About Lively Lifestyles Psychology
Ana Ristov is a registered Psychologist and accredited Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Clinician with a deep commitment to supporting women through the full arc of the perinatal experience – from preconception, pregnancy, and birth, to the early years of parenting.
Ana understands that becoming a parent is about so much more than having a baby. It’s a profound identity shift – matrescence – as complex and transformative as adolescence, only with far less societal guidance (and much less sleep). She’s passionate about helping you navigate this journey with gentleness, self-compassion, and clarity, so that you can feel more grounded in your evolving self.
She supports clients navigating:
Pregnancy and Birth
- Managing antenatal and postnatal anxiety or depression
- Feeling anxious or uncertain about giving birth
- Recovering emotionally from a difficult or traumatic birth
- Making sense of your birth experience
Postnatal Identity & Adjustment
- Finding your footing in the early stages of parenthood (matrescence)
- Reconnecting with who you are outside of motherhood
- Adjusting to new roles, expectations, and daily rhythms
- Struggling with body image or pressure to ‘bounce back’
- Realigning with your core values in this new season of life
Parenting & Connection
- Strengthening your bond and emotional connection with your baby
- Tuning in to your child’s needs while learning to trust your instincts
- Exploring feelings of frustration, anger, or “mum rage”
Relationships, Roles & Boundaries
- Navigating shifts in your relationship or co-parenting dynamic
- Setting boundaries to protect your wellbeing and your child’s
- Preparing for or settling back into paid work after leave
Ana knows what it’s like to be in the thick of it – she’s navigated many of the same struggles that you might be experiencing right now. Her style is warm, thoughtful, and collaborative. She works from the belief that you are the expert in your own life, and that therapy is a space for curiosity, reflection, and renewal. Her approach integrates attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based therapeutic frameworks – all held within a safe and supportive relationship.
Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, navigating the early postpartum haze, or simply wondering where you went in all of this – Ana offers a space to gently land, reflect, and begin to feel more like yourself again.
Areas of expertise
- Bachelor of Psychology – Deakin University
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced – Monash University
- Master of Professional Psychology – The Cairnmillar Institute
- Master of Professional Psychology Practice – The Cairnmillar Institute
- Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) Intensive Training – Centre for Perinatal Psychology
- Perinatal Non-Directive Counselling – Australian Psychological Society
- Basic Skills in Perinatal Mental Health – Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
- Perinatal Loss in Practice: What Therapists Need to Know – COPE & The Perinatal Loss Centre
- Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders – Seleni Institute
- Circle of Security Parenting – Circle of Security International
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 – The Gottman Institute
Company values
Women Owned
You may also be interested in...
Birth & Beyond Education
Birth & Beyond Education provides comprehensive birth, parenting, and feeding education, along with postnatal support, birth debriefs and home visits. Founded by highly experienced midwives, Lucy & Kristin, their mission is to empower expectant parents with honest, realistic, and evidence-based education.
Learn about the support you didn't know you needed.
We have cherry picked the most useful resources for your fourth trimester so that you don't have to waste precious hours searching.
eBook - Jaclyn Carlson (Jaclyn Carlson)
Emotional Toolkit – For Back to Daycare & School
Sending your little one off to daycare, kindergarten or back to school brings up all the feels—relief, pride, grief, sadness, and maybe even a little anxiety. This transition can be even trickier when there is a new baby in the family. You’re not alone in this.
Interview - Caroline Bilkey (Mummy's Whispers)
Why Hiring Postpartum In-Home Support Can Transform Your Recovery
If I had my way, support would be non-negotiable and, in an ideal world, would have government funding, so everyone can access the help we all deserve. We can shape our families' and therefore babies' complete outcomes (and lives!) by providing education, but above all, support in those early days. It is essential for a mother who has given birth to rest and recover.
Article - Elise Clement (Elise Clement Psychotherapy & Coaching)
Tips to avoid maternal burnout
Perfectionism is not a healthy habit. Even less so when it comes to motherhood, unless you’re keen to rub shoulders with overwhelm, resentment, rage and the feeling of never being satisfied, which can eventually lead to maternal burnout.
Article - Louise Barton & Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
Why Motherhood Feels So Hard
Dear Mama, We see you. We see the way you pour yourself into motherhood, the way you carry the weight of the world while still showing up with love and strength, even when you feel like a shadow of yourself. As a society, we sit here adding to the pressure, adding to the load and, let's be brutally honest - failing you miserably every step of the way. We owe you an apology.
Article - Dr Angela Marshall (Womb to World)
Rebuilding Hormonal Balance in the Fourth Trimester | Postpartum Recovery & TCM Support
The fourth trimester is a critical window for postpartum recovery and hormonal balance. After birth, rapid postpartum hormone changes affect mood, energy, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Understanding how to support your body during this time can make a profound difference in how you heal, rebuild, and feel in early motherhood.