Holding space for you, while you hold so much
Support and help for women during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Holding space for you, while you hold so much
Support and help for women during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Emma-Lee Sorbello
Hi! I’m Emma-Lee, local mum and psychologist. Hailing originally from far north Queensland, I’m a country girl at heart, with a therapy style best described as warm and casual.
I’ve been a registered psychologist for 14 years, practising across the lifespan with infants all the way through to older adults.
In more recent years I’ve become a mum myself which has sparked my passion for perinatal mental health (from preconception to 3 years post birth).
My own matrscence (journey into motherhood) has been a challenging ride, one including struggles with hyperemesis, preeclampsia (twice), NICU admissions, breastfeeding setbacks, infant sleep challenges, through to everyday parenting struggles and feeling under resourced.
This lived experienced gives me a unique understanding of the real hardships mums and families face.
If we work together my primary goal is truly understand your experience from your perspective, so I can help you create the path forward that feels aligned to your goals, hopes and dreams.
Holding her? What’s that about?
I chose the name Holding Her because I feel very strongly that mum’s need to be compassionately held during the perinatal period.
By held I mean several things. To help mums feel seen, understood, validated. To compassionately advocate for mums to be supported emotionally and physically.
Mum’s need to be resourced by their supports in these early years of parenting to thrive. If mum is held, she can focus on holding her baby.
What about dads or partners?
Ok, so the name sounds like I work only with mums which couldn’t be further from the truth. Working with dads in their patrescence (journey into fatherhood) or birthing partners is of equal passion and interest.
I am an LGBTQI+ affirming psychologist who feels honoured to work with all parents and all families.
Holding the partner of the birthing parent is equally as vital. Dads or birthing partners play an extraordinary role in resourcing their family and can equally be impacted by mental health difficulties during the perinatal period. If they are compassionately held and supported, they can get on with their incredibly important role of holding both their partner and baby.
Professional Background
My journey as a psychologist started with a Bachelor of Education, where I learned quickly that I was more interested in the deeper emotional experiences of young people.
I went on to pursue post graduate studies in psychology in Brisbane, graduating in 2008.
I have now worked as a registered psychologist for 14 years across various roles including community, non-government, private practice, and government mental health programs.
Predominantly in my earlier years I worked in early intervention programs supporting mental health outcomes for young children, adolescents and families.
In 2019, I embarked upon a Master of Clinical Psychology which I am scheduled to completed in mid 2026. Once completed, I intend to pursue my endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
I am also a STAP accredited supervisor and supervise students undergoing their provisional psychology training. My interest areas as a supervisor include perinatal populations, children, adolescents and families.
My Clinical Approach
My therapeutic approach has evolved out of years working eclectically and systemically with children and families.
I take a developmental, attachment, trauma informed and neurodiversity affirming approach to all my clinical work. Evidence based therapies I use include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Solutions Focused Brief Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Mindfulness
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- EMDR
My Qualifications
Master of Clinical Psychology, 2019 - Current
Charles Sturt University
Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology, 2008
Queensland University of Technology
Graduate Diploma of Psychology, 2007
Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Educational Services, 2005
James Cook University
Other Accreditations:
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
- Supervisor Training & Assessment Program (STAP) Accredited, September 2022
- Circle of Security
- Together in Mind
- Bringing Up Great Kids
- Magic 123 Parenting Program
Perinatal Mental Health Presentations
• Pregnancy planning, IVF support & adjustment
• Antenatal depression, anxiety & OCD
• Birth trauma & processing breastfeeding challenges
• Preeclampsia/HELLP recovery support
• Grief, loss & bereavement
• Support following miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS
• Postnatal depression, anxiety and OCD
• Premature birth & NICU admission support
• Bonding & attachment issues
• Matrescence & Patrescence adjustment support
• Parenting stress & overstimulation
• Parenting & neurodiversity
• Family of origin issues
Contact Em
Holding Her Perinatal Psychology
Emma-Lee is available Monday, Tuesday and Friday by face-to-face appointment in Wynnum.
Telehealth also available.
Holding Her Perinatal Psychology
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