Clinician applicant
Shauna Summers
Motherhood can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting and very different from what we imagined. I believe it is important to have a space where you can talk honestly about how you are feeling without judgement, pressure or the expectation that you should be coping in a particular way. I work with women throughout pregnancy, the postnatal period and the broader transition to motherhood. This may include support with anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, adjustment to becoming a parent, changes in identity, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, perfectionism, self-criticism and the mental load that often accompanies motherhood. My approach is warm, down-to-earth and collaborative. I draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and compassion-focused strategies, while tailoring therapy to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Sessions with me are conversational and supportive. There is space to talk through what has been happening and make sense of why you may be feeling the way you do, while also working towards practical strategies and meaningful change. I value genuine connection in therapy and want you to feel comfortable being yourself even when things feel messy. My hope is that you leave our sessions feeling heard and understood, with greater clarity, self-compassion and practical tools to help you navigate motherhood.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology · University of Queensland · 2007; Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics · University of the Sunshine Coast · 2019
Areas I work in
- Adjustment Difficulties and Life Transitions
- Anxiety Disorders
- Body Image and Body Dysmorphia
- Depression and Low Mood
- Eating and Feeding Disorders
- Health and Lifestyle
- Parenting and New-Parent Support
- Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health
- Pregnancy
- Stress Management
- Weight Management
- Wellbeing Coaching
- Women's Health
Therapeutic modalities
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)