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About Tonia BainbridgeB.Sc (Psychology) Hons, MPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Clinical Psychologist Hours Monday - evening Saturday (one per month) - am Tonia's books are currently closed for new referrals. TELEHEALTH |
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 corporate sectors, before returning to complete her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Australia.
Over the past 10 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 more recently returned to work at the Raphael Centre - St John of God Hospital (Geelong), where she originally commenced her career in perinatal mental health (Subiaco, Perth). In this role, she has reignited her passion for providing specialist community-based perinatal assessment and tailored therapeutic interventions within a multidisciplinary medical and allied health team.
Current private practice
Tonia works in private practice with mothers and fathers who are struggling with antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety, stress, difficulties in the transition to parenthood, parent-infant bonding and attachment difficulties, parenting young children, as well as 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 and their own needs–both physical and emotional. Tonia draws upon her extensive training in the Circle of Security (COS) framework to promote conscious parenting approaches.
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 (MBSR), Schema Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) 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)
Circle of Security® Registered Parent Educator
Member of the APS Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest Group (PIPIG)
Member of Australian Association of Infant Mental Health (AAIMHI)
Member of The Perinatal Loss Centre
