Ramona Hewitt, clinical psychologist
M. Psych (clinical), BA (psych hons) MACPA, MAPS, FCCLP
Welcome
Therapy is a collaborative process in which we can explore our concerns within a safe and authentic relationship, increase our understanding of ourselves and our needs, and build our capacity for change. Beyond the alleviation of suffering, therapy invites us to engage more deeply in our lives, to develop the freedom and flexibility to walk a path of our own choosing.
In order to get the most out of therapy, it is important to find a therapist with whom you feel a good connection. You can find out more about my approach, qualifications and experience below, however the best way to find out if we might be a good fit is to meet in person where we will have an opportunity to get to know one another, and develop an understanding of your concerns and how to best meet your needs.
My Approach
I have an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a range of modalities with an emphasis on a relational approach. I provide individualised short, medium, and long term evidence-based therapies including interpersonal therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, schema therapy, trauma informed psychotherapy, compassion focussed therapy, mindfulness-based therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy.
I provide a warm, non-judgmental and collaborative space in which life’s challenges can be safely explored and resolved in new and creative ways. My thinking is informed by psychodynamic, attachment, systemic and relational models, and I am attentive to the impact of adverse early life experiences and intergenerational patterns of relating. I am dedicated to helping the people I work with re-establish authentic and compassionate relationships with themselves and others.
Experience
I have clinical experience working across a range of inpatient, outpatient, research, tertiary, and private settings, and volunteering as an Open Dialogue practitioner at a community-based refuge, supporting women whose children are living in out of home care.
In private practice, I work with adults experiencing a range of issues including:
Depression, anxiety and stress
Complex trauma
Low self-esteem or self worth
Perfectionism
Grief and loss
Impacts of marginalisation and oppression
Perinatal depression and anxiety
Infertility and pregnancy loss
Birth trauma and postpartum complications
Bonding and attachment difficulties
Adjustment difficulties
Relationship problems
I have extensive experience supporting mothers through the challenges of the perinatal period, from the early stages of trying to conceive, to pregnancy, birth and parenting. I am passionate about helping women navigate the unique joys and pains that accompany the transition to motherhood.
I am also highly experienced in working with complex trauma. I understand the profound impacts of physical, sexual and relational trauma and it is my great privilege to help survivors restore a sense of safety in themselves and the world, to change harmful or ineffective behaviours and to learn to identify and manage overwhelming emotions with self-compassion.
Qualifications and Registrations
I hold an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. I am a founding member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA), a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists (MAPS FCCLP), a member of the Anxiety Practitioners Network (APN), and a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP).
I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Medicare and Victims Services. I am a registered Circle of Security educator (a relationship based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children).
I am also a board-approved supervisor and provide supervision to clinical psychologists, provisionally registered psychologists and clinical psychology registrars.
Fees and Rebates
My fees are below the recommended schedule of fees for clinical psychologists as set by the Australian Psychological Society. I am happy to outline them with you before our first session. I am a registered Medicare provider under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, which means that with a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, you will be eligible for a rebate of $131.65 for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, please make sure you bring it along to your first session in order to claim the rebate.
Many private health insurance companies also offer rebates for clinical psychology. These may be used as an alternative to Medicare rebates, or after the Medicare rebates have expired. Please contact your insurance provider to determine whether your level of cover includes clinical psychology services.
Locations
I am available at two locations in Sydney, NSW (north shore and inner west):
Strelitzia Consulting Rooms
Level 2, Suite 6
924 Pacific Highway, Gordon, 2074
Medicare Provider number: 4663803L
Parking is available on McIntyre St, Merriwa St, Fitzsimons Ln, Ridge St and on the Pacific Hwy.
*Pram and wheelchair accessible
97 Marion Therapy
97 Marion Street Leichhardt 2040
Street parking is available on Marion Street and nearby Elswick Street.
Medicare Provider number: 4663804A
*Please note that this room is on the first floor and requires climbing a set of stairs. If this is prohibitive, please get in touch to discuss alternative session options.
Online appointments
If you are unable to attend in person, I am able to conduct appointments by telehealth. The Medicare rebate is currently available for both face to face and telehealth appointments under a Mental Health Care Plan.
Contact
I can be contacted by phone: 0468 393 148, email: ramonahewitt@outlook.com, or through the webform.
Please note I do not provide an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis, please contact the following: