Question 1

What kinds of concerns do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with women and mothers experiencing depression, anxiety, perfectionism, self-criticism, burnout, relationship challenges and life transitions including the transition to motherhood. I offer parenting support for children of all ages. I also work with trauma including birth trauma and complex relational trauma as well as those exploring their neurotype. At this stage, I am not accepting referrals for concerns that require more specialised or intensive support, including complex eating disorders, active suicidal ideation, psychosis or personality disorders.

Question 2

Do you have specific training in perinatal mental health?

Accepted Answer

I do. I began my journey into perinatal mental health in 2019 when I commenced a PhD exploring the transition to parenthood. Alongside supporting women in therapy, I have contributed to research in perinatal mental health, coparenting and reflective functioning. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the emotional, relational and identity changes that accompany pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. I have also completed Circle of Security training.Becoming a mother myself changed everything about how I understand this period. It is one thing to intellectually know that becoming a mother is a profound identity shift, but nothing could have prepared me for how this actually felt in my body.Mothers deserve to feel deeply supported, understood and held. That this support is not a luxury—it is fundamental to the long-term health and wellbeing of women, their children and their families.I walk with women through pregnancy, birth trauma, postpartum challenges, identity changes and everything in between.

Question 3

Do I need to be a mother to work with you?

Accepted Answer

Not at all.While I have a particular passion for supporting mothers, I also work with women who are navigating anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-criticism, relationship difficulties and life transitions.

Question 4

Is therapy with you neuroaffirming?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a neurodivergent woman myself, it is incredibly important to me that my practice is neuroaffirming.To me, this means recognising and respecting neurodivergence as a natural variation in the way our brains work, rather than something that needs to be fixed.Together, we'll work to understand your unique way of experiencing the world. We'll gently explore and honour the needs that may have been pushed down, overlooked or dismissed for many years, bringing curiosity and compassion to each part of you.Rather than trying to help you fit into someone else's expectations, my hope is to support you in creating a life that feels sustainable, authentic and aligned with who you truly are.

Question 5

What additional training have you completed?

Accepted Answer

As part of my registration as a psychologist I regularly undertake professional development to ensure my practice remains evidence-based and up to date.In addition to my clinical psychology training, I have completed further training in:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Schema TherapyMentalization Based Therapy (MBT)Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)Circle of Security ParentingFamily Foundations - an evidence-based program designed to strengthen the coparenting relationship and support couples as they navigate the transition to parenthood.
Alongside my clinical work, I have undertaken research exploring the transition to parenthood and have published peer-reviewed research in the areas of perinatal mental health, coparenting and reflective functioning.I am currently doing additional training in birth trauma and am in the process of completing Bernadette Lack's Reconnected birthing mentorship.

Question 6

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Accepted Answer

While I have a background in child and adolescent mental health, my practice is currently focused on supporting women and mothers.I believe that when we support parents to better understand themselves, their nervous systems and their emotional experiences, we create the conditions for children to thrive. Alongside supporting your own wellbeing, I'm happy to help you better understand your child's behaviour and strengthen your relationship with them.

Question 7

Do you offer autism or ADHD assessments?

Accepted Answer

At this stage, I don't offer diagnostic assessments for autism or ADHD as part of my practice.If you're wondering whether ADHD, autism or another condition may be contributing to your experiences, I'm happy to complete screening questionnaires as part of therapy and explore this with you. Where appropriate we can also discuss the steps involved in obtaining a comprehensive assessment.My practice is primarily focused on providing therapy for women and mothers who are looking to understand and connect more deeply with themselves. This can include therapy to support you to navigate and understand your neurotype even if you don't have a formal diagnosis.

Question 8

How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to wait until things are falling apart before reaching out for support. And asking for support also doesn't mean you are failing. Many of the women I work with appear to be coping on the outside. They're managing work, parenting and relationships, but underneath they're exhausted, disconnected from themselves, and carrying a load so heavy it weighs them down.If this is you at the moment please reach out. It is possible to move through this world with more compassion, connection and joy.

Mia De Palma | Psychologist

Mia De Palma

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