About Dr Pippa Mitchell
I believe that therapy works best when it’s a partnership. You bring your own knowledge of your life, and I bring my clinical expertise. Together, we create a safe, respectful space where you can reflect, make sense of your experiences, and move towards meaningful change.
My style is compassionate, curious, and non-judgemental. I aim to meet you where you are, building on your strengths and helping you develop new ways to cope with life’s challenges.
My professional background
I am a Clinical Psychologist, Fertility Counsellor, and former Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in both public and private practice. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and health professionals in areas including:
- Fertility and assisted reproduction
- Pregnancy, loss, and perinatal mental health
- Trauma and grief
- Adjustment to parenting and life transitions
- Anxiety, depression, and stress
- Supervision and support for allied health professionals
I hold a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Master of Science from the University of Sydney, along with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from the University of Queensland. I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), endorsed in Clinical Psychology, and a Board-Approved Supervisor.
How I work
My approach to therapy is grounded in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) — supporting you to relate to yourself with greater understanding, warmth, and less self-criticism, especially during times that feel overwhelming or uncertain.
Alongside this, I integrate an awareness of how our experiences are held not just in our thoughts, but in our nervous system and body. This can be particularly important in the context of fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood, where stress, loss, or anxiety can be felt deeply on both an emotional and physical level.
Rather than focusing on a single method, I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches - including schema therapy, CBT, and mindfulness - and tailor therapy to what feels most helpful and supportive for you.
Having trained initially as a social worker, I also take a broader, systemic perspective, considering the impact of relationships, family, and life context. This often helps to make sense of challenges in a more compassionate and less self-blaming way.