1:1 Sessions with Penelope
You're not falling apart. But you're not okay either
I'm a clinical psychologist with over 38 years of experience supporting people through depression, anxiety, stress, major life transitions, including challenges with ageing.
I offer honest, compassionate support grounded in what's actually happening—not quick fixes or empty reassurance.
About Penelope
I'm a clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert with over 38 years of experience helping people navigate life's most challenging transitions—depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and the psychological impact of major life changes, including ageing.
I work with women, and I bring something unique: deep clinical experience combined with lived understanding of what it means when life doesn't go according to plan.
I don't have all the answers. What I do have is clinical expertise built over nearly four decades and my own experience of rebuilding when everything fell apart.
At 68, I've navigated chronic pain, financial hardship, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and the challenge of letting go of an identity built on being the strong one. I know this territory professionally and personally, and I don't confuse the two.
I bring that same honesty to all my clinical work—whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, stress, major life transitions, or the specific challenges of ageing.
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."
Jon Kabat-Zinn
How I work
My approach combines clinical psychology, mindfulness practice, spiritual contemplative psychology, body-mind work, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. I don't offer quick fixes or empty reassurance. I offer honest, psychologically informed support for what's actually happening in your life.
I work with what's real, not what you wish were true.
I don't ask you to think positively or reframe everything. I help you tell the truth about where you are, understand what you're experiencing, and work with it—not against it.
I hold complexity.
You can be depressed AND still have moments of connection.
You can be anxious AND still build capacity.
You can grieve what you've lost AND discover what's possible.
Both things can be true. Both deserve space.
This approach works whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, grief, stress, major life transitions, or the specific challenges of ageing.
I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience.
38 years of professional practice, grounded in a real understanding of what it means when life breaks you down and asks you to rebuild.
What I can help with
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Persistent low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest
Anxiety, panic attacks, worry that won't stop
Life transitions triggering angst, depression or anxiety
Chronic stress and burnout
Grief and loss
Anger, frustration, emotional numbness.
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Career changes, retirement, redundancy, or professional identity loss
Relationship breakdown, separation, divorce, or bereavement
Health crises, chronic illness, and disability
Major role changes (empty nest, caring for ageing parents, becoming a grandparent)
Loss of purpose and meaning when old roles no longer fit
Identity reconstruction at midlife and beyond
Significant life upheavals and relocations.
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Identity crisis when your old roles don't fit
Body changes, chronic pain, loss of physical capacity
Fear of dependence and loss of autonomy
Grief for what ageing has taken
Invisibility and marginalisation
Finding purpose and vitality in later life.
Who I work with
I work with women over 25, and I work particularly well with:
Women who want depth, not quick fixes and positive affirmations: if you're curious and tired of superficial advice, we'll work well together.
Women navigating major transitions: career changes, health crises, relationship breakdowns, retirement, ageing—times when everything you knew about yourself is shifting.
Women tired of forced positivity: if one more person tells you to "just be grateful" or "look on the bright side," you might scream. I won't do that.
Women with unrecognised or dismissed struggles: depression and anxiety don't always look like sadness or worry. Sometimes they look like anger, numbness, irritability, or withdrawal. I understand this.
Women over 55 navigating ageing honestly: this is a particular area of focus. If you're exhausted by anti-ageing pressure and empty platitudes about ageing gracefully, I specialise in this area.
What we'll work on
Depending on your needs, we might explore:
Understanding and managing depression or anxiety: what triggers it, what keeps it going, and how to work with it rather than fight it.
Developing self-compassion: learning to treat yourself with kindness for the life you're actually living, not the one you think you "should" be living.
Rebuilding identity: when your old sense of self no longer fits—due to retirement, health changes, role loss, or major life transitions.
Processing grief and loss: for relationships that ended, health you've lost, roles that no longer exist, or the future you imagined that won't happen.
Working with chronic pain and difficult emotions: using mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to live alongside what you’re experiencing
Finding purpose and meaning: when your old sources (work, roles, activities) are no longer available or fulfilling.
Changing unhelpful relationship patterns: understanding what keeps you stuck and finding new ways to relate to others.
Holding both struggle and possibility: learning to acknowledge what's hard AND stay open to what's still possible—both at the same time.
My approach to therapy
Psychologically grounded, practically focused
I draw on evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), mindfulness-based interventions, compassion-focused therapy, and existential psychology. But I use what works for you, not what the textbook says.
Collaborative, not prescriptive
You're the expert on your life. I bring clinical expertise and tools. We work together to find what fits.
Honest, not harsh
I'm warm and compassionate, but I won't let you hide from the truth. I'm direct, but I won't let you drown in it. And I have a sense of humour—because sometimes that's what makes the hard stuff bearable.
Focused on what works
Theory is useful only if it helps you live better. We focus on what works in your real life.
My psychology background
I was first registered as a clinical psychologist over 38 years ago, with a Master's degree involving extensive supervised practical experience across diverse populations and presenting issues.
I ran a private practice for many years before transitioning to online work, and I'm now returning to formal clinical practice with a specialised focus on the psychology of ageing and mind-body integration.
I take an integrative approach, tailoring therapy to what works for you rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.
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Adults across the lifespan navigating depression, anxiety, and life transitions
People experiencing chronic pain and health-related psychological distress
Individuals navigating grief, loss, and identity reconstruction
Older adults facing the psychological challenges of ageing
Individuals working through relationship difficulties
People managing stress, burnout, and adjustment issues.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based interventions
Compassion-focused therapy
Existential and humanistic approaches
Buddhist contemplative psychology.
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Mindfulness Teacher: Trained in Buddhist contemplative psychology, mindfulness, and self-compassion practices
Fitness & Brain Health Trainer (30+ years): Running specialised classes for older adults that combine mindful movement, cognitive challenges, and the psychology of ageing. This work deepens my understanding of the mind-body connection and how physical capacity impacts psychological well-being.
Personal Experience: Navigating chronic pain, financial hardship, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and rebuilding identity when being "the strong one" was no longer possible.
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B.Sc. (Hons.) Psychology, University of Western Australia
M.Psych. (Clinical Psychology), University of Western Australia
38+ years of clinical practice across diverse populations and presenting issues
Trained in mindfulness-based interventions, Buddhist contemplative psychology, and self-compassion practices
The therapeutic relationship
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
My goal is to create a space where you can:
Tell the truth about where you are—without judgment or pressure to "fix" yourself
Explore what you're experiencing with curiosity rather than shame
Develop self-compassion for the life you're actually living, not the one you think you "should" be living
Build capacity to hold both struggle and possibility at the same time
Discover your own path forward rather than being told what to do.
I consider it a privilege to work with you. I approach every session with deep respect for what it takes to reach out — and genuine curiosity about who you are and what matters to you.
Ready to begin?
If you're somewhere between "I'm fine" and "I really need to talk to someone" — that's exactly the right time. If you're navigating depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, or the challenges of ageing and you want honest, grounded support, book a session below or email me to discuss options.
Individual Sessions: 50-minute sessions via Zoom or in-person.
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia or Zoom sessions available worldwide
Frequency: Weekly, fortnightly, or as needed, depending on your situation
Fees: $320 AUD per session
Medicare Rebates: Available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan
Private Health: Receipts provided for claiming
