Expectant parents along with parents of babies and young children for various reasons often need extra psychiatric and psychological care. My work focuses on the mental health of both the parent and child while nurturing their developing relationship.
I work with new mothers and other caregivers where they have issues of mental illness, psychological problems or personal experiences of childhood trauma or adversity or there are problems arising from infant prematurity or illness. These issues can interfere with the parenting role and bonding.
Research has shown that positive relationships between parents and their children in early life help prevent later social, emotional, learning and psychological problems. I employ a range of therapies to address parental mental illness and facilitate a strong, positive parent-child relationship.
My mission is to help new parents become the parents that they want to be, recognising the love that they have for their children.
Am I the right psychiatrist for you or your child?
I’m a highly experienced psychiatrist able to deliver therapies across a range of mental illness and psychological conditions. General feedback is that patients and parents find me approachable, respectful, careful to understand their perspective and priorities and collaborative in my approach to treatment.
However, we all have different personalities and needs and sometimes the ‘fit ’may not seem right. If you have concerns or doubts about whether I’m the right psychiatrist for you, please raise them. I’m open to discussing any issues and finding a resolution, which may include referral to another psychiatrist or other therapist who could be a better ‘fit’.