Services

Individual Therapy

The Psychologists and Psychotherapists at the Surf Coast Family Hub offer a broad range of support. While they are particularly passionate about perinatal support (preconception, pregnancy and parenting), they are also qualified to offer more generalised support.

Our therapeutic team works with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing challenges in the following areas:

- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/loss
- Trauma
- Stress
- Conception
- Pregnancy
- Parenting
- Parent-infant attachment
- Relationship difficulties
- Life transitions and adjustment issues
- Cognitive assessments
- ADHD assessments

All sessions are 50 minutes and can be conducted in person at the Hub or via telehealth (phone or zoom).

Fees and rebates:
- $225 for a Clinical Psychologist (Adi, Hannah, Melinda), Medicare rebate*: $143.85
- $180 for a Psychotherapist (Michelle), Medicare rebate*: $82.30
- $170 for a General Psychologist (Ellie), Medicare rebate*: $93.35

*Medicare rebates are available to those who have a referral and mental health care plan from a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. The referral must be obtained prior to the first session for a rebate to be claimed.
*Rebates also available for those with appropriate cover under private health insurance.

FAQS

When is the ideal time for someone to seek psychological support?
At the Surf Coast Family Hub we understand that everyone varies in their readiness to seek support. A good time to reach out is when you feel that additional support would be helpful. However, seeking support sooner rather than later will give you the best chance of recovery and relief from your current stress.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the appointment?
You don’t need a referral to seek Psychology support at the Surf Coast Family Hub. However, if you would like a Medicare rebate you will need to obtain a mental health treatment plan from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician prior to your first appointment. Your referrer can email (hello@surfcoastfamilyhub.com.au) or fax (0386694442) this to the Surf Coast Family Hub, or you can bring it to your first appointment. Other than that, just bring yourself! Your kids are always welcome too!

How might a client feel when they first come to their Psychology appointment?
It is usual to feel a little (or very) nervous when you attend your first appointment, particularly if you are new to therapy and/or haven’t been to the Surf Coast Family Hub before. It is important to know, you are in control and can choose what you do and do not discuss. However you feel when you arrive is okay and understandable. Often any uncomfortable feelings subside during the first appointment as you begin to develop a therapeutic relationship with your therapist.

What generally happens in a (first or subsequent) appointment?
The first individual therapy/psychology appointment is very much a ‘getting to know you’ appointment. It is the start of our journey to understanding you. It involves discussing the issue that caused you to seek support along with your personal history. At the conclusion of the first appointment, goals are set and we discuss how we can work together to meet those goals. Subsequent appointments involve working towards those goals using evidence-based techniques and approaches.

Do you offer online appointments and what is the main difference that your clients find between in-person vs online appointments?
All therapists at the Surf Coast Family Hub offer in person and telehealth (video or telephone call) appointments. Both are eligible for Medicare rebates (with a referral). Some people prefer meeting in person, however for others it easier to use telehealth due to factors like travel time, children's routines and naps, or work commitments. We are happy to go with what suits you best.

Do you offer home visits?
No, the therapists at the Surf Coast Family Hub don’t offer home visits.

How long are the appointments and what is the cost?
Each appointment is 50-60 minutes. The cost and Medicare rebate with a valid mental health treatment plan depends on the qualification of the therapist.
For Clinical Psychology the fee is $225 and rebate is $143.85.
For Psychotherapy the fee is $180 and rebate is $82.30.
For General Psychology the fee is $170 and rebate is $93.35.
With a mental health treatment plan you are eligible for up to 10 rebated appointments per calendar.

Services

Massage

Offering Remedial, Relaxation, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Teen Massage.

As a remedial massage therapist with over 15 years of experience, Laura focuses on addressing those specific spots in the body which need extra attention. With advanced techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, Laura is committed to helping you on your path to wellness.

Laura also specialises in pregnancy and postpartum massage, offering nurturing care to support mothers-to-be throughout their pregnancy journey. With a focus on providing comfort, relief, and relaxation, each session is tailored to address the unique needs and concerns of expectant mothers.

