Perinatal, Parenting & Women's Mental Health Counselling
My story...
Hi, I'm Kerryn and I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with an absolute passion for everything perinatal. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at University of New England in 2018, after a very long 8 years. Since this time, I have been working towards establishing a caring, supportive and safe space for the community of Tamworth, focusing in the perinatal space.
There are significant moments and experiences in our lives that can leave us changed forever – including fertility issues, becoming a parent, birth trauma and losing a loved one. Some can bring positive change to our lives and are welcomed. However, some moments can be more difficult to accept and leave us in a distressed state, unsure how to navigate our lives forward in a meaningful way. Like many, throughout my life I have experienced these moments. Some positive and being honest some quite traumatic and difficult. I would not be the woman I am today if it wasn’t for these times shaping my views and approach and expectations of life. My lived experience of becoming a parent has been a huge contributing factor to my passion and dedication in the perinatal space. I am especially passionate about supporting new parents in their adjustment of their expectations and re-negotiating their identities, through the challenges (and changes) of conception, pregnancy, postnatal periods, parental and relationship adjustments.
Take care and be kind to yourself.
Kerryn
xx
Ways I can help you...
I provide personalised counselling and support for women trying to conceive, during pregnancy & after birth in a safe, comfortable,
non-judgemental space.
About Us
Perinatal
Anxiety & Depression
Fertility Challenges
Parenting
Support
Grief & Loss
Birth Trauma
Resources
"Coming soon"
What to expect in your session...
It is common to feel a little nervous about your first session. Let's face it, you are meeting with a stranger to discuss some of the most intimate and distressing parts of your life. It is so brave of you taking this first step in reaching out to me. I have been there. I promise I get it.
Yes, I am feeling brave. Let's do this>>
My initial focus is building a strong trusting foundation together. One where you do not feel judged, embarrassed or ashamed. One where you feel comfortable and safe enough to share your story openly and honestly with me.
Session 1: Is about getting to know you; your world and those in it, what brought you to therapy, what you are struggling with and what you are hoping to achieve. You will learn some easy practical exercises you can put into place straight away in your life when you get home and start feeling more in control. Allow approximately 1 - 1 &1/2hrs.
Often clients tell me they leave the session feeling lighter, with hope for the first time in a long time and most importantly not alone. Is this what you are looking for?
Yes, I would really like that>>
Session 2+: Further sessions will be determined by your journey; this will be in the form of both of us learning more about what is going on for you - the "who", the "what" and the "why"? Most importantly you will feel supported to be able to safely unpack and explore the "how" to move forward and achieve your goals you identified in Session 1. I do this in a natural and personal way that you won't even know we are using evidenced-based therapies.
I know right now all you think you need is "someone to just tell me what to do to be happy". I am not the expert on you, YOU are. I can, however, help you feel empowered and in control again. Working together as a team is the key element in achieving your goals.
If you are ready to start living the life you deserve and not just surviving, then reach out and contact me. I am here for you. Let's do this together.
Becoming Us Parenting Classes...
Becoming parents is a time of joy, love and wonder, and also new stresses, strains and growing pains for parents. There are normal and common life changes, new relationship challenges and 'unexpected unknowns' of new parenthood that couples need to know how to manage.
Becoming Us is here to prepare, guide and support parents with a structure and pathway to navigate the complexities of early parenthood. While at the same time nurturing the relationship they have with themselves, their partner and baby, their parents, friends, wider family and community.
Each stage in the Becoming Us framework supports the mental, emotional and relationship wellbeing of the whole family. Parents can know how to cope, grown and thrive, even during difficult times, especially during difficulty times.
Through the Becoming Us approach mothers, fathers, parents and partners can:
- be prepared for the most common life and relationship challenges in the pregnancy and early parenthood journey;
- know what they need, what their partner needs and how to support each other along the way; and
- have knowledge, skills and steps to build a solid family foundation and give their new baby the best possible beginning to life.
Coming soon...
Or if you have any other questions, comments or enquiries, please email me directly on
Kerryn Smith
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Cnr Bridge & Denne Streets
TAMWORTH NSW 2340
Entry via Denne Street
Life Changes Tamworth acknowledges the Kamilaroi people, the Traditional custodians of the land where I work and live. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Life Changes Tamworth is committed to providing a safe and culturally appropriate , inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality or gender identity.
Copyright Life Changes Tamworth
