Perinatal Mental Health – RECORDING

Motherhood is beautiful—but it can also be deeply overwhelming. Catch up on our Perinatal Mental Health with Tehani Gunasekara, Clinical Psychologist, who helped us understand the emotional realities many women face during pregnancy and after birth at our last Spotlight Session. Birth is seen as a time of joy and celebration, as a family welcomes a new baby into the family. However, for many new mothers and fathers, this transformative period can also bring overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, rage, and despair.

What are warning signs that a Mum is struggling? And how can churches offer genuine care, compassion and support to new Mums and walk alongside them?  The local church can do so much to support new families when they bring their new baby home. Sarah Condie also used her pastoral experience working in a local church to share practical ways the Christian community can come alongside new Mums as they navigate this significant change in their life.

About our Speakers

Tehani Gunasekara

Tehani is the Principal Psychologist of Project Wellbeing. She is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience. She obtained a Masters of Organisational Psychology from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) before undertaking further training to become a Clinical Psychologist. She has been an Associate Adjunct Lecturer at UNSW and runs corporate workshops on mental health. She is a Board-Approved Supervisor to Interns and Clinical Psychology Registrars and is passionate about training and supporting early career Psychologists.

SARAH CONDIE
Sarah Condie is co-director of The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute with her husband Keith, to whom she has been married for over 40 years. She has been active in a range of ministries in Christian contexts, most recently as the Director of Wellbeing and Care at The Bridge Church, Sydney. Prior to serving in vocational ministry she worked as a law librarian at the State Library of NSW. In her spare time, Sarah loves reading and making quilts. She also enjoys conversations over a cup of tea and spending time with her family. She has recently loved becoming a Granny and spending time with little people.