Lively Lifestyles Psychology

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East Melbourne, VIC
Lively Lifestyles Psychology

Lively Lifestyles Psychology is a boutique psychology practice with a special interest in perinatal mental health, and children’s psychology.

07/02/2026

Thought I would jump onto the AI trend 💓

10/10/2025

If you’ve been wondering what telehealth therapy might be like, we hope this post helps introduce it a little more. We use a secure video platform for all our sessions, meaning that we do physically get to see eachother during our appointment.

Telehealth therapy can be a supportive and flexible option - especially when life is full, unpredictable, or you simply prefer the comfort of your own space.

For many people, it means: ✨ No commute ✨ Easier to fit into your day ✨ A familiar, calming environment (yes, your couch counts) ✨ Access to support even if you’re rural, postpartum, or short on time

Of course, it’s not the right fit for everyone - and that’s okay too.

If you’re curious or considering therapy and wondering whether telehealth might work for you, we offer a free 15-minute intake call. It’s a chance to ask questions, explore what’s possible, and decide what feels right for you.

You can book via our website - link in bio 💻

06/10/2025

Grief related to pregnancy loss can be reactivated by seemingly everyday experiences, even long after the loss. These grief triggers may arise during milestone events, seasonal changes, or interactions with others’ pregnancies or children.⁣
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These responses are natural reflections of the ongoing process of loss integration.⁣
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When this happens, try:
• Seeking connection - whether through a trusted support person or professional⁣.
• Allowing space for the emotional response, rather than suppressing it⁣.
• Revisiting or developing rituals to honor the loss⁣.

Here are some interesting considerations from the literature:
• Social support is one of the most consistent protective factors against complicated grief, depression, and anxiety following pregnancy loss (Cacciatore, 2013; Lang et al., 2011).

• Emotion-focused coping, which includes acknowledging and expressing feelings, is associated with more adaptive grief outcomes (Stroebe & Schut, 2010). The Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe & Schut) suggests that moving between confronting and avoiding grief is normal, but complete avoidance can delay emotional integration.

• Rituals can serve as protective factors in perinatal grief, helping to reduce distress and promote post-traumatic growth (Bokhari, 2022).

If you notice these triggers are becoming overwhelming or interfering with daily functioning, it may be helpful to connect with a perinatal psychologist.
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Please remember - grief after pregnancy loss is not linear, and you are not alone in navigating its complexities 🤍⁣
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22/09/2025

New research shows that the stigma around infertility is linked to higher levels of depression - and can make it harder to feel a sense of meaning or purpose in life.

But here’s the hopeful part: people who felt safe enough to talk about their infertility with someone they trusted were less likely to feel depressed, and more likely to reconnect with meaning in their lives.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy to open up.
 But safe, honest conversations - even just one - can be powerful. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Reference: Zhang, X., Li, H., Wu, Y., Xia, X., Luo, Q., Wang, J., & Li, W. (2025). Infertility stigma and openness to disclose infertility in relation to depression and finding meaning in life among infertile individuals: A moderated mediation model. Reproductive Health, 22(1), 159. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-01951-0

10/09/2025

New research highlights how shame and compassion show up in the early postnatal period, and how they impact a mother’s wellbeing.

When care feels judgmental or critical, mums may avoid reaching out for help. But when they experience empathy, sensitivity, and emotional support, they feel safer, more seen, and more able to share how they’re really doing.

Mothers in this study spoke about the importance of:
• Being held with compassion, not correction
• Finding “the right kind of support”
• Feeling safe to express the harder parts of motherhood

This research reminds us that our words matter, and that compassion can be a powerful antidote to shame.

🧡 Let’s hold new mums gently.

Reference: Jones, A., Baker, S., & O’Connell, R. (2025). Mothers’ experiences of shame and compassion in the early postnatal period: A thematic analysis. Midwifery, 128, 103765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2024.103765

19/08/2025

Hi, I’m Ana 👋🏼

I’m a registered psychologist and an accredited perinatal & infant mental health clinician, supporting women and families through all stages of life.

