Psychologist

Naomi Jama

Naomi is a registered generalist Psychologist committed to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of women at all stages of life, especially women in the perinatal period - conception, pregnancy, the birth experience and the year following childbirth. She is passionate about empowering women to reach their potential through informed choices and taking meaningful action towards a healthy and fulfilling life.

Naomi is a Medicare Pregnancy Counselling Support provider with several years experience working with clients in the public and private sector who are looking to improve their psychological / emotional well-being and achieve their goals. She welcomes the opportunity to work with clients experiences mental illness as well as those experiencing challenges on the journey to parenthood. As a mother of two, Naomi understands the challenges that often accompany the joys of parenting.

Naomi takes an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating a number of treatment modalities tailored to the client's needs, including Attachment Theory, Neuroscience, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy and Short Solution Focused Therapy.

Membership

• Registered to provide Medicare non-directive pregnancy counselling
• Registered Psychologist accredited with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (Assoc MAPS) & member of the APS Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest Group
• Member of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)
• Member of the International and Australasian Marce Society

What can Naomi offer you?

If you are experiencing uncomfortable emotions, distressing thoughts, challenges or difficulties that have you feeling overwhelmed, it can help to talk to a trained Psychologist.

Though the sessions, Naomi aims to:

• Develop a shared understanding of your current challenges and encourages you to take an active role in identifying and validating your needs.
• Provide a space that is safe, empathic and nurturing, a place where you can openly share your concerns and feel heard.
• Encourage you to connect with your own values and inner strength, to build resilience and realise your potential.
• Provide client-centred counselling and support - Tailoring treatment approaches to the your individual needs, whilst employing best practice methodologies
• Provide opportunities for women to connect and share experiences in a therapeutic context
• Facilitate collaborative relationships with other health professionals, achieving the best possible outcomes for clients

Naomi provides counselling in the following areas:

• Perinatal mental health (Fertility, pregnancy, perinatal loss, antenatal depression and anxiety, birth trauma, premature birth, postnatal depression and anxiety, adjustment to parenting)
• Anxiety & phobias
• Adjustment to life stressors
• Depression
• Pain management
• Trauma and PTSD
• Grief and Loss
• Stress and conflict
• Employment stress

What makes Naomi different?

• Naomi provides home visits to clients unable to access the clinic
• Babies are welcome in sessions
• Naomi provides bulk bulling to eligible clients with concession cards*

What Happens During a Session?

Naomi understands that it takes courage to open up and share personal concerns with someone unfamiliar. Having guided many individuals through this initial apprehension, Naomi appreciates the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable, valued, supported and heard.

The first session usually involves getting to know each other and identifying the underlying issues. In your first session, you will be provided with an intake form to complete. This information may be used for the purposes of facilitating Medicare rebates and/or to inform treatment sessions. You will also be given an information sheet that outlines the terms and conditions of the therapeutic relationship including issues of confidentiality and privacy. Clients are encouraged to ask questions and express concerns.

Throughout follow up sessions, Naomi supports clients to reflect on their patterns of thinking and responses as they relate to the current concern, to identify those that are helpful to their goals/values and those that they want to improve. Clients are encouraged to work with Naomi in a collaborative way, in initiating the direction of the treatment sessions and in providing feedback on treatment. Naomi works within a proactive model of therapy, where clients are active participants in the therapy process - developing new skills and approaches to unhelpful thoughts, feelings and reactions. The therapeutic goal being more resilience to negative emotional states, empowered individuals who feel equipped to achieve their goals and reach their potential and the prevention of recurrent concerns.

A counselling session lasts for 50 minutes. Client sessions are not limited, however for clients who have received a mental health care plan, Medicare rebates are usually limited to between 6-10 sessions per calendar year.


How much do sessions cost?

The standard fee is $140 for a 50 minute session during business hours. After hours consultations and home visits are charged at $150.00. A bulk billing rate is available for concession card holders ($84.80 within the clinic, $106.55 for home visits).

Payment is required on completion of the session.

Cancellations made within 24 hours notice will be charged $60.00, although Naomi prefers to reschedule appointments where possible.


How can I find out more?

You can contact Naomi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit her website www.naomijamapsychology.com.au

Obstetrics

• Antenatal care
• High risk pregnancy
• Management of Obstetric patients with medical conditions
• TOLAC (trial of labour after Caesarean section)
• Breech delivery
• Multiple pregnancy
• Labour and delivery
• Elective Caesarean Section
• Pre-pregnancy counselling
• Post partum care

Antenatal Care
We provide regular antenatal visits to ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally and to give you an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns.  In addition, we are available after hours by phone to answer any urgent questions or concerns you may have during your pregnancy. We provide continuity of care throughout your pregnancy with some antenatal visits being shared between Dr McLaren and Dr O’Connor in the rooms.  If you would like to meet the other members of the River City Obstetric Group for one of your antenatal visits this can be arranged. The doctor's in the River City Obstetric Group work as a team, covering after hours and weekends, to ensure you always have an Obstetrician available 24 hours a day.

High Risk Pregnancy
Some women experience complications during their pregnancy including preterm labour, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure (Hypertension). We are experienced in managing all possible obstetric complications and work closely with the dedicated Anaesthetic and Paediatric staff at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital in Brisbane.  The Mater Mothers' Hospital is the largest collocated maternity facility in Australia. The neonatal nursery at the Mater Mother's Hospital is one of the biggest neonatal nurseries in the country, with highly experienced staff dedicated to ensuring the best outcome for your baby.