With a calming energy, Laura creates an atmosphere where you can unwind, release tension, and experience profound relaxation. Whether you're looking to escape the demands of modern life or simply indulge in self-care, we invite you to immerse yourself in a blissful oasis of peace and serenity.

“I strive to create personalised experiences which give you that “ah” feeling. Helping someone feel better is what it is all about”

Services

Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture is derived from Classical Acupuncture Theory, first introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century. It integrated these theories with new and unique developments and has become known for its effectiveness through its subtlety and comfort, compared to stronger needling techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) style Acupuncture. This makes it ideal for even the most sensitive patients.

Japanese Acupuncture has different diagnostic tools, pattern differentiation and styles. The Pulse, Stomach (Hara) and Channels over the body are palpated to determine certain imbalances, which can be physically altered by the stimulation of specific points. This change will then allow the body to re-balance & heal itself.

Balance Hormones
Because acupuncture has a balancing effect on reproductive hormones, it can be used to correct hormonal imbalances that prevent conception.

Promotes Healing
Offering support to the body to restore homeostasis and balance.

Releases Stagnation
Releasing areas of blocked Qi which stimulates organ function and promotes health.

Improves Circulation
Increasing blood supply to the pelvis and uterus to support implantation.

Decreases Pain and Reduces Inflammation
Acts as a natural analgesic, acupuncture interrupts pain signalling and may reduce inflammatory markers.

Services

Continuity Midwifery Care

Bookings are now open for 2024 midwife continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum with Romy.

Last year I had the privilege of supporting many families as they moved through their transition to parenthood. I'm so grateful to do this work, to walk along side and advocate for each family through such an intimate and transformative time. If you are planning on birthing in hospital* and looking for on-call, independent midwifery care and support, please reach out. I am offering midwifery care with Medicare rebates on the surf coast and surrounds. I am also available for one off (or more) midwifery support sessions to help guide or debrief your experience.

Personalised on-call midwifery continuity of care for people planning on birthing in hospitals in Naarm/Melbourne and on the Surf Coast/Geelong in Victoria.

Our midwifery offerings include:
-Midwifery continuity in pregnancy, birth and postpartum, including birth education, postpartum planning, lactation support and birth debriefing.
-On-call phone, email and birth support 24/7
-Capacity to adapt the care to your needs/budget
-All appointments in your home, or our local clinics
-Optional birth photography
-MEDICARE REBATES

We offer support that centres you and your family and your experience. If you would like more information, or to request a phone call please get in touch via our website or contact@birthspace.com.au

* As I prioritise a balance between supporting families and my own family, I have capacity to support planned hospital birth. If you are interested in homebirth, I am providing back up (second midwife) care to midwife Leisa Gittings who offers homebirth on the surf coast and surrounds

Thank you, Romy

FAQS
When is the ideal time for someone to seek your support?
Anytime in the perinatal journey. From preconception to early childhood, the earlier the better. But I also see people wishing to debrief or needing extra support years after birth.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the appointment?
No requirements, but partner and/or support people are encouraged if that feels good to you.

How might a client feel when they first come to see you?
I provide trauma informed care. This means that all of you, your story is welcome and nothing is expected or required. We move at a pace and in a direction that works for you specifically. There is no right way, only your way.

What generally happens in a (first or subsequent) appointment?
We usually start by debriefing on your journey so far and together coming up with some intentions and a rough outline for the appointment. This is usually followed by 2-3 hours of education and sharing in our collective experience to guide the necessary support. We go by feel and if you need ongoing support or continuity, through your pregnancy or postpartum, I am an available resource as you need it.

Do you offer online appointments and what is the main difference that your clients find between in-person vs online appointments?
Some of the group workshops I run are offered online as this means people can attend from all over the country. The main difference is in choosing a private appointment or a group workshop which is entirely down to personal preference and needs.

Do you offer home visits?
Yes! All of my private appointments are offered either in your home, or at the Surf Coast Family Hub.

How long are the appointments and what is the cost?
$120 per hour for in home appointments and $110 per hour for appointments at the Surf Coast Family Hub. Some discounts are available for multiple appointments.

Services

Lulla-Baby Music Group

Join Dr Elizabeth McLean (Music Therapist) and Dr Adi Brown (Director, Clinical Psychologist) for our monthly music group.

