Saba Elkman
Psychologist
Grad Dip Psych; Grad Dip in Psych (Advanced); Master of Educational Psychology

Saba is registered as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and has a particular interest in supporting caregivers in the perinatal period. He has completed specialist perinatal training from the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and short courses in family therapy.

Saba’s training and experience has given him an understanding of the important role of fathers and the extended family network in the perinatal period. He is passionate about supporting both mothers and fathers in this important period but has an appreciation of the unique challenges facing fathers. For example, fathers often come to therapy feeling forgotten or neglected after the birth of a child as the focus shifts to the baby. This can lead to feelings of disconnection from their partner and a loss of self-esteem and identity. The perinatal period thus presents fathers with the challenge of developing new ways of connecting with their partner and navigating a new identity. In this respect, it can be helpful for fathers to develop an understanding of the important role they can play in the emotional life of their family, identifying helpful ways of supporting their partner (such as skills of listening and providing emotional and practical support), and to have a safe space to reflect on the type of father they would like to be (including aspects of their relationship with their own parents that they either wish to avoid or repeat).

Fathers often feel overwhelmed by the challenge of balancing the demands of work with new demands and responsibilities of parenting, particularly in the context of reduced and disrupted sleep. Developing practical skills of mindfully noticing feelings of stress, frustration and anger, rather than immediately reacting to them, can help with these difficult feelings and experiences.

Saba seeks to create a safe and warm space in which clients feel heard and supported to navigate the challenges that arise at various life stages and points of transition, particularly the transition to motherhood and fatherhood. His work is informed by a broad range of evidence-based approaches and perspectives, including attachment theory, neurobiological perspectives and cognitive and behavioural approaches.

Areas of Special Interest

• Fathers
• Parenting
• Pregnancy
• Perinatal loss
• Antenatal depression and anxiety
• Birth trauma
• Postnatal depression and anxiety
• Parent-infant attachment
• Adjustment issues

Professional Memberships

• Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Fees & Rebates

Cost: $226.00 per 50-minute session *Medicare Rebate: $96.65
Out-of-pocket: $129.35 per session

*Medicare rebates are available to those who have a referral and Mental Health Care Plan from their GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.  This must be in place prior to the first claimable session.

Available: Mondays and Thursdays

Bookings through GLOW Clinic
Telephone:(03) 9769 5606 or use the online contact button below to make an enquiry to see Saba