About

Rhona_01Rhona Barker BPsych GradCertMH(Peri&Inf) assocMAPS

Rhona completed her Bachelor of Psychology from James Cook University in 1998. She worked for Government supporting young people before starting her private practice in 2010. In 2013, Rhona achieved a Graduate Certificate in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health from the NSW Institute of Psychiatry. She is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists.

Rhona maintains professional standards through engaging in supervision and professional development activities. During Covid, to meet emerging needs of clients, Rhona introduced one on one walking sessions. Since 2022, Rhona is also offering an innovative group program – Bushwalking Mindfully.

Rhona doesn’t believe that any one psychological approach fits all, instead endeavouring to discover with the client what works best for them. Rhona draws from modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Mindfulness, Psychotherapy and Psycho-education.

Rhona treats clients who present with a broad range of issues including but not limited to:

  • Depression & anxiety
  • Personal development
  • Social & emotional Skills
  • Grief & loss
  • Difficulties in managing life, workplace & school stresses
  • Life transitions: leaving school, becoming a parent, retiring, experiencing illness/pain & other life changing events

Rhona provides treatment to parents when:

  • Dealing with a variety of feelings related to the pregnancy, birth or adjustment in the early months of being a parent
  • Coming to terms with unexpected outcomes (e.g. stillbirth, miscarriage, genetic conditions and problems at birth)
  • Experiencing attachment (bonding with baby) issues
  • Adjusting to life transitions, including relationships
  • Diagnosed with perinatal anxiety, depression and/or birth trauma
  • In need of parenting programs, including Circle of Security