Episode 9

Honouring Birth Experiences: A Therapist's Guide to Trauma Recovery

In our conversation with Fiona, we explore perinatal and birth trauma. Fiona shares her personal journey that led her to specialise in this area. We discuss the diverse manifestations of traumatic birth experiences and the intersection with post-natal depression. Fiona highlights symptoms and the impact on relationships, including non-birthing partners. She emphasises the importance of seeking help and describes trauma therapy inside the therapy room, including her unique framework and the effectiveness of EMDR therapy. We also touch on the physiological impact of trauma and the need to address past internalised messages. Fiona provides insights into the therapy process for newcomers and shares crucial understandings about birth trauma for therapists. Finally, Fiona dispels common myths surrounding perinatal and birth trauma, advocating for greater awareness and support.

Who Is Fiona?

Fiona Rogerson is a highly experienced and compassionate registered Perinatal and Trauma Counsellor, specialising in trauma recovery, particularly in the realms of birth, perinatal, and medical trauma. As an EMDR therapist, she offers evidence-based treatment to empower individuals, both consumers and health professionals, to heal from trauma.

In her role as the principal counsellor at her Perinatal and Trauma Group counselling practice, Fiona leads a dedicated team in providing supportive individual and couples therapy to help clients resolve their trauma, build resilience, and move forward. Additionally, as a Clinical Supervisor, she offers mentorship to emerging therapists and clinicians, and as a passionate Trauma Educator, she leads workshops and training to raise awareness about trauma and its effects. Her mission is to create systemic impact for those who experience trauma at the hands of our maternity system.

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About the Podcast

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Inside the Therapy Room

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About your host

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Samantha Sellers

Sam is a registered therapist in Australia; she specialises in Religious Trauma, Deconstruction and the Queer Community. She works locally in Goulburn, NSW and online worldwide (except US & Canada)

She values the privilege that she gets to sit with people, hear their story and share in the highs and lows of the thing we call life. Sam loves nothing more than being a part of someone feeling seen and heard.

Sam is a proudly queer woman and married to the wonderful Chrissy and together they have a sweet Cavoodle named Naya who is a frequent guest in the therapy space.