Hello, I'm Natalie and I have 20 years of professional mental health experience in Australia, Vietnam and the U.K. My approach embraces a culturally inclusive and whole-of-life perspective. From a background in youth support and education, my interest in perinatal and family wellbeing grew from my own challenging experiences while giving birth and becoming a new mother overseas, and I later trained as a doula to support other parents in this stressful time of adjustment. The role of a 'doula' strongly resonated because they can offer continuity of support throughout the full spectrum of complex human experiences, from the beginning to the end of life, which no one should have to navigate alone.

​

My focus has expanded to include a range of intersecting personal, social and cultural transitions through these different life stages because they are often characterised by anxiety and fear when they could be moments of empowerment and celebration. Whether they create or re-activate trauma, and how long this might be prolonged, can depend on whether we are able to build a 'bigger picture' awareness of our emotional journeys. This can allow us to make meaning from our experiences, and gain greater insight into our wellbeing needs, so that we can work towards making positive changes.

 

Please feel free to get in touch for an informal chat on (03) 5910 1103 or via a message to opencirclewellbeing@gmail.com.

​

​​