Each month will offer plenty of musical activities and exercises based on a new theme centered around musical parenting, including ways to use your voice and music to soothe, regulate and connect with yourself and your baby and be supported in your parenting role and experience.

Session 1: Thursday 8 August, 9:30-11am
Session 2: Thursday 5 September, 9:30-11am
Session 3: Thursday 17 October, 9:30-11am
Session 4: Thursday 14 November, 9:30-11am
Session 5: Thursday 12 December, 9:30-11am

Session 1 will focus on the role of music and your voice as a parent to support secure attachment and emotional attunement with your baby. There will be a specific focus in this group on your baby's early emotional and social development and the engaging role of music, your voice as a parent and song to support these early moments of connection, communication and play together to strengthen and support a secure attacment relationship with your baby.

Session 2 will focus on the role of songs and your voice as a parent to soothe and co-regulate with your baby, including the opportunity to create your own personalised lullaby or song for your baby!

Session 3 will focus on the role of music to support your baby's early developmental milestones, including the opportunity to learn some specific play songs, rhymes and musical games that will powerfully support you to engage in musical play that will aid your baby's early social skills, emotional development, physical and motor strength and coordination and cognitive and communciative skills.

Session 4 will focus on the role of musical mantras to support you as a parent to access and explore the role of simple sung affirmations to support your nervous system through regulating and restoring a sense of calm and inner peace as a parent and offer a medium for creative self expression and release. You will get the chance to create your own musical mantra in this group and learn and share in some additional sung mantras together.

Session 5 will focus on the role of recorded music and playlist creation for supporting emotional regulation as a parent and caregiver. You will learn about some key considerations for intentionally using music to support a specific emotional outcome and state for yourself and/or your baby, taking into account the style of music (speed, instruments, quality of sound, genre etc..), personal associations with the chosen music and pacing, timing and length of a playlist.

*This group series will best cater for expecting parents and parents with babes in arms ( pre-crawling age)

Services

Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Education Classes

FREE Pregnancy Choices class
1.5hrs
One of the most important steps in being prepared for pregnancy, birth and parenthood is understanding your options so that you can make informed decisions for you and your family. This workshop explores best evidence, models of maternity care and how to lay the foundations for an empowered pregnancy journey. We cover models of care, resources, support team, birth environment and pregnancy wellbeing.

Labour and Birth, day class
6hrs + breaks
Knowing our bodies and understanding the functions of normal physiological birth can help us to feel trusting and safe in labour and birth. Together we explore:
-The inner dialogues around birth
-Trauma prevention and wellbeing
-Practical information about the physiology and progress of labour and birth
-The inner work in transitioning to parenthood
-Pain management strategies
-Embodiment and grounding tools
-How to navigate the maternity care system
-Possible interventions
-Empowering the journey for partners/support people and families

Newborn New Family class
2.5hrs
Preparation for a baby goes way beyond their birthdate. This workshop explores your new life as a family and offers preparation for parenting a newborn and nurturing your relationships. Postpartum preparation is often overlooked. We cover the practical challenges of parenting a newborn, from birth to the first few weeks and beyond. We provide tools for safeguarding against postpartum depletion, supporting breastfeeding, recovery, nutrition, nappies, sleep and settling. We also look at the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the newborn and new family to prepare you to thrive as new parents.

Postpartum is Forever class
2.5hrs
In this workshop we make time to debrief, share stories and experiences, to be seen through this massive life transition with your baby, here in your arms. We will learn practical tools to guide you through the shifts in your relationships and your own identities. We help support your sleep, help you understand your baby’s needs using neuro-protective and aware-parenting approaches. We help you optimise your fourth trimester and beyond, by exploring nutrition, well-being, and community. We create space for intuitive parenting and connection with other like-minded parents. Come as you are, nappy changes, feeding, crying all welcome.

Private, In-home Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Education
3-3.5hrs
This private consultation will be tailored to your needs. We can cover physiology of birth, pain management options, partner or support people’s roles, interventions - induction, caesarean, birth planning/mapping, planning for your postpartum or create your own session entirely. There will be time for an in-depth conversation about your story, your own personal hopes and needs for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.