At Ready to Rise, I provide warm, practical and evidence-informed mental health occupational therapy for women, with a particular focus on the transition to motherhood and the perinatal period.
Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, early motherhood, anxiety, low mood, burnout, changes in identity or simply feeling like life has become harder to manage, therapy can help you understand what’s happening and find practical ways forward.
Appointments are available in person in Melbourne and via telehealth across Australia.
One to one
1:1 Mental Health Occupational Therapy
Individual occupational therapy provides a private space to slow down, make sense of what's happening and work out what you need.
Occupational therapy looks at the relationship between your mental health and everyday life — including your routines, relationships, responsibilities, environment, sleep, self-care, work and the things that give your life meaning.
Together, we can identify what is getting in the way and develop practical strategies that fit your life.
Area of focus
Perinatal Mental Health
Pregnancy and early parenthood can bring enormous change. While it can be a beautiful time, it can also be challenging, overwhelming and very different from what you expected.
I support women experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy, the postpartum period and the transition to motherhood (matrescence).
You don't need to have everything figured out before you come to therapy. We can start exactly where you are.
Support may include
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Anxiety and excessive worry during pregnancy or after birth
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Low mood and depression
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Feeling overwhelmed, depleted or burnt out
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Adjusting to the transition to motherhood
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Changes in identity, confidence and sense of self
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Difficulties with routines, rest and self-care
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Birth experiences that have been difficult to process
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Pregnancy loss, miscarriage and grief
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Relationship and family changes
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Finding a balance between caring for your baby and caring for yourself
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Feeling disconnected from yourself or struggling with the expectations of motherhood
FOR ADULTS
General Mental Health
Mental health challenges can affect every part of everyday life.
I also provide occupational therapy for adults experiencing a range of mental health difficulties.
Therapy is tailored to you, your circumstances and your goals. Rather than simply focusing on symptoms, we look at what is happening in your everyday life and what could help you feel more like yourself again.
I OFFER SUPORT FOR
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Anxiety
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Depression and low mood
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Stress and burnout
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Difficulties with daily routines and functioning
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Changes in motivation and energy
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Emotional regulation difficulties
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Challenges with work, study or relationships
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Reduced participation in meaningful activities
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Psychosocial disability and NDIS-related support
In-person Groups . Kensington, VIC
Single Session Circles
Sometimes you don’t need ongoing therapy. You just need somewhere to pause, connect and talk things through.
Ready to Rise Single Session Circles are small, supportive group sessions for women navigating the realities of motherhood.
Each circle focuses on a different topic relevant to life as a mother, providing an opportunity to learn, reflect and connect with other women who may be experiencing something similar. Babies are welcome.
The circles are designed to be accessible, supportive and practical — without the commitment of a six-week program or ongoing therapy.
Each session includes
A small, welcoming group
An evidence-informed topic or theme
Practical strategies you can take into everyday life
Space to reflect and share, if you choose
Connection with other mothers
A calm, supportive environment where you don’t need to have it all together
Choosing
How Do I Know Which Service Is Right for Me?
If you’re not sure whether you need individual therapy or a Single Session Circle, that’s completely okay.
1:1 therapy
1:1 therapy may be the right fit if you would like personalised support, have specific concerns you want to work through, or feel that your mental health is significantly affecting your everyday life.
A Single Session Circle
A Single Session Circle may be a good option if you’re looking for connection, practical ideas and a supportive conversation around a particular aspect of motherhood without committing to ongoing therapy.
What therapy is for
I work with a wide range of presentations — from the very specific (postnatal depression, birth trauma) to the more general (anxiety, stress, identity shifts). Here's a broad picture of what I can help with:
Perinatal Mental Health
• Postnatal (postpartum) depression
• Perinatal anxiety and depression
• Birth trauma and PTSD
• Perinatal loss and grief
• Adjustment to parenthood
• Attachment and bonding difficulties
General Mental Health
• General anxiety and depression
• Intrusive thoughts
• Emotional regulation and distress tolerance
• Identity and relationship changes
• Psychosocial disability support (NDIS)
Everyday Life & Practical Support
• Daily routines and life skills with a newborn
• Sleep, feeding, and self-care strategies
• Sensory modulation for babies and parents
• Coping with parental overwhelm and stress
• Building structure, habits, and sustainable rhythms
How I work
My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and practically grounded. I draw on a range of evidence-based frameworks depending on what's most helpful for you, always with your real daily life in mind, not just the hour we're in together.
• Trauma-informed care, understanding the impact of birth, history, and the perinatal period
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), interpersonal relationships therapy and motivational interviewing, whatever fits best for you
• Therapeutic use of occupation, supporting mental health through meaningful daily activity
• Person-centred and collaborative, therapy designed around your goals, your pace, your life
Still Unsure?
You don't have to do this alone.
Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, adjusting to motherhood or simply feeling like you need some space to breathe, Ready to Rise is here to help.
Not sure what to expect from your first session? Here's what to know before you start.
Book an appointment or get in touch to find out more.
