Fiona Meredith - Clinical Psychologist
Fiona is a Senior Clinical Psychologist | Somatic Psychotherapist. She works with adults around issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, conflict and relationship concerns, or who are interested in interpersonal growth, emotional healing, and creating a more meaningful, connected life. She has over 22 years direct clinical experience, initially working in community mental health settings, before moving into private practice a decade ago. Prior to completing her clinical degree, she undertook research into best practice in mental health care.
Fiona’s approach is holistic and trauma informed, blending research from neuroscience, psychology, polyvagal and attachment theory with mindfulness based somatic psychotherapy. She has trained extensively in numerous modalities and integrates these in her work, however the training that underpins her practice is Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy. Using mindful self-inquiry, somatic therapy encourages a gentle, intimate exploration of our interior world. This experiential approach allows us to access information held by the body, which can deepen self understanding and offer insights that are not available via talking or ‘thinking’.
Fiona has a particular focus on relationships. Many of the psychological or emotional difficulties that we contend with in the present have their origins in developmental or “attachment” ruptures in childhood, when our needs for safety, connection, understanding and support may not have been met. These experiences leave an imprint that influences our perceptions and the calibration of our nervous system, and shapes the coping strategies we use to manage stress, conflict or difficulty. These patterns of thought/feeling/sensation/response tend to be repeated over the course of our lives in ways that might limit our full expression, or prevent us from creating meaningful, fulfilling lives.
By gently uncovering conflicts between different parts of the psyche, we can repair our relationship to ourselves, and learn different ways of responding to life challenges. This helps us become more integrated, mature individuals, develop stronger relationships, and to restore wellbeing, clarity and purpose in our lives.
Informed by a comprehensive body of research, Fiona is also an advocate of the mind-body connection, and its importance for our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. She is interested in approaches that support the optimal functioning of the brain, body and nervous system, including neuropsychotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, nature, yoga, exercise and the role of nutrition and gut health.
On a broader level, Fiona is committed to the health and wellbeing of society, and the planet.
Qualifications & Membership
Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy, Graduate - Advanced Training, 2017
Master of Psychology (Clinical) The Flinders University of South Australia, 2002
Honours Degree in Psychology, The Flinders University of South Australia, 1994
Bachelor of Arts, The Flinders University of South Australia, 1992
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia with Clinical endorsement
Full Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the College of Clinical Psychologists
Specialist Clinical Psychologist provider with Medicare