Female Counselling in Doreen, VIC

I'm passionate about working with all people including Neurodivergent individuals. I absolutely love working with kids and young people to help them change forward, learn and develop emotional regulation techniques and to build bigger capacities, to manage and overcome the challenges they face in their lives. My approach is solution orientated, strategic and fun and engaging. I help clients understand who they are, what patterns they run that are getting them stuck and help guide them on a more effective path, based on them and the unique individual they are.

We can focus on a specific problem area you bring to therapy, and delve to a deeper level of understanding of the issue/s so as to resolve it, or we can work in a more fluid, open-ended manner, with self-discovery in mind. While I am not resistant to diagnosis and working within a pathological lens, I like to see people outside of narrow diagnostic labels. In the first instance, my first approach is to understand a client’s suffering by learning about them as unique individuals with complex histories and adaptive coping strategies. As I engage wholeheartedly with clients, my ask is that clients attempt to engage wholeheartedly too.

I am a qualified Counsellor, specialised in Depression, Relationships, Career, Return to Work, Rehabilitation, and Vocational counselling. I have a Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation and mental health Counselling from Latrobe University. I am accredited by the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC). I have also a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy from ACAP (in progress). Many years experience working with individuals and families, offering support in challenges accompanied by mental health, unemployment, disability and domestic violence.

Welcome! If you're dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, procrastination, or simply feeling stuck and in need of a boost, I'm here to help. Life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. Together, we'll tackle the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back and work on strategies to help you become your best self. My approach is supportive and non-judgmental, focusing on your unique needs and goals. Let's start a journey of growth and empowerment to unlock your full potential and achieve the fulfilling life you deserve.

We all want to feel better but sometimes that is not enough, we need to be doing better in real terms in the real world. While talking about our problems can provide some relief people need more than that. I work only with approaches that get real results for people. If change is what you need and you are ready for that, then this approach is the first positive step.

HYM is a private child psychology clinic managed by Psychologist Ann Magiris. HYM supports children who are experiencing mental health, learning or behavioural issues. Ann is very passionate about helping your child build their toolbox so they are better equipped to face obstacles and cope with difficult situations. Ann's approach is to establish what is going on for your child and then create a plan, incorporating essential skill development during the therapeutic process. Parents play a vital role in supporting the process so their child can practice skills and make progress. Together we can make a difference!

I have worked as a psychologist in a variety of settings, including AOD rehab, refuges, women’s organisations (focused on family violence), NDIS realm, and private practice. I work with a broad range of presentations across the lifespan, including personality disorders, complex trauma, bipolar affective disorder, anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses, addictions, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. I mainly practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, so the way clients relate to themselves, others and the world is often central in the therapy room. Having said this, I also tailor my approach to suit an individual's needs.

Seeing people conquer anxiety truly warms my heart. If I could choose a superpower, it'd be to shake up their thinking in this very realm. Creating a haven where someone can kickstart their healing journey is what fuels my passion. More than anything, I strive to be the kind of counsellor I yearned for during my own healing expedition. Diving deep into the intricacies of the brain and neuroplasticity for years has given me a keen understanding of our wiring. This means, regardless of the challenge you're facing, I genuinely believe that you can walk away with a fresh perspective and newfound hope.

Lavinia McSwain is a registered psychologist with over 15 years experience working in hospitals, community mental health, university and forensic settings. She works with adults who experience anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, addiction, other mental health issues or life difficulties in general. She provides individual treatment on site and online, as well as relationship counselling and Employee Assistance Programs(EAP) counselling. She is also a registered supervisor providing training for provisional psychologists.