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About Tonia BainbridgeB.Sc (Psychology) Hons, MPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Psychologist Hours Monday - evening Wednesday - am, pm Saturday - am |
Background
With a background in hospital, university and private practice settings, Tonia has provided individual and group based therapeutic support to adults experiencing a diverse range of mood related psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic stress and sleep problems.
Tonia graduated with an Honours Degree in Psychology from Curtin University (Perth) in 1999, then gained 8 years of experience in federal government and coporate sectors, before returning to complete her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Australia.
Over the past 7 years of her clinical practice, Tonia has focussed on perinatal mental health, which has involved supporting clients throughout pregnancy, the postnatal period and in parenting. Tonia's most recent position at the Raphael Centre (St John of God Hospital) saw her working within a multidisciplinary medical and allied health team, providing specialist perinatal assessment and tailored therapeutic interventions, with a focus on antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety, and parent-infant bonding and attachment difficulties.
Tonia currently holds registration as a general Psychologist, and is completing her final hours for endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
Current practice
Tonia works with mothers and fathers who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, difficulties in the transition to parenthood, parenting of infants and young children, pregnancy uncertainty/decision making, and pregnancy grief and loss.
Tonia has a specific interest in supporting the healthy development of the parent-child relationship, by working with parents to explore and reflect on their strengths and struggles within this relationship. Through the development of new skills and self-awareness, Tonia aims to help parents experience both greater enjoyment of, and a deeper understanding of their child’s needs–both physical and emotional. Tonia draws upon her extensive training in the Circle of Security (COS) framework to promote conscious parenting approaches that support the emotional growth of babies, toddlers and young children.
Approach to therapy
Tonia understands that pregnancy and the transition to parenthood can be an intense and very personal journey. Her warm, compassionate and non-judgmental approach to therapy facilitates a safe and supportive environment in which to explore difficult aspects of life in the childbearing years.
Tonia creates a tailored therapeutic space by utilising a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Techniques, Schema Therapy, and Attachment Based Interventions. Tonia believes strongly in the power of the therapeutic alliance to facilitate, support and inspire change.
Professional Affiliations
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Member of the APS Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest Group (PIPIG)
Member of Australian Association of Infant Mental Health (AAIMHI)
Member of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)
Circle of Security® Registered Parent Educator
