Dr. Kelly Kerrisk, DClinPsy

Kia ora, I’m Dr Kelly, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in perinatal and infant mental health. I have always been passionate about working with people in the perinatal period, in fact one of my first ever clinical roles was in this field. However in becoming a parent myself a number of years later I gained a new appreciation for how complex the journey into (and through) parenthood can be, and became increasingly interested in what impacts a persons experience of the perinatal period. I had certainly expected that my professional background would prepare me for parenthood - but the knowledge I had didn’t come close to preparing me for the reality of how challenging (at times) and joyful (also at times!) it can be.

I established Perinatal Psychology to add another offering that can be available to support parents, babies, and whanau through the perinatal period – from pre-conception, through pregnancy, and into the post-partum period and beyond - especially given that specialised support can be hard to come by. I believe that the perinatal period is a very important phase of life and I have a strong interest in supporting people to navigate through the struggles and challenges that may arise in this time to a place of thriving.

Common issues I work with include ante/post-natal anxiety and depression, perinatal OCD, fertility issues and assisted conception, grief and perinatal loss (including termination), attachment difficulties, early relational health, adoption, and birth trauma, as well as struggles in the adjustment to parenthood. I am supportive of single parents, neurodivergent parents, health professionals, and am LBGTQIA+ friendly.

I also work with people who may wish to come to therapy for more focused self-exploration and development including working through issues from their own childhood or parenting, especially where these may be showing up for them in other relationships (including with a partner and/or children).

I have a warm, inclusive, non-judgmental approach. I believe in tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each person and/or whanau, while considering the wider family, social, and cultural factors that may impact on their wellbeing. I work collaboratively with clients to support them in making sense of the challenges they are facing, working through 'stuck' points, identifying and strengthening resources and solutions, and achieving meaningful and sustained change.

I have a background of working in a range of settings including Starship Hospital, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Perinatal Mental Health services (including Maternal Mental Health and the Auckland Mother Baby Unit), and within Breast Cancer Services. I also have experience in NGO settings providing psychotherapy for young people, group facilitation, training, and family violence intervention.

I was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. Outside of work I am a proud māmā to two adventurous and lively children. I also love reading, cats, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and getting outside to the beach where me and my family can often be found swimming, sailing, surfing, and walking!