Management of Obstetric patients with medical conditions
We have many years experience managing a number of complex medical conditions in pregnancy and work closely with a number of specialists and subspecialists to achieve the best outcomes for your pregnancy and your baby. It is often worthwhile to have a pre-pregnancy appointment to ensure you are on the right dose of medication, and to give an opportunity to answer any questions you may have regarding the management of your pregnancy if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

TOLAC (trial of labour after Caesarean section) and VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarean section)
If you would like to try for a vaginal birth after a caesarean section (VBAC) we are happy to manage your labour providing it is safe for you and your baby. All the members of the River City Obstetric Group, who Dr McLaren works closely with, are experienced in managing VBACs and are happy to support you to achieve this wherever possible.

Breech Delivery
There are a number of options if your baby is presenting by the Breech (bottom first). Sometimes it is safer to have a Caesarean section, particularly if your baby is presenting as a footling breech, where the feet and cord present over the cervix. It may be safe to have a vaginal breech delivery, providing your baby is not too big and in the optimum presentation. It is also safe to consider an ECV or external cephalic version. All these options can be discussed to determine which is the best for you and your baby.

Multiple pregnancy
Twins and triplets present their own challenges during pregnancy, labour and delivery and beyond. We work closely with your ultrasound sub specialists and Paediatrician in managing your pregnancy, to ensure your babies are delivered at the best possible time to give them the best outcome.

Labour and Delivery
We support spontaneous labour wherever possible. In some circumstances, or if there is a specific indication, it may be necessary to induce your labour if it is safer to deliver your baby before or after your due date.  We encourage you to attend antenatal classes to prepare for your birth and to be as physically active as you can during your pregnancy. Exercise and breathing techniques taught in pregnancy yoga, pilates and hypnobirthing classes provide excellent preparation for your birth. We encourage you to have a support person/partner with you during your labour and encourage your partner to attend for antenatal visits if they wish.

Elective Caesarean Section
There are specific situations where a caesarean section may be safer to deliver your baby, or you may choose to have your baby by caesarean section. Elective caesarean delivery is best performed as close as possible to 39 weeks unless there is an indication to deliver earlier.

Pre- Pregnancy Counselling Prior to Pregnancy
A number of questions may need to be addressed and it can be extremely valuable to discuss these issues before you fall pregnant.  The management of chronic medical conditions, choice and dose of medications to take during pregnancy, and a previous difficult obstetric history are some examples that your GP may wish to refer you for. Such appointments give an opportunity to meet with us and discuss your pregnancy care and delivery. If you would like to have pre-pregnancy appointment ask your GP for a referral and we would be a happy to arrange a time to see you to discuss any concerns you have before falling pregnant. 

Postpartum care
After having your baby a post-partum appointment is made. During this appointment, a physical examination is performed and there is an opportunity to discuss future gynaecological issues including pelvic floor exercises, prevention and management of prolapse and contraception.

Gynaecology

• Abnormal periods
• Abnormal pap smears
• Contraception
• Infertility
• Menopause

Abnormal periods
There are a number of menstrual disorders affecting women throughout the reproductive years ranging from heavy periods (menorrhagia) to irregular (Oligomenorrhea) or absent periods (amenorrhea). Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) can also cause significant disruption to daily life and all of these can be investigated and treated providing significant relief of symptoms.
What tests will I have?
Investigations include blood tests, ultrasound scans and a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. 
How is this treated?
Possible treatments include the oral contraceptive pill or other hormone therapy, a Mirena® or endometrial ablation. Ultimately some women may benefit from a hysterectomy. We can discuss which treatment is best for you.

Abnormal pap smears
An abnormal pap smear can be a cause for significant anxiety and concern, however the investigation and management can provide significant reassurance, and prevent the development of cervical cancer if treated appropriately. Investigation and treatment of abnormal pap smears is done with colposcopy and a day surgery procedure called LLETZ or a Cone Biopsy.
What is Colposcopy?
The Colposcope provides a magnified view of the cervix and is the next step to investigate an abnormal pap smear. This examination takes a few minutes and identifies where the abnormal area is and allows the gynaecologist to determine where is the best place to take a small biopsy to determine how significant the abnormal area is.  A cervical biopsy is only small and causes only slight discomfort .
What is a LLETZ procedure?
A LLetz procedure (large loop excision of the transformation zone) is done as a day surgery at the Mater Private or Greenslopes Private Hospitals. You will have a light general anaesthetic and while you are asleep the abnormal area of the cervix is removed. The removed tissue is sent away for histological examination with the pathologist to ensure the entire area has been removed. Follow up pap smears are required after the procedure, before you return to your GP for ongoing routine smears
What is a Cone Biopsy?
Sometimes a larger area of the cervix needs to be taken to be certain all the abnormal cells have been removed. The amount of cervix that needs to be removed will be determined by the degree and extent of your cervical abnormality on biopsy and your age.

Contraception
There are a number of methods of contraception available. We can assist you to choose the best method for yourself and your partner. A Mirena can be inserted in the rooms at a time convenient to you.

Infertility
If you and your partner are experiencing difficulties falling pregnant, we can help to determine what the possible problem may be and the options open to you. These may include therapy with Clomid or referral for IVF.

Menopause
The change of life or menopause is an important milestone for women. This time of life can be associated with a number of problems .Some women experience significant symptoms and there is much that can be done to assist you to feel more comfortable, including hormone therapy and lifestyle management options.