ABOUT

perinatal
psychologist

katie lazaris

holding the mother

Everyone asks to hold the baby, but who is there holding the mother? My virtual clinic was created to make support easily accessible to every Mummy, everywhere in Australia.

Whether it’s hard to just get out of the house, find time between drop offs, or between naps, I’m here to make accessing the care you deserve as simple as possible. And if you have a little one? They’re not only welcome, but encouraged to be with you, whenever you’d like them by your side.

my story

Hi, I’m Katie—a registered psychologist with a special focus on perinatal mental health. I’m also a wife, mum to two little boys and a dark chocolate enthusiast.

I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind and how our early family experiences shape who we become. This passion led me to work as a school psychologist, where I believed I could make the biggest impact through early intervention with children.

But everything changed when I became a mum myself. With the arrival of my first son, I realised that early intervention starts much earlier—right from the moment of conception. Motherhood has a way of revealing parts of ourselves we never knew existed. It can bring out our deepest joys, but also our most challenging struggles. When mums have the right support, their children thrive too.

Pregnancy and postpartum brought a whirlwind of unexpected emotions, dysregulation, and self-doubt. I vividly remember telling my husband that my ‘brain was on fire,’ overwhelmed by everything I was learning about myself, my baby, and the old patterns I was trying to unlearn.

I’m passionate about supporting mamas through their own journey of matrescence, offering support that goes beneath the surface. Together we’ll work to understand and heal from the past, regulate your emotions and nervous system, and truly thrive in your role as a Mummy.

Through my virtual telehealth clinic, you can access the support you deserve from anywhere in Australia. I'm here to help you let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the strength and wisdom you already have within.

what i can help with…

perinatal anxiety & depression

Perinatal anxiety and depression can affect your ability to enjoy pregnancy or early motherhood.Factors like sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and hormonal changes can severely impact mood and energy levels. These feelings may be intensified by past experiences or subconscious expectations of motherhood.

You might find yourself constantly worrying, feeling overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, frequent worry, irritability, or experiencing persistent sadness and a sense of hopelessness.

I will support you by helping you to manage symptoms with evidence-based strategies while exploring how your history and expectations are impacting your present.

perinatal grief & loss

The grief that follows miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss of a newborn is profound and can feel all-encompassing. This grief often comes with feelings of isolation, guilt, and an intense sense of emptiness. Following a loss, worry and anxiety can understandably increase during subsequent pregnancies.

Together we can create a compassionate space where your grief is acknowledged and honoured, while keeping the memory of your loss close to your heart.

birth trauma & premature birth

A traumatic birth experience or the early arrival of your baby can leave you feeling shocked, helpless, and disconnected. You may replay the events over in your mind, feel hypervigilant, or experience flashbacks and anxiety. This can impact your ability to bond with your baby and enjoy the early stages of parenthood.

You might feel robbed of the experience you hoped for, or struggle with guilt and anxiety about your baby’s health. I’m here to help you unpack your experiences at a pace that feels safe and slowly heal from the emotional impact.

fertility & ivf struggles

The road to parenthood through fertility treatments like IVF can be fraught with emotional ups and downs. The uncertainty, repeated disappointments, and the physical and emotional toll can leave you feeling exhausted and alone. I’m here to support you through this journey, offering tools to manage the emotional rollercoaster and helping you find strength and hope, regardless of the outcome.

parent-infant attachment

Bonding with your baby can sometimes be challenging, especially if your own experiences of attachment in childhood were difficult. ou might feel unsure about how to connect or worry that you’re not doing enough. I’ll guide you through understanding your baby’s cues and needs, fostering a nurturing relationship that benefits both you and your child.

relationship & adjustment difficulties

Becoming a parent can challenge your sense of self and strain your relationship with your partner. You might feel disconnected, struggle with new roles, or mourn the loss of your pre-motherhood identity.

It’s normal to face disagreements or communication issues as you both adjust. I’m here to help you navigate these relationship changes, embrace these identity shifts, and find balance in your new life together as a family.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) - University of NSW

  • GDip Psych Practice - College of Professional Psychology

  • Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) Perinatal Mental Health

  • Maternal Mental Health Intensive: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders - Seleni Institute

  • Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Workforce Development Program - The Gidget Foundation

  • Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Intensive Certification - Perinatal Training Centre

  • Schema-informed CBT for the Perinatal period - Schema Therapy School

  • Circle of Security informed training for professionals - Mums Matter Psychology

  • Treating PTSD - Dr Leah Giarratano

  • Member of Australian Association of Psychologists

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Reg No. PSY0001920026