It's 3:47 AM in your Graceville home. Your baby is finally asleep, yet you find yourself unable to follow into sleep. Instead, you sit quietly, scrolling through your phone, searching for something—answers, understanding, a reason why everyone else seems to be living the motherhood you were promised while you’re facing something entirely different.
This morning, you smiled and waved at another mum outside the local café. Your hair was brushed.
You managed to put on real clothes. From the outside, it appeared that you were managing just fine.
But inside? Inside, you feel like you're in a universe away from that smiling mother everyone sees.
The Moments No One Talks About
Postpartum depression can manifest in many ways, and its signs are as varied as the new emotions you’re experiencing. You might notice:
Persistent Sadness: A deep, lingering feeling of sadness that doesn’t seem to lift.
Overwhelming Anxiety: Intense worry about your baby, your role as a parent, or your ability to cope.
Exhaustion Beyond the Norm: Sleep that doesn’t refresh you, even after your little one’s nap.
Difficulty Bonding: A sense of disconnection from your baby or a feeling that you’re not the parent you hoped to be.
Feelings of Isolation: A belief that you must face these challenges alone, even when help is within reach.
Understanding
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is not a weakness, nor is it a failure in motherhood. It’s a recognised condition influenced by hormonal shifts, emotional stress, and the significant lifestyle changes that come with a new baby. The emotional storms you weather now are a natural part of the transition into parenthood. At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we view this journey with compassion, understanding that your experiences do not define you but are an invitation to care for yourself as much as you care for your family.
Your capacity to feel deeply isn't a flaw – it's a sign of a rich inner life that deserves to be understood and nurtured. Let us help you transform that intensity into your greatest strength.
Our Compassionate Approach
to Care
Here in Graceville, QLD, and throughout Brisbane’s west, our team is dedicated to providing personalised, evidence-based support tailored specifically for new parents facing postpartum depression. Our approach includes:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping you identify and gently challenge negative thought patterns.
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Interpersonal Therapy: Focusing on strengthening relationships and enhancing communication during this pivotal time.
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Mindfulness Techniques: Offering practical strategies to manage stress and cultivate presence in your daily life.
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Holistic Support: Integrating self-care and practical advice to help balance the demands of parenthood with your emotional well-being.
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Trauma-Informed Care: Ensuring that every aspect of your experience is met with sensitivity and respect.
Understanding that these factors interact in complex ways can help you see that your experiences are not simply about ‘being difficult’ but about the interplay of many elements. This perspective is key to moving forward with compassion for yourself.
The Transformative Benefits
of Therapy
With the right guidance, many parents discover that postpartum depression need not define their experience. Over time, the support you receive can help you:
Rediscover Your Inner Strength: Reconnect with the qualities that make you a loving, capable parent.
Nurture Meaningful Relationships: Build stronger connections with your partner, family, and friends.
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies: Equip yourself with tools to manage stress and emotional upheaval.
Embrace a Renewed Sense of Purpose: Step forward with the confidence that you can care for both yourself and your child.
Experience Personal Growth: Transform this challenging time into an opportunity for self-discovery and healing.
Our goal is not to ‘fix’ you, but to empower you to reconnect with your inner resilience and embrace a future filled with hope.
Meet Tracey
Registered Psychologist
Special Interest in Perinatal Mental Health
Hello! I’m Tracey, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in counselling, therapy, and psychotherapy. I work with clients of all ages, supporting them through major life transitions such as pregnancy and motherhood, as well as challenges like anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma (including complex PTSD using EMDR therapy), grief, sleep difficulties, disordered eating, and recovery from violence or substance use.
I regularly support individuals experiencing:
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Anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout
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Perinatal and postnatal mental health challenges
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Complex PTSD and trauma recovery (using EMDR)
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Sleep difficulties
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Disordered eating and body image issues
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Grief, bereavement, and major life transitions
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Relationship difficulties and separation
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Recovery from domestic violence or abuse
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Challenges with alcohol and substance use
How do you tailor your approach to support each client’s unique goals and challenges?
I use a range of counselling techniques; these are often referred to as Focussed Psychological Strategies. This allows us to be able to shape our sessions to your particular needs and goals. I also bring a wealth of personal and work experience that can assist me to connect to people, develop rapport and be able to build a strong therapeutic relationship.
What can someone expect during their first session with you, and how do you help make it feel welcoming?
The first session is about getting to know you, your unique story and what you would like to achieve in therapy. I always try to ensure that at the end of each session you have some practical skills and learnings to take with you in your everyday life.
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Your Next Step: Embrace Hope
Taking the step to seek help for postpartum depression is an act of profound strength and self-love. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, consider reaching out to us at Nurtured Thoughts Psychology. We offer a discreet, welcoming environment where you can talk openly about your experiences, without fear of judgement.
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Book Online: Easily schedule an appointment at a time that suits you.
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Flexible Options: Early mornings, evenings—whichever fits your busy schedule.
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No Referral Needed: Just bring your authentic self.
Your journey as a parent is filled with both challenges and triumphs. Allow yourself the kindness of professional support. Embrace the hope that, with compassionate guidance, brighter days are ahead. Reach out today—whether it’s via phone, online booking, or an email—and take the first step towards a future where you feel whole, supported, and understood.
Meet Samantha
Registered Psychologist
Special Interest in Perinatal Mental Health
Hello and welcome! I am Samantha, a registered psychologist who is passionate about providing client centred and trauma informed care in a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment. My approach is warm, engaging, and respectful, and I strive to create an inclusive environment where clients can build confidence to improve their broader well-being. I primarily work with teens (ages 13+) and adults.
My other primary areas of clinical interest are:
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Eating disorders
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Perinatal Mental Health
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Mental health concerns with co-occurring physiological health considerations (e.g., Fertility challenges, Functional Neurological Disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia)
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LGBTQIA+ community supports
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Borderline Personality Disorder
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Trauma Disorders
What can a new client expect during their first session with you? How do you help them feel at ease?
I understand firsthand that the process of finding, deciding on, and then attending your first appointment with a new psychologist for the first time can be a daunting and stressful experience. My approach is warm, transparent, and respectful, and I provide new clients with the opportunity to go at their pace to be able to tell their story in their own words. At Nurtured Thoughts, our practice environment is calm and welcoming, and this further provides an opportunity for new clients to feel more at ease in a less clinical practice
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