Dr Lisa Gusciora

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Lisa is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about supporting families during the turbulent perinatal period, she understands the vulnerability in asking for help and brings genuine warmth and compassion into her work. Over her 12 years of clinical experience Lisa developed a special interest in attachment theory, intergenerational trauma and enjoys working with clients who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (relational trauma) which include physical or emotional abuse, neglect and other stressful adversities. As a Circle of Security Facilitator and trauma informed clinician Lisa enjoys working with clients who wish to recover from their own childhood whilst supporting clients to develop connected, attuned and joyful relationships with their own children. Lisa also has an interest in supporting clients through many aspects of the perinatal period, including infertility, perinatal loss, post-partum anxiety and the transition to parenthood. She is a Becoming Us Facilitator which focuses on the couple relationship in the perinatal period.

A Message from Lisa

My work is guided by evidence-based models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I work using a trauma informed approach and hold attachment theory at the centre of my work aiming to create relational safety to allow my clients to explore and experiment within the therapy space. As a circle of Security Facilitator and Becoming Us facilitator I bring a relationship-based approach to perinatal distress and my perinatal work. Ultimately, I draw upon a range of therapeutic models in an integrative manner to best suit and meet the needs of my individual clients.

I have developed a special interest in attachment theory, intergenerational trauma and enjoy working with clients who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (relational trauma) which include physical or emotional abuse, neglect and other stressful adversities. As a Circle of Security Facilitator and trauma informed clinician I enjoy working with clients who wish to recover from their own childhood whilst supporting clients to develop connected, attuned and joyful relationships with their own children. I also have an interest in supporting clients through many aspects of the perinatal period, including infertility, perinatal loss, post-partum anxiety and the transition to parenthood. As a Becoming Us Facilitator I also hold an interest in supporting couple relationship in the perinatal period.

I understand that coming to therapy can feel vulnerable and daunting at first. Because of this, I hold attachment theory at the centre of my therapeutic work and believe in the importance of creating relational safety and security for my clients. I view myself as a guide, but ultimately, I see you as the expert in their own experience and trust in your own wisdom to know what if best for you. I will hold space for you to explore, regulate you when needed and gently guide you to develop new skills. My aim is for you to develop a more compassionate understanding of yourself and to empower you with the skills to move forward in life.

Outside of my work as a psychologist I am a mother and partner. I enjoy adventure and travel, live music, experiencing new cultures and places. But I also value the simple things in life such as spending time connecting and laughing with my beautiful family and friends. I am a lover of being outside in nature as this is the most grounding place for me whether that is the beach, swimming in the ocean, adventures in the boat or taking a quiet moment in the garden tending to my plants. I would always choose the outdoors over a trip to a shopping centre (unless it’s Bunnings, you will always find me at Bunnings!).

    • Endorsed Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Regulation Authority.

    • Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours)

    • Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology Practice.

    • Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

    • Registered Medicare Provider.

    • Accredited professional with the Centre for Perinatal Excellence.

    • Registered Medicare Pregnancy Support Counsellor.

    • Member of the Centre for Perinatal Psychology.

    • Member of the Australian Psychological Society.

    • Member of APS Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest Group.

    • Member of International Marcé Society.

    • Member of Australasian Marcé Society.

    • Member Australian Association of Infant Mental Health (AAIMHI)

    • Intensive Infant & Perinatal Mental Health Training with the Centre of Perinatal Psychology.

    • Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator.

    • Becoming Us Facilitator (Couple relationship in the perinatal period).

    • Centre of Perinatal Excellence Training: Skills in Perinatal Mental Health.

    • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

    • Schema Therapy

    • Trauma focused therapy for PTSD and c-PTSD

    • Mindfulness-based Exposure and Response Prevention (OCD)

    • APS non-directive pregnancy support training

    • Perinatal depression and anxiety

    • Birth trauma

    • Parent-infant attachment

    • Adjustment to parenthood

    • Infertility

    • Perinatal loss

    • Termination of pregnancy (pre and post abortion support)

    • Early Parenting challenges particularly focusing on toddlers (up to 5 years)

    • Fathers wellbeing

    • Perinatal Couple relationship

    • Attachment and Relationship dynamics and difficulties

    • Relational/intergenerational trauma/adverse childhood experiences

    • Female life transitions including perimenopause, menopause, POI and adjusting to empty nesting.

Let’s chat.

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