratively and respectfully with clients to tailor therapy that best meets their needs.
Professional affiliations
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
Registered with The Perinatal Loss Centre
Publications
Snow, G., Melvin, G.A., Boyle, J. A., Gibson-Helm, M., East, C. E., McBride, J., & Gray, K. M. (2020). Perinatal psychosocial assessment of women of refugee background. Women and Birth. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.05.009
