“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ”
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As a holistic clinical psychologist I offer psychotherapy as a powerful tool for navigating transformative times. Along the way we might also:
consider the role of integrative and conventional medicine approaches in your healing,
engage with your community in new ways,
explore the teachings of wisdom traditions and
trial mind-body activities and practices.
I have a special interest working with people experiencing:
antenatal + postnatal depression & anxiety,
anxiety about birth and post-traumatic stress disorder following a difficult birth,
grief & loss counselling following pregnancy losses and counselling around adjustment to complex fertility experiences,
a lack of confidence as a parent or feeling insecure in their relationship with their child.
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There’s nothing quite like conceiving, growing, loosing, birthing and tending to new life on Earth to make us question ourselves. It is normal to ask many questions about your capacity to raise humans, your human-hood distinct from mothering, your community and their capacity to support your humans and the nature of humanity itself.
It’s also normal to feel a lot along the way.
Feelings about:
your body.
your own parents and family.
your purpose.
your friends.
your community.
your past and your future.
your relationships.
your work.
your finances.
I could continue
Because in times of deep transformation (and that’s what mothering is all about at its core) there is also the possibility for a deep and honest review of what your body has experienced to date and what you believe is possible for you and your children.
It is possible for any woman to feel really frightened, overwhelmed, sad, numb, disconnected, despairing, hopeless or exhausted in this period of her life. How could we not feel that way when we are thinking things like…
“I’m not cut out for this”
“I’m lost, I don’t know where I went”
“This world is too messed up, what have I done bringing children here”
“I’ve ruined my life, I’m ruining theirs”
“I have no idea what I’m doing”
“Other mothers wouldn’t think this or feeling this”
“They deserve the best and I’m not it”
Perhaps you hear yourself here, noticing how you can relate to these thoughts and the feelings that accompany them. Maybe you felt this way last week, or maybe you have been feeling and thinking like this for a long time. Maybe you’ve thought…
“Am I depressed? Is this what post-natal depression is?”
“I have lost my mind”
“I could NEVER tell ____ what’s actually going on”
The opportunity of this time and, if you chose to work with me, therapy is to learn about what is happening inside and around you (we talk often about practical things too…). I have so much hope for you that things can be easier and that we will find a way through together.
I’m integrative in my approach which means I draw on Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Self-Compassion and sensorimotor psychotherapy principles but, ultimately, hold you and your unique life experiences at the forefront of our work.
When it comes to existential questions, and it almost always does come to the existential questions at some point in therapy, I am guided by your curiosity, openness and direct experience of your own spirit. If it’s relevant I might encourage you to explore your questions about the human spirit through your direct experience of what you know to be real, truthful and right. There is much healing available when we can reconcile our direct experience with ancient teachings about humanity and consciousness.
I believe good therapy feels tender, risky and brilliant all at once and becomes a relationship that feels life giving and hopeful.
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Before embarking on my formal studies in Clinical Psychology, it was my relationships that schooled me in joy and meaning, as well as terror and isolation. I know what it is to feel really mentally unwell and seek good quality help for it. I also know what it is to feel really well and connected to life. I bring all of this to our work, in my bones as the saying goes.
I am interested in good design, menopause and sexology, the role of digestive health on our wellbeing and the contributions of wisdom traditions to our health and recovery.
I live on Kabi Kabi country on the Sunshine Coast with my two young children & husband and I look forward to working with you.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Psychological Science / The University of Queensland
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) / Griffith University
Circle of Security Parenting & Core Sensitivities training / COS International
Mediation Teacher Training / 1 Giant Mind Teaching Academy
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Intensive Package / Perinatal Training Centre
Somatic EMDR Therapy Certificate / The Embody Lab
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY SESSIONS
These sessions are for people who want to address emotional and mental health concerns, work or relationship issues, as well as the desire for personal growth.
In addition to reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, psychology sessions provide an opportunity to understand the origins of one’s distress, with the goal of fostering kindness in one’s relationship with oneself.
PERINATAL PSYCHOLOGY SESSIONS
I have spent much of my career working with women who are pregnant and those who are transitioning to life as a parent. These perinatal psychology sessions are for people:
- adjusting to being new parents, wanting treatment for antenatal and postnatal depression + anxiety disorders,
- wanting treatment for anxiety about birth and post-traumatic stress disorder following a difficult birth,
- wanting counselling following pregnancy losses and monitoring of emotional well-being in subsequent pregnancies,
- wanting counselling for couples about the impact of entry to parenthood.
NON-DIRECTIVE PREGNANCY COUNSELLING SESSIONS
These sessions require a referral from a GP and affords clients a rebate for 3 sessions for any pregnancy related concerns and psychological support with pregnancy related concerns, adoption and termination support. It is available during pregnancy and up to 12 months postnatally.
This is a different referral to a GP Mental Health Care Treatment Plan, and requires psychologists to have undertaken training and registration with Medicare to be able to claim rebates under this referral. I am registered with Medicare to provide this specific support. The standard rebate (as of 1 Jan 2025)for these sessions is $70.85 per session.
FEES
As of July 1 2025 || $225 // per 50 minute session (Medicare rebate of $145.25 with MH Care Plan = out of pocket cost $79.75)
The full fee is payable at the end of a session via OSKO direct deposit. I can process your Medicare rebate for you or I can send you an invoice for processing with your private health insurance.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a fee of $311 for a 46–60 minute consultation for the 2024–2025 period. This is a suggested fee, and the actual fee charged by a psychologist is at their discretion. My fees are set to ensure high quality therapy is as accessible and sustainable as possible.
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As a Medicare Provider, I accept clients who have Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP) from their GP or letter of referral form their psychiatrist. Talk to your GP or psychiatrist about your eligibility.
A MHCP is prepared by a GP in a long-consultation. Together with a letter of referral, it allows you to access a rebate for up to 10 sessions with a Clinical Psychologist every calendar year. The standard rebate (as of 1 Jan 2025) is $141.85 per 50-minute session.
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Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be eligible for a rebate on the services received. It is important to review your specific policy details, as certain plans offer rebates based on the type of services rendered. I will provide you with a receipt of all services, which can be submitted to support your claim for any potential rebate.
Say Hello
You can complete the contact form or, alternatively, be in contact with my direct via phone or email.
0438 560 213 or rachellesjones AT gmail.com