Welcome to The Ponder Pond
If you're here, you're probably tired...
…. tired of starting again every Monday, tired of doing everything “right” and still feeling stuck, tired of the pressure, and tired of the constant mental load that comes with managing your weight.
And I get it. Not just professionally, but personally. I’ve lived the cycle myself: perfection during the week, one slip, then the “I’ve blown it” spiral. I spent years comparing myself to others, convinced everyone else had it figured out except me.
I’ve said “I’ll start again Monday” more times than I can count. And if I had a dollar for every time I said “tomorrow will be different,” I’d be writing this from a hammock in Bali. I’ve felt the frustration of being capable in every other part of life except the part that should feel simple….looking after myself.
I know the cycle
Trying hard → slipping up once → feeling defeated → throwing away all the progress because “what’s the point now?”
At The Ponder Pond, I work with women just like you who are exhausted from that cycle, the constant food noise and conflicting diet messaging. The constant self-doubt and comparison. Women who feel like they “do” know better but still struggle to get there. Women who are capable, intelligent, and organised, yet stuck in frustration, confusion, fear, perfectionism, pressure, the constant yo-yo, and self-criticism.
Here’s the truth most women never get told
It’s not about the food.
It’s about what you’ve been making your weight mean.
"There's something wrong with me."
“I’m not good enough unless I look or weigh a certain amount.”
"I'll be happy if I'm thin."
“I’m unattractive because of my weight.”
“I’m a failure.”
“I’m less worthy.”
"I'm unloveable."
"If I can just get to 'X' weight,, everything will be better".
My work is about helping you rewrite that story.
This isn’t about dieting or forcing willpower.
It’s about understanding your psychology, your patterns, your history, your beliefs, your stress, your identity, and learning how to work with them rather than against them.
This work helps you move from:
- Shame and frustration → self-trust and confidence
- Endless restarts → steady, sustainable habits
- Perfectionism → calm, self-assured progress
- Burnout and exhaustion → energy that feels reliable again
- All-or-nothing thinking → flexibility and balance
- Comparison → self-acceptance and ease
Let today be the day the cycle ends.
Not another restart... but a real shift.
One that puts you back in control and supports the version of yourself you’ve been working toward, on your terms.
About Me
Hi, I'm Robyn Henderson.
Mother, wife, sister, daughter, and psychologist. Supporter of women who are tired of the diet and weight loss cycle. And someone who genuinely understands what it feels like to struggle and keep starting over.
Before becoming a psychologist, I spent most of my career in high-pressure environments, Defence, Corrections, and Policing, surrounded by people navigating enormous responsibility and constant stress. I’ve always been drawn to understanding why people think, behave and cope the way they do.
But it wasn’t until later, at 43, that I finally studied psychology and began combining my life experience with clinical practice. Like many women, I’ve lived my own lifelong struggle with weight, identity and self-worth. I know what it feels like to follow a plan perfectly, and not see the lasting results. Or slip once, and suddenly be back at square one. I used to believe one imperfect choice ruined everything, or if the latest diet craze didn't work for me, I was the problem. I applied a 'one size fits all' approach, that kept me in my cycle for far too long.. over 30 years. That mindset kept me stuck far more than any food ever did.
I understand the frustration of being capable and dependable in most areas of life, yet feeling at odds in this one. I also know the quiet shame that can come with comparison, inconsistency, and the sense that you should have it figured out by now. My own progress stalled at times, not because of a lack of effort, but because I hadn’t yet understood the underlying drivers shaping my patterns..
Over time, I noticed a pattern in almost every woman I supported, including myself:
Women don’t struggle because they lack discipline. They struggle because their psychology has never been part of the conversation.
The real barriers often include:
- A brain wired for safety and survival... not constant change or restriction
- Rigid food rules that backfire
- Chronic stress and mental load
- Self-criticism that fuels the cycle
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Burnout and nervous system overload
- The belief, “I should know better by now”
- Perfectionism and early identity patterns
- Hormonal and midlife changes
- Carrying a constant emotional load for others
- Deeply held beliefs about self-worth, success, and body image
- A relationship with food shaped by comfort, reward, and coping... not just nourishment
These factors quietly influence every choice, every thought, every spiral, every “start Monday.” That’s why I created The Ponder Pond.
