Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist with a combined Clinical Masters/PhD from the University of New South Wales. Sarah’s work experience is diverse, with experience in both inpatient and outpatient contexts, private practice and in the non-for-profit sector. Previous workplaces include Gosford Mental Health Unit, St Vincent’s Public and Canterbury Child and Family Community services. In addition to clinical work, Sarah has a doctorate from UNSW, with her research investigating the interrelation of anxiety disorders and memory.
Sarah currently works for the Gidget Foundation a non-for-profit that specialises in perinatal mental health. The organisation provides bulk-bill services for expectant and new parents, or anyone who has been pregnant in the last 12 months. Sarah works with mothers, partners and families struggling with adjustment difficulties, anxiety related to impending/current changes, depression, understanding hormonal shifts, puerperal psychosis, attachment issues, grief, fertility difficulties and ongoing behavioural difficulties with other children adjusting to the changes in the family unit. Sarah is trained in a number of evidenced-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Family Systems Models, Motivational Interviewing, solution focused therapy, Circle of Security and Mindfulness.
Sarah has joined the AJFN as her own personal experience into motherhood with 6 years of fertility treatments highlighted a gap in mental health support services for young mothers and was the catalyst for her to specialise in the area. Sarah understands the impact infertility has physically, mentally, on relationships, and financially. She is passionate about education, advocacy and reducing stigma around infertility and feels privileged to be able to support other woman and men within the Jewish community who may be on their fertility journey.