Carla Anderson Clinical Psychologist & Trainer

17/10/2025

It’s hard to believe we are up to Session 7 out of 10 of our Perinatal Loss Training. Charise Deveney and I had the privilege of facilitating Session 7 as part of our training series: “Grief, Trauma, and Attachment - An Integrated Approach to Perinatal Loss" developed by Bronwyn Leigh, Charise Deveney and I, as part of the Perinatal Training Centre’s training on perinatal loss.

This session focused on the complexities of supporting families who welcome a new baby following a previous loss.

Thankyou to our participants for rich conversations and engaging in integrating the complex theory and skills. These conversations are essential to strengthening trauma-informed, attachment-aware care across perinatal and bereavement services.

13/10/2025

ONLY 3 weeks to go!!
Join us for an immersive workshop focused on integrating plant-based activities into therapeutic practices for Allied Health professionals.
🌿 NURTURED BY NATURE: Working therapeutically with plants & flowers 🌸
Hosted by psychologist & Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner's Kristy Howard In My Mothers Kitchen and Carla Anderson Carla Anderson Clinical Psychologist & Trainer, this hands-on workshop delves into the world of therapeutic horticulture from an allied health perspective.
Who should attend? Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Counsellors, Speech Pathologists, Mental Health Nurses, GP’s, and more.
🌱 Workshop Objectives:
1. Explore the foundational principles of therapeutic horticulture.
2. Discover the history and benefits of nature-based therapy for mental and physical wellness.
3. Acquire practical skills for incorporating plant-based activities & floristry into client sessions.
4. Experience the rejuvenating effects of therapeutic gardening and floristry.
5. Generate ideas for integrating these practices into professional work and personal self-care routines.
📅 WHEN: Mon 3rd Nov, 9am - 2pm
💰 COST: $445 (Inc GST)
📍 WHERE: House of Hope Gardens, Woombye, Qld
Secure your spot now at www.trybooking.com/DFOHZ and embark on a journey of growth and connection with like-minded professionals in the serene setting of House of Hope Gardens.

11/10/2025

OCTOBER IS PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH

One of the trickiest things about perinatal loss is that we are usually surrounded by others who are pregnant.

It can seem like everyone else has an easy time, which can ignite feelings of envy in us – it’s pretty understandable to have mixed feelings when someone is getting what you want. Try not to then feel badly about yourself for having those feelings, it is very understandable and very common.

Feeling envious about someone’s else’s pregnancy does not make you a bad person. It simply highlights your desires and the unfairness of life.

While perinatal loss of all kinds can be a lonely experience, you are not the only one and you are not alone.

Reach out to us if you need support: https://www.centreforperinatalpsychology.com.au/parents/postpartum/perinatal-loss/

Illustration by Jesses Mess - Illustrations
Created by Bronwyn Leigh, Carla Anderson, Charise Deveney & Julie King

10/10/2025

This October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month

I have worked closely with The Pink Elephants Support Network for many years and stand by them in the very important work they do in breaking the silence around early pregnancy loss and all the much needed support they provide to bereaved families.

To those who’ve experienced loss, your baby’s life mattered. Your grief is real. You are not alone. For the babies we remember - forever loved, forever missed, always held in our hearts.

Pink Elephants provides a digital circle of support for all those experiencing pregnancy loss.

09/10/2025

Join us for our next Sunshine Coast Perinatal and Infant MHPN meeting for clinicians working with families in the perinatal period. Rebecca O’Regan and I are delighted to hear from Dr Jacinta Thomson on “The Things I Wish I’d Known: How Early Recognition of Neurodivergence Can Transform the Journey to Parenthood explores the nuanced experiences of ADHD and Autistic parents-to-be”.

Jacinta is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in supporting neurodivergent adults. In her private practice – Time to Untangle, Jacinta is passionate about providing affirming diagnostic and therapy services for folk seeking to clarify and reclaim their neuroidentity. She lives for those lightbulb moments - “Ohhh…. So that’s why…”

Drawing on her own lived experience as a late diagnosed ADHD and Autistic mother, Jacinta combines personal insight with clinical knowledge to help other professionals recognise and support neurodivergent parents throughout conception, pregnancy, birth, and postnatal adjustment. Jacinta is also a regular guest on the ADHD Mums podcast, where she infodumps on all things neurodivergence, parenting, and mental health through candid stories, colourful tangents, and the occasional rant about how patriarchy and late capitalism suck for folk with invisible disabilities.

The Things I Wish I’d Known: How Early Recognition of Neurodivergence Can Transform the Journey to Parenthood explores the nuanced experiences of ADHD and Autistic parents-to-be. Participants will learn to recognise neurodivergent cues in their clients, gently raise the possibility of neurodivergence, and implement practical, neuroaffirming interventions.

🗓️Thursday 23rd Oct 6-8pm
Where ➡️ Maroochydore community health Dalton Drive Maroochydore

RSVP; https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Meeting/27009

08/10/2025

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. Thanks Bron Centre for Perinatal Psychology for sharing our illustration designed by Bronwyn Leigh, myself, Charise Deveney & Julie King and
Illustration by Jesses Mess with what we hear parents are told when they experience the devastation of losing a baby versus what they wish people said to them. I hope this is helpful for whoever needs to hear it 💕

OCTOBER IS PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH

🥹 Sometimes people are clumsy in their response to loss, saying things that don’t sound or feel supportive. It is usually well intentioned, but responses that minimize loss or minimize a person’s feelings to their loss are not helpful.

💛 Here are some common responses parents have had in response to miscarriage, and what they wish they heard instead.

Illustration by Jesses Mess - Illustrations
Created by Bronwyn Leigh, Carla Anderson, Charise Deveney & Julie King

02/10/2025

In my therapy vase this week: Chocolate Queen Anne’s Lace

In floriography, Chocolate Queen Anne’s Lace symbolises depth of emotion, mystery, and authenticity. Its intricate petals remind us that complexity itself can hold meaning.

Delicate petals form a strong, lace-like whole, just as our most fragile experiences weave together into resilience. The rich colouring reflects the hidden parts of our story, showing that even what feels shadowed can hold strength when brought into the light.

Therapy is not about removing complexity. It is about honouring it, seeing the patterns that connect our experiences, and recognising the resilience that is created when every layer is held with compassion.

💭 For your reflection: What layers of your experience feel intricate like lace, and how do they connect to create a bigger picture of who you are?