I specialise in perinatal mental health - including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting.

I support with:
✨ Fertility struggles
✨ Antenatal and postnatal anxiety or depression
✨ Birth trauma & loss
✨ Identity shifts in motherhood & the journey of matrescence
✨ Parenting support
✨ Relationship challenges as a couple

I also run Circle of Security Parenting courses to help parents feel more confident, connected, and supported.

I’m passionate about holding a safe space for you to land, reflect, and grow. This season is big - let’s make space for you in it, and let’s make space for who you are becoming.

I look forward to connecting with you 💖

16/08/2025

Are you looking for a perinatal psychologist whose passion is supporting women all from preconception to birth and beyond?
Look no further - l’ve opened up my books and am ready to take on new clients. Looking forward to connecting with some new friendly faces 💕

06/05/2025

✨ I’m back! ✨

After some beautiful time away, I’m excited to share that I’m officially returning to practice from June – with limited appointments available!

If you’ve been waiting to reconnect or if you’re a new client looking to begin, I’d love to hear from you. You can now book appointments through the online form (link in bio).

Spots are limited, so if you have a preferred time, I recommend jumping in soon. Can’t wait to see some familiar faces and welcome some new ones 💛

02/12/2024

🌸 Big News! 🌸

I’ve been a little MIA lately, and I wanted to take a moment to share why - a few weeks ago I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world! It’s been a very busy time but one full of so much love and joy.

I want to acknowledge that for some, this announcement may be hard to hear. I understand that pregnancy loss, infertility, and the journey to motherhood can be deeply emotional and challenging. Please know that my heart is with you, and I’m holding space for all of you who are walking different paths.

I want to let you all know that I’ll be back in action later in 2025 - I’ll be reaching out with more details to my lovely clients via email closer to when I return to practice. In the meantime, be sure to add yourself to the waitlist through our website (link in bio), and you’ll receive an email when I’m up and running again! 🥰🧿

11/09/2024

I’ve been super busy in clinic supporting all of my lovely patients over the last little while, but here is a post I’ve been meaning to share!

Postpartum plans can be so important but are often overlooked. Lots of women I work with focus on the birth plan, which is absolutely well and good, but I’d love to shift the focus a little more to what is happening right after Bub is born 🌸

If you are currently pregnant, be sure to talk to your perinatal psych about what your postpartum plan looks like 💕

DISLCAIMER
* Instagram ≠ Therapy
* Content provided is for information purposes only.

08/08/2024

One of my personal traditions that I hold dear is taking my birthday off each year 🎉

As a psychologist, I see the immense value in setting aside time for self-care and reflection and try to practice what I preach as much as I can in this regard. For me, I’ve tried to recreate my birthday energy like my own “new year” energy. This annual pause is a reminder to celebrate my achievements, reflect on my growth, and recharge for the year ahead. Annnnd I always try to do something fun! Yesterday it was a day trip into the city with a yummy lunch at one of my favourite restaurants 🥰

What traditions do you have? ✨

23/07/2024

As a society, when a baby is born, we all want to support the baby (which is amazing), but we need to not forget about supporting the new mother. She has also endured a huge transition, and will need differing levels of support from the people in her world 💕

So I ask, how are you supporting that new mum in your life?

💭Lending a listening ear can make a world of difference. Sometimes, mothers just need to talk about their experiences, fears, and joys without judgment or advice. Offering empathy and understanding can provide immense relief. Try your best to create a supportive community with her. New mothers can often feel isolated so it’s important to offer connection, but just know she might not take you up on it straight away. She might need time, but it will mean the world to her to know you are there.

💭Practical help is also invaluable. Whether it’s assisting with chores, preparing or dropping off meals, or running errands… this can lighten the load for a new mum who is overcome by learning her newborn baby and might not have a lot of time to tend to the above tasks, so this would be SO appreciated 🙏

DISLCAIMER
* Instagram ≠ Therapy
* Content provided is for information purposes only.

Address

Suite 117/320 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne, VIC
3002

Telephone

+61410143808

Website

http://www.livelylifestylespsychology.com/

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