Dr. Cassandra Sundaraja is a clinical psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of New England (UNE), specializing in perinatal mental health. Based in regional NSW, her clinical and research work focuses on understanding and promoting recovery from traumatic childbirth experiences, while also supporting the wellbeing of healthcare professionals involved in perinatal care.
Cassandra has spearheaded and collaborated on various research projects on perinatal mental health and birth trauma. She has presented her findings widely, from international conferences to local workshops for mental health professionals and healthcare providers in obstetrics, midwifery, and child and family nursing. Her work with health professionals explores their experiences with traumatic childbirth, including the impact of vicarious trauma and clinician burnout, identifying systemic factors that affect relational care and professional wellbeing. She has also published a free practitioner’s mental health treatment guide for those working with women who have experienced birth trauma.
Cassandra is dedicated to empowering birthing individuals and healthcare practitioners through enhanced education and the creation of positive birthing environments to reduce the risk of birth trauma. By supporting both those who give birth and those who care for them, she works to improve perinatal mental health and wellbeing.
