Nurture & Bloom Psychology is a private psychology practice located at the tranquil North Head Sanctuary, Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Nurture & Bloom offers perinatal services to parents, from pre-conception, through pregnancy and the first eight years after the birth of a child.
I’m Louella, a registered psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working with infants, children, adolescents, and families on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.
I believe in working with your strengths and provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space to explore current and past challenges. I hold a strong value on the importance of connection between client and therapist. And I believe that when we feel safe and supported, we are most able to engage with what our hearts and minds need to heal and grow.
Life with a new baby can be very different from what we imagine. As a parent of two myself, I understand that the journey into parenthood can bring many layers of transitions, each with their own demands—some light, some more deeply experienced. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and responsive to the unique experiences of each parent and family I meet.
You, your family, and your infant are welcome to meet with me in a beautiful and enriching therapeutic space, nestled amongst the serene backdrop of North Head Sanctuary, Manly. My work is trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming, and underpinned by curiosity and collaboration—I value “thinking together” and creating a therapy experience that feels respectful and effective for you.
Informed by attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology, I draw on a variety of evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, and ACT to create a therapeutic experience that works best for you.
I love working with parents in the perinatal space and helping to facilitate a joyful, connected experience between you and your infant. Through my extensive work with children and families, I have a passion for therapeutic play and a special interest in facilitating bonding through play and story. I also enjoy supporting children as they adjust to new siblings and changing family dynamics, as well as supporting parents further into their parenting journey.
I have additional training and interest in:
• Navigating perinatal grief and loss
• The Becoming Us relationship-development framework for couples
• Exploring and supporting neurodivergent folk in the perinatal context
It is my privilege to walk alongside you in your journey—whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, navigating pregnancy itself, settling into life with your infant or well into your parenting journey. I welcome you to reach out to explore whether we would be a good fit.
Louella is a registered Medicare provider, an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (AMAPS), a member of both the International and Australasian Marcé Societies and Australian Association of Infant Mental Health (AAIMH). Louella is a proud and active member of the Centre for Perinatal Psychology and a member of the Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia (EMDRAA).