Today, I work with women who have tried everything: diets, programs, surgery, medications, exercise, resets, rigid rules… and continue to struggle.
Strong, capable women like yourself, who work hard, support others and have rarely had the chance to prioritise and understand themselves. That stops now... that's where I can help.
How I Work
My approach is grounded, structured, and practical. I’m not here to tell you what to eat or how to exercise. Our work together will centre on exploring why previous approaches may not have been sustainable and identifying options that align better with you over time.
Together, we explore all of your potential barriers and your strengths.
I use evidence-based psychological strategies, identity work, behavioural coaching, and practical tools that fit real life, not perfect life.
No strict plans.
No unrealistic expectations.
No judgement.
Just perspective, insight and a way forward that finally makes sense.
What it Feels Like to Work With Me
Clients often describe me as:
- Warm
- Straightforward (no fluff, no judgement)
- Grounded
- Practical
- Compassionate
- Clear and structured
I take a no-nonsense, supportive approach. I help you understand the why behind your patterns, so we’re not just managing symptoms or relying on willpower.
This work focuses on changes that are achievable and sustainable... not perfect. We slow things down, reduce pressure, and build trust in yourself, step by step.
Where This Work Leads
Women I work with often reach a place where they feel:
- More confident
- More self-assured
- More consistent
- Connected to themselves
- Less reactive to setbacks
- Free from the “start Monday” mindset
- Free from rigid rules and all or nothing thinking
- Steadier emotionally
- At peace in their body
- Connected to their needs and values
- Able to make decisions without guilt, pressure or fear
My passion is helping women like you regain their self-worth and stop fighting themselves. Not through pressure, but through understanding, curiosity and kindness..
If you’re ready for a different approach, you’re in the right place.
Services
Individual Psychology Sessions (60 minutes)
Coaching for Habits and Mindset (60 minutes)
Coaching for Habits and Mindset (60 minutes)
Individual psychology sessions designed to support women to identify the barriers that keep them confused, frustrated and stuck in the never ending cycle of deprivation,, pressure, and 'start again Monday' mindset. These sessions focus on:
- weight management and related distress
- emotional eating patterns
- all-or-nothing thinking
- perfectionism and comparison
- identity and self-worth
- stress and mental load
- hormonal and midlife transitions
- burnout and overwhelm
Our work together helps you understand why things haven’t been working and how to create realistic, sustainable change, without relying on perfection and unrealistic expectations.
Please note: I do not work with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder, or any presentation requiring specialised ED treatment.
If you’re unsure which category you're in, I’m happy to provide mental health support and guide you toward the right resources.
Medicare rebates may apply with a valid Mental Health Care Plan.
Coaching for Habits and Mindset (60 minutes)
Coaching for Habits and Mindset (60 minutes)
Coaching for Habits and Mindset (60 minutes)
This is for women who want practical strategies, accountability and a structured pathway forward, without clinical treatment.
Coaching may be right for you if you want support with:
- consistency
- building sustainable habits
- shifting unhelpful thought patterns
- improving self-confidence
- behaviour planning
- mindset roadblocks
- identity change
These sessions are forward-focused and action-oriented, blending psychological insight with coaching structure.
Not eligible for Medicare rebates.
Organisational / Corporate Wellbeing Programs for Women
Organisational / Corporate Wellbeing Programs for Women
Organisational / Corporate Wellbeing Programs for Women
If your organisation is committed to building a healthier, more supportive workplace for women, a structured and tailored Workplace Wellbeing for Women program can deliver measurable benefits for both your people and your business.
Women in high-pressure roles often carry heavy workloads, personal responsibilities, emotional labour and ongoing pressure to “hold it all together.” These demands can contribute to:
- burnout
- stress-related behaviours
- perfectionism
- reduced confidence and poor self-worth
- difficulty setting boundaries
- emotional exhaustion
These issues don’t just impact the individual.... they also affect productivity, engagement, retention and organisational culture.
