When motherhood does not feel the way you expected
Perinatal and postnatal mental health is one of Lindsay Perlman's core clinical interests. Many parents come to therapy with a sense that they should be coping better, or that they should feel more joy than they do. The work is not about judging that gap. It is about understanding what is happening and finding a way through it with care that is practical, evidence-based, and human.
Postnatal depression does not always look like obvious sadness. It can look like irritability, disconnection, guilt, numbness, anger, exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, or a sense that you are failing even when you are doing everything you can. Postnatal anxiety can look like constant scanning for danger, difficulty resting, fear of being away from the baby, or an inability to switch off.
Specialist experience
Lindsay has worked at St John of God in the Mother Baby Unit and outpatient centre, facilitating postnatal depression and Circle of Security groups. She has also worked at Gidget House supporting expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression.
Her training includes further perinatal mental health study through the Centre of Perinatal Excellence and the Centre for Perinatal Psychology, alongside ongoing membership of COPE and perinatal mental health networks.
Therapy may focus on
- Understanding and reducing postnatal depression or anxiety symptoms
- Processing birth trauma or difficult pregnancy experiences
- Strengthening parent-baby attachment and confidence
- Rebuilding sleep, support, and emotional regulation where possible
- Navigating relationship changes after a baby arrives
In-person in Bondi Junction, with telehealth available
InFocus Psychology is based at Harley Place, 251 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, accessible for people searching for a postnatal psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs, including Bondi, Waverley, Woollahra, Double Bay, Randwick, Coogee, and surrounding areas. Telehealth is also available, which can be especially useful in the perinatal period.