The pair say that the response to their service, the first private practice to offer psychological services and support to families in the perinatal period in the ACT, has surpassed their expectations over the past six months since they opened, and that their books are full.

“Watching babies grow and knowing that you may have shifted a path for them is a really powerful thing,” says Kate.

Psychologists, and mums, Kate and Brigid support families before conception, through pregnancy and the first two years after having a baby, and say that this is a time when all other mental health issues can be magnified.

“Everything is going to come out when you have a baby, all the issues that might have gone unnoticed or been well managed before,” says Brigid.

“It’s so varied and can have long-reaching effects, whether it’s relationship issues, loss, trauma or fertility problems or postnatal depression.

“And it’s not just about mums – dads need support as well.

“People have asked if we get bored just working in perinatal – no, quite the opposite, this is a part of people’s lives and we see a whole range of issues. It all comes to the fore at this time, when it’s so significant to be supported because you’re bringing a child into the world.”

With a background in private practice, hospital services and mental health, Kate and Brigid say that what happens in those first few years can shape a baby’s life.

“Years ago I would never have seen myself go down this path, but the longer I worked as a psychologist the more I realised that perinatal mental health is one of the most crucial,” says Brigid.

“It’s the earliest of interventions, and the most rewarding, beautiful work.”

Kate says that since becoming a mother herself she realised how amazing parenting is – and how challenging.

“How hard is it to be a parent?” she says. “And beautiful at the same time, but so many people have extra challenges on top.”

Kate says that by supporting the impact of parents’ mental health on the family, future generations will benefit.

“These kinds of problems at this time in someone’s life can affect more than just one person, and it repeats and repeats,” she says.

“This is why it’s an essential time to be involved.

“If we can shore up that relationship now, we are shoring up a future for that baby.”

Visit brighterbeginningspsychology.com.au