What This Program Can Include
I design bespoke programs that align with your organisational goals and workforce needs, such as:
- Workshops and training tailored to women’s psychological wellbeing
- Presentations for leadership and management teams
- Small-group coaching, focused on sustainable behaviour and confidence
- Psychological skills for managing pressure and workload
- Identity, values and confidence development
- Burnout and fatigue management
- Understanding perfectionism and emotional load
- Practical behaviour change tools that fit real work environments
Each program will be scoped to your context, culture and operational needs, not a generic template.
why this matters to your organisation
Organisational / Corporate Wellbeing Programs for Women
Organisational / Corporate Wellbeing Programs for Women
Investing in wellbeing isn’t just a “nice to have”, there’s independent evidence showing it’s good business practice.
Return on Investment & Organisational Impact
Independent research shows that workplace wellbeing and psychologically healthy workplace initiatives produce measurable returns:
- A review of workplace mental health interventions found that evidence-based programs can deliver a positive return on investment (ROI) of between 1.5 and 4 dollars for every dollar spent, just based on reduced absenteeism and presenteeism alone. (SafeWork NSW)
- Analysis across Australian workplaces estimates that investing in mental health at work generates a positive ROI when mental health impacts improve by one third, meaning the gains in productivity and reduced costs outweigh the investment required. (Diversity Council Australia)
- Research also identifies that workplace wellbeing programs are associated with significant organisational benefits, including reductions in absenteeism and workers compensation costs, by as much as 25% and 41% respectively, and strong evidence of improvements in engagement, retention and overall performance. (Altius)
Additionally, surveys show that although the majority of employees believe workplace mental health is important, many workplaces are still not perceived as mentally healthy, highlighting the opportunity for organisations to make meaningful change. (Readiness)
Benefits for Both Your Organisation and Your People
A tailored wellbeing program for women provides benefits on multiple levels:
For the organisation:
- Reduced unplanned absences and presenteeism
- Higher productivity and performance
- Increased engagement and morale
- Stronger retention and reduced turnover costs
- A more psychologically safe and inclusive culture
For your employees:
- Better psychological understanding of stress and workload pressures
- Improved confidence, self-efficacy and self-compassion
- Greater resilience and sustainable habits
- Reduced emotional exhaustion and perfectionistic pressure
- Clearer pathways for behaviour change that align with real life
Women who participate in these programs often describe feeling more confident, more in control, and better able to manage both work demands and personal wellbeing, outcomes that translate into stronger individual performance and healthier team dynamics.
Fees
Individual Psychology Sessions - $350
These sessions focus on the psychological factors that influence weight-management challenges, including stress, self-worth, emotional eating patterns and unhelpful thinking habits.
Medicare rebates may be available with a Mental Health Care Plan.
Telehealth and in-person psychology sessions (Canberra based) available
Coaching Sessions (Habits and Mindset) - $350
Coaching focuses on practical strategies, accountability and behaviour change.
Not eligible for Medicare rebates.
Telehealth and in-person psychology sessions (Canberra based) available
Organisational/Corporate Wellbeing Programs for Women - POA
Because every organisation has different goals, staffing needs, workloads and operational pressures, all corporate programs are priced on inquiry. This allows me to tailor the content, delivery style, level of support, and duration to suit your team rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you’d like to explore a workshop, training package, leadership session, or an ongoing wellbeing program for women in your workplace, please get in touch and I can provide a customised proposal and quote based on your organisation’s needs.
Payment and Cancellation Policy - Individual
Individual Sessions
- Individual sessions require payment at the time of booking.
- Cancellations require 48 hours’ notice to avoid the full session fee.
- Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged to the card on file in accordance with the terms of service.
This policy exists so I can keep appointments accessible and manage my schedule fairly.
Payment Policy - Organisations
Organisational Programs
- All organisational programs are invoiced following confirmation of scope, delivery format and dates.
- Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is required prior to delivery of the service.
- For multi-session programs or ongoing engagements, staged invoicing may be arranged by agreement.
- Final materials, reports or post-program summaries will be released once payment has been received in full.
These terms allow appropriate preparation, scheduling and resource allocation for your organisation.
Cancellations and Rescheduling - Organisations
- Cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least 7 business days prior to the scheduled delivery date.
- Cancellations made with less than 7 business days’ notice may incur a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the agreed program cost.
- Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice, or non-attendance on the day, may be charged up to 100% of the program fee, due to preparation time, scheduling and opportunity costs.
Where possible, I am happy to work with organisations to reschedule sessions rather than cancel, subject to availability.