Gemma Sandeman
Perinatal Therapy and Accredited Social Worker
Holding a Master of Social Work, I have spent my career supporting infants, children and parents in the NGO sector and am highly experienced in supporting mothers experiencing a complex mental health diagnosis during the perinatal period with a focus on promoting secure attachment. I have a passion for supporting women in motherhood as they navigate the significant changes that can come with parenthood and find their identity and confidence as a mum.
My approach to therapy is warm, genuine and down-to-earth. I work to create a relaxed and non-judgemental atmosphere where clients can explore and understand emotional difficulties, interpersonal experiences (including parenting) and unhelpful patterns in the context of their own attachment history and life experiences.
I am experienced in providing evidenced based, developmentally responsive parenting guidance that prioritises connection between parent and child, as well as considering the overall functioning of the family. As a mum myself, I have seen it all, and enjoy helping parents move from overwhelm to confidence in navigating the whirlwind that can be raising tiny humans.
As a social work trained therapist, I have a strong focus on supporting clients to understand themselves within the context of the world they live in- when supporting mothers this often looks like challenging the “perfect mother myth” and unpacking the expectations placed on mothers and their children. Social work practice is person-centred and strengths based, and as such, my aim is always to ensure the experience of therapy is tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals and draws upon their strengths in order to find sustainable and achievable change.
Alongside my social work training, I have undertaken additional learning in a number of psychological modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness and Relaxation strategies, Compassion-focused therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Attachment Theory. Additionally, I am trained in a number of child development, parenting and relational programs such as Marte Meo Practitioner training (Therapist level training in progress), Circle of Security, Gottman “Bringing Baby Home”, Peaceful Parenting and Peaceful kids. I pull from all this knowledge in order to weave together interventions that best suit the family or individual in front of me.
I provide individual therapy, couple counselling and parenting support to my clients at AWHC, as well as offering Non-Directive Pregnancy Counselling to individuals and couples navigating decision making in unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy concerns.
I believe that families come in all different shapes, sizes and orientations. I strive to provide support that is welcoming and inclusive to all families.
Services
Individual counselling
For parents in the perinatal period, and beyond, focused on a range of issues including:
mental health (including depression and anxiety)
rage and mood dysregulation
adjustment to parenting
pregnancy concerns
preparation for childbirth
difficulties bonding with baby
birth trauma
issues arising from their own childhood
intrusive thoughts
low confidence in parenting
Unplanned Pregnancy Counselling
I offer unbiased, non- judgemental and evidence based information to clients considering their options regarding an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy with unexpected complications. I am trained in non- directive counselling techniques to help individuals and couples facing pregnancy related decisions.
Parenting Support
Advice and support for parents interested in supporting the social and emotional development of their infants and children, or who are wanting to develop parenting skills such as behaviour intervention, supporting development, routine, bonding and play.
I work with parents to gain a clear understanding of their child's needs, the wider families needs and the parents own parenting goals and combine this with my knowledge of child development and parenting strategies to find solutions that are tailored, evidence based and achievable.
Couple Counselling
The transition to parenthood can be tough on even the strongest relationship and since the relationship between caregivers plays an important role in the social and emotional development and wellbeing of children, addressing these challenges can be an important step in creating a happy, connected and healthy family.
I am a trained Gottman "Bringing Baby Home” Educator and use this framework to provide the tools couples need to be the best parents they can be, providing sensitive and responsive parenting, while maintaining the quality of their relationship.
Referrals and Rebates
Written referral are not required for a consultation, however you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have a referral from your GP . To be eligible for a Medicare rebate you need to fit a certain criteria for a referral.
You are eligible for a GP referral if :
you are currently pregnant or
have been pre pregnant in the last 12 months
If you have a referral you can claim rebates on up to three sessions, per pregnancy. Referrals must include the patients name, a request for non-directive pregnancy counselling, and relevant clinical informaiton and the referring doctors details including their provider number. Medicare rebate cannot be offered under a mental health treatment plan, however this may change later in the year.
If you are not eligible for a GP referral you can self refer to see Gemma but there is not Medicare rebate.
Referral I can currently offer Medicare Rebates under the Non-directive Pregnancy Counselling Item (number 81005). To claim this a client must be currently pregnant or have been pregnant within the last 12 months. Clients can claim rebates on up to three sessions under this item number, per pregnancy. To access this clients must have a referral from a GP. Referrals must include the client’s name, a request for non-directive pregnancy counselling, any relevant clinical information and your provider number. I currently cannot offer rebates under a MHTP, however I plan to offer this later in the year. My current fees are designed to be in line with the gap clients would pay to see a therapist under a MHTP, at $155 for an individual 50 minute appointment. Clients who do not wish to access medicare rebates are welcome to self-refer, and I welcome working collaboratively with other care providers.
Appointment and Fees
Individual consultation
50 minutes,with a fee of $155.
Couples consultations
90 minutes in duration with a fee of $220
Parenting support sessions (working with parent and child)
50 minutes, with a fee of $155
90 minutes, with a fee of $220
Appointment can be face to face in the clinic or by telehealth
** Gemma has a 24 hour cancellation/Did not attend policy. You will receive your SMS or email reminders 48 hours in advance to provide you time to cancel your appointment before the 24 hours. **
Frequently asked questions
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You are always welcome to bring your baby along to the appointment and feel free to do what you need during the consultation to ensure you and your baby are comfortable.
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Social Workers are skilled in supporting individuals within the context of their social, familial, and community environments. This holistic perspective works particularly well in supporting parents during the perinatal and early childhood years and allows me to offer interventions that consider and support the whole family.
As a Mental Health focused Social Worker, I am trained in a number of Psychological strategies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-focused therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Mindfullness, Motivational Interviewing, and Attachment Theory. I use these modalities alongside my social work lens to support clients on their own unique journey.
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Finding the right fit for therapy can feel like an overwhelming task. To help you feel more confident in your decision I'm pleased to offer a free 10 minute discovery call to briefly discuss your needs, ask any questions and gain an understanding of how my support may suit you.
To enquire about booking a discovery call please use the contact form on this website.
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The term ‘perinatal’ technically refers to the time from conception and pregnancy through to the first year after birth. ‘Antenatal’ refers to pregnancy up until the birth. ‘Postpartum’ or 'Postnatal' refers to the first year after birth.
I, however, prescribe to the idea that "postpartum is forever", that the changes that occur through pregnancy, birth and parenting are a change that has lifelong impact, particularly on identity, health and relationships. This change is often referred to as 'Matrescence'.
I welcome clients at all stages of the perinatal period and beyond - well in to their Matrescence. My area of expertise for parenting support is focused on newborn through to junior primary years.
Contact Me
Website: https://www.gemmasandeman.com/
Finding the right fit for therapy can feel like an overwhelming task. To help you feel more confident in your decision I'm pleased to offer a free 10 minute discovery call to briefly discuss your needs, ask any questions and gain an understanding of how my support may suit you.
To enquire about booking a discovery call please use the contact form on this website.
