Birthready

17/04/2026

Thinking about becoming a dad, trying for a baby, or dealing with the ups and downs of starting a family

We’re reaching out to ask for your support in sharing two short surveys as part of our Plus Paternal: A focus on fathers work. This is a really practical way for you to support the collaborative efforts of the Plus Paternal Network.

About Plus Paternal
Plus Paternal is a national initiative led by Healthy Male focused on improving how the health system supports fathers during preconception, pregnancy, birth and early parenting. It’s about making sure dads are not just welcome, but properly included, informed and supported.

The Case for Change
Our Case for Change sets out the need for a more father-inclusive health system in Australia. It brings together evidence, lived experience and expert insight to highlight where the system is falling short and what needs to change.

We started this work seven years ago and are now updating the evidence to reflect what’s happening today.

Tell us what it was actually like — what worked, what didn’t and what needs to change.

Share your experiences through this survey:

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

29/05/2025

Why a Real Apology Can Be a Turning Point in Your Relationship

When an argument happens, it’s often not just about that moment. It’s about something deeper — a past pain that's being poked at. If we don’t stop to understand what’s really hurting, the same arguments can keep exploding, often louder and more painful each time.

Healing doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen. It means addressing the impact, understanding why it hurt, and learning how to repair it together.

And that’s where a good apology really matters.

A real, healing apology does more than say "sorry"—it shows that you see the pain you caused, own your part in it, and care enough to make things right. Here's what a meaningful apology usually includes:

Acknowledgement of harm
Be specific about what happened and why it hurt. ("I’m sorry I interrupted you when you were sharing something important.")

Taking responsibility
No excuses or deflecting. Just own it. ("It was wrong of me to raise my voice.")

Genuine regret
Not just regret for the consequences, but for the impact on your partner. ("I feel awful that I hurt you. You didn’t deserve that.")

Making amends
Offer a way to repair the damage. ("Is there anything I can do to make this right?")

Commitment to change
Show you're learning and growing. ("I’m working on slowing down before reacting.")

Patience
A good apology gives your partner space to feel, without rushing them to forgive.

In couples therapy, we work on these kinds of repairs all the time. Because when an apology is done well, it becomes more than a repair—it’s a reconnection.

If you and your partner are struggling to move past painful moments, you’re not alone. Support is here when you’re ready.

Call for a free chat 0407 685 933
www.birthready.com.au
www.lifereadycounselling.com.au

❤️
Erika
Helping couples reconnect, repair, and grow

15/05/2025

For Expecting Dads, You Don’t Have to Wing It

Becoming a dad is huge. Exciting. Overwhelming. A bit terrifying.
And often… dads are left out of the conversation.

That’s why Beer + Bubs exists, a one-night session at the pub where dads-to-be get the lowdown on birth, what to expect, and how to show up fully for their partner and baby.

* Real talk, practical tools, zero judgment.
* Walk in unsure, walk out with clarity and confidence.

But it doesn’t have to stop there.
If fatherhood is stirring up big feelings — stress, pressure, fear, grief, identity shifts — I offer therapy that supports you, too.

* Space to talk it out.
* Skills to navigate parenting and partnership.
* Tools to feel more grounded and connected.

Start with Beer + Bubs → Continue with therapy if you want more support.
You’re not just becoming a dad. You’re becoming you — all over again.

Locations:
Beer and bubs - The Terminus Hotel North Fitzroy Melbourne.
Psychotherapy In-person Ringwood or online.
go to www.birthready.com.au to find out more

06/02/2025

When do you take a moment to slow down and reflect on how you're feeling? After a day of counselling individuals and couples I deeply appreciate the soothing rhythm of lapping waves. I sit and just be with myself for a time. I daydream, I reflect on my clients, I enjoy watching the dogs chase balls, I think about what I did well and what I could improve. Sometimes I journal, sometimes I swim. Usually I just gaze out to the horizon. It feels good to my soul.

But it's not easy for me to choose it. My busy mind can make it seem so important to get more done. So I'm doing a mind hack, and telling it that "being" is a "doing" thing. It's important for my well-being. It helps me be a better therapist. I trust my inner sense of what is good and helpful and I trust my actions more often.

So this is the newer evolving me...a slower pace with heart and skills to do and be just at the right pace thats sustainable for me.

10/09/2024

Did you know that 1 in 5 fathers report feeling totally isolated in the first year of fatherhood? That is awful to experience and contributes to increased anxiety, depression and relationship decline for parents. Sadly, men's mental health is often missed in the preconception to parenting journey.

Raising awareness of this reality is important and I'm working with organisations, couples and individuals to create positive change for men and their families. By engaging, supporting and educating men, families and groups to be inclusive of men's feelings, needs and lived experiences, the more families can be healthier, happier and whole.

Last night I presented a webinar on "Men's mental health during the perinatal time", for the Mental Health Professionals Network. I can share this work with you. Please reach out to start a conversation. I offer presentations, group facilitation/education, and individual / couples therapy on this topic and other perinatal issues. Multidisciplinary collaboration and word of mouth are key to creating the change we need to see.

Erika@birthready.com.au
Mob 0407 685 933

05/06/2024

Birth and parenting is a huge time of change and challenge. It can take its toll on the body, on relationships and on your sense of self. Together we explore how you're managing, what's working..what's not! We process what's happened to you and aim to understand your strengths and vulnerabilities to help you make wise decisions for you and your family moving forward. You are not alone in what you are feeling and experiencing...but often we don't reach out to realise that support can make a world of difference.

07/05/2024

Join me at Beer n bubs - birth education for men at the pub. A not to be missed event for expectant dads to help them be birth ready. It’s interactive, engaging and informative.

Book here to join www.birthready.com.au/classes/

28/11/2023

I am excited to be now offering psychotherapy for individuals and couples with my Birthready work. For support with mental distress and emotional pain, grief and loss, I am here for you. Together, we care for your self-development, relationship dynamics and life difficulties. I welcome new clients and offer continuities of care to existing clients.

I am working throughout the festive season and welcome any calls for an initial chat. Therapy is collaborative, integrative and trauma-informed so you can feel more safe, supported and in control.

www.birthready.com.au

02/11/2023

23/01/2023

My goodness, time flies when studying, grandparenting, running Birthready and maintaining my self-care. I am delighted to say I am in the final year of my psychotherapy degree and have started placement. This means I'll be able to see some clients at the Integrative Psychology clinic for student prices. Integrating my doula work and perinatal education with psychotherapy is a shift in my career that will support people through pregnancy to parenthood even better. Contact me if you want support to navigate your pregnancy to parenting choices and challenges, improve interpersonal relationships, debrief your birth, manage your mental health care needs and be well.