Supporting pregnancy and postpartum

For mothers, fathers, partners, birthing and non-birthing parents on their journey to parenthood and beyond.

Helping families feel seen, held, and empowered from preconception, pregnancy, birth, through to postpartum.

Areas of special interest:

  • Antenatal & postnatal depression, anxiety

  • Father & partner mental health & wellbeing

  • Birth trauma & challenging fertility journeys

  • Adjustment to parenthood

  • Bonding & attachment concerns

  • Grief & loss

  • Historical trauma

  • Obsessive thinking and compulsions

Meet Rebecca…

Dr. Rebecca Lee McStay                                                               
Clinical Psychologist - PSY0001622558                                                      
BBSc (Hons.) DPsych (Clinical) MAPS

Welcome,

I’m Rebecca, a Clinical Psychologist and mother of two, my work centres on supporting the emotional, psychological and identity changes that unfold across all paths to parenthood - whatever form they may take.

My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed practice. I aim to create a safe, compassionate space in which we can hold curiousity towards all parts of yourself, your individual values, and the life you wish to lead.

Therapeutic modalities which I draw on include:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Parts work

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Attachment-based Therapy

I am a senior psychologist with over a decade of experience working within public and private settings alongside children, youth, and individuals navigating the perinatal space. This has provided me with a deep appreciation for how families grow, change and cope through life’s big transitions. At the heart of my practice is a belief that parents and families do best when they feel safe, understood, and connected in their experiences. I am a board-approved supervisor with a research background supporting families with neurodivergent children and eating disorder early intervention.

As a registered facilitator of the Circle of Security parenting program, I encourage reflection of what is often “hidden in plain sight” to positively inform your parenting experience.

Outside of work, I love experiencing the world through our daughter’s eyes, spending time with family, our Bernese Mountain dog (Willow) and kitten (Latte), and ending the day with a good book and company.

Telehealth appointments offered from the comfort and privacy

of your own home.

Little ones welcome.

Individual sessions

50 minute sessions for:

  • Mothers

  • Fathers

  • Birthing and non-birthing individuals

Supportive space to work towards your individual therapy goals.

Postpartum planning

50-80 minute sessions for:

  • Birthing

  • Non-birthing

  • Support people

Collaborative space to reflect on your individual and family needs for bringing baby home.

Identify key practical and emotional strategies to suit your individual situation.

Groups

90 minute, weekly group space

  • Circle of Security parenting

An inviting space to consider the needs of our infant/children and assist responses promoting a sense of relational safety and security.

 Helpful Information

  • If you are attempting to conceive, currently pregnant, or have a child under the age of four, we may be an appropriate support for you.

    Specialised support or potential re-referral may be discussed in situations including:

    • acute suicide or homicidal ideation

    • excessive substance use

    • treatment for eating disorders or psychosis

    • assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)*

    • assessments for court proceedings*

    *We do not provide ASD/ADHD or court assessments

  • At present, Telehealth sessions are available on a Tuesday between 9.00am-4.00pm. Sessions are 50min duration with appointments often falling on the hour.

  • Medicare funded sessions require a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Once obtained, new clients are welcome to contact us via email at support@wherewebegin.com.au.

    Alternatively, referrals can be forwarded directly to referrals@wherewebegin.com.au by your treating clinician (e.g., GP, psychiatrist, current mental health clinician).

    Following an initial intake, sessions can be scheduled in line with your current needs.

    Current clients will have access to the Where We Begin Psychology calendar to self-schedule future appointments.

  • Cost: $280 per 50-min session $350 per 80-min session ‍

    Payment options:

    1) Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) = Once full-fee payment is received a Medicare rebate of $145.25* can be processed (Out-of-pocket costs: $134.75 per session).

    ‍2) Private Health Insurance = Dependent on type of cover and insurance provider.

    3) Full fee payment/no rebate (once 10 MHCP sessions have been used within a calendar year or nil current MHCP). ‍

    Cancellation fee: In the event that you are unable to attend or need to rescheduled your appointment (within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time) an out-of-pocket fee of $100 will be charged.

    *Medicare rebates are available through a MHCP obtained from your GP or psychiatrist. To be uploaded prior to initial session.

Contact

We would love to hear from you!

M: 0418 351 047

NEW CLIENTS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

support@wherewebegin.com.au

PSYCHIATRISTS, GPS & MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS:

referrals@wherewebegin.com.au