Catiray (Cat) Poiani-Cordella
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Registered COPE Practitioner
Centre of Perinatal Excellence
Here to walk beside you
As a mother of two and psychologist I personally understand the vulnerable transition to motherhood.
My focus is to walk alongside you, to guide you in understanding your personal values and strengths, develop new strategies to manage symptoms of adjustment, anxiety, depression and trauma, build your confidence and self-worth as a parent, explore relational dynamics, build an understanding of developing a safe and secure attachment with your child and develop self-compassion when you are swept into guilt. This has been the work that I have focused on for the past years working in a leading perinatal private practice in Australia and supporting parents through this transitional journey. With almost a decade of experience providing therapeutic support in sexual trauma, I have developed and facilitated groups with conjunction with the Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault. I have presented at the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders conference and have published in the field of eating disorders.
My sessions are collaborative and informed by your unique cultural and personal identity. I use a range of evidence-based psychological modalities in therapy including (but not limited to): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and provide a neuro-affirming and trauma-informed space to be heard, respected and understood.
Qualifications & Training
I hold qualifications as a Psychologist in Australia and also have specific Perinatal Mental Health training whilst committing to ongoing professional development in perinatal and infant mental psychology.
- Registered Psychologist (AHPRA)
- Masters Psychology (Clinical) Swinburne University 2022
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Monash University 2013
- Member, Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Certified with COPE in Applied Skills in Perinatal Mental Health Assessment and Care
- Completing: Endorsement in Clinical Psychology
- Former APS Perinatal and Infant Interest Group (PIPIG) Secretary
- Current PIPIG member
What You Can Expect
Let's Collaborate together
Taking the first step takes courage and exploring whether Cocoon may be a good fit may be the first start. Book in a 15 min Discovery Call to discuss your therapy goals, get a feel of what therapy may look like and have your questions answered. From there, if you wish to book in for a first appointment you will have an opportunity to share and discuss what has brought you into session. A first session focuses on getting to know you. We might discuss: what factors are impacting you at the moment, what you have tried so far, how you have coped in the past, who makes part of your social support and more.
Benefits of telehealth
The benefit of telehealth is that it can fit within your day no matter whether you have had capacity to have a shower, get out of your pyjamas or sneak away to your car to take the session. You can have your little one for some, none or all of your session. You can feed during session (both yourself and baby). You can laugh, smile and cry. This is a space free of judgment and for you to come as you are, your authentic self is welcome here.
Holistic Approach
This is about understanding all of you not just what you are struggling with. Understanding your history, your challenges, your wins, your relationships, your strengths, your weaknesses, your critical voice, your compassionate voice, your patterns of behaviour, the unmet needs under the reactions. All of it. My aim is to get curious with you, along side you, and move towards the life you want to be living in alignment with your hopes and values.
Sensitive Care
We all have a unique and special story to share and understanding your cultural background, first nation's history, gender identity, family structure and neurodiversity makes part of this wonderful tapestry. I respectfully work with women and men across the diverse intersections of life and am honoured to sit along side you in your story telling and sharing of knowledge.