Attachment-based Counselling in Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
Deborah Stahmer
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doncaster, VIC 3108
Deb is an experienced psychologist who focuses on building authentic relationships with her clients. She offers evidence-based assessment and support for a wide range of mental health concerns, Deb has a particular interest in women’s and LGBTQI+ mental health issues. She has a background of working in both community settings and private practice with clients from diverse backgrounds. Deb uses a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy and Attachment-based therapy.
Deb is an experienced psychologist who focuses on building authentic relationships with her clients. She offers evidence-based assessment and support for a wide range of mental health concerns, Deb has a particular interest in women’s and LGBTQI+ mental health issues. She has a background of working in both community settings and private practice with clients from diverse backgrounds. Deb uses a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy and Attachment-based therapy.
Rebecca Datson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Mentone, VIC 3194 (Online Only)
I use a trauma informed, attachment-based approach drawing on various evidence based approaches.
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience, I am passionate about supporting women to: 1) Break free of making others happy at expense to their own needs, and saying yes to avoid conflict with others. 2) Navigate times of significant change in their lives (relationship challenges/ breakdowns, career shifts, partner's death, empty nest, the complexities peri/menopause, etc). 3) Navigate fertility issues. Together, we’ll help you challenge from the habits and patterns that have held you back so we you can support you to reclaim your joy, find more ease and connect to the more fulfilling life!
I use a trauma informed, attachment-based approach drawing on various evidence based approaches.
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience, I am passionate about supporting women to: 1) Break free of making others happy at expense to their own needs, and saying yes to avoid conflict with others. 2) Navigate times of significant change in their lives (relationship challenges/ breakdowns, career shifts, partner's death, empty nest, the complexities peri/menopause, etc). 3) Navigate fertility issues. Together, we’ll help you challenge from the habits and patterns that have held you back so we you can support you to reclaim your joy, find more ease and connect to the more fulfilling life!
I have a special interest in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and trauma-informed therapies, and also draw from attachment-based theories, humanistic theory and psychodynamic-based concepts, depending on the client's needs and preferences.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages, particularly adults and adolescents, to improve clients' wellbeing and help them achieve their goals. I have a particular interest in working with neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety disorders, panic and phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and tic disorders. I also enjoy conducting all types of assessments, including cognitive, educational, and neurodevelopmental condition assessments, and strive to provide both assessments and therapy from a neurodiversity affirming perspective.
I have a special interest in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and trauma-informed therapies, and also draw from attachment-based theories, humanistic theory and psychodynamic-based concepts, depending on the client's needs and preferences.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages, particularly adults and adolescents, to improve clients' wellbeing and help them achieve their goals. I have a particular interest in working with neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety disorders, panic and phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and tic disorders. I also enjoy conducting all types of assessments, including cognitive, educational, and neurodevelopmental condition assessments, and strive to provide both assessments and therapy from a neurodiversity affirming perspective.
As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor I have experience working with many common issues and concerns (such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, work stress) as well as serious mental health difficulties (such as Depression, Anxiety, Self Harm and Suicidal Ideation). My particular areas of expertise are in the treatment of Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling. I have spent the past 15 years developing specialist knowledge and skills in connecting with clients who have found it difficult to connect with a therapist in the past to get the assistance they need.
As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor I have experience working with many common issues and concerns (such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, work stress) as well as serious mental health difficulties (such as Depression, Anxiety, Self Harm and Suicidal Ideation). My particular areas of expertise are in the treatment of Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling. I have spent the past 15 years developing specialist knowledge and skills in connecting with clients who have found it difficult to connect with a therapist in the past to get the assistance they need.
Taking an attachment-based approach, I'll get to know you, your unique patterns and experiences.
I work with adults and adolescents who want to stop repeating old patterns in their life and relationships. You're the one who is always there for others, but find it difficult to accept help in return. Your friends and loved ones reassure you, but you're plagued with a feeling that you don't really have much to offer. Self-doubt holds you back, and a constant battle with your inner critic leaves you exhausted. You've already worked really hard to try and make changes in your life, but frustratingly, your problems return and you keep struggling with feelings of emptiness and unfulfillment.
Taking an attachment-based approach, I'll get to know you, your unique patterns and experiences.
I work with adults and adolescents who want to stop repeating old patterns in their life and relationships. You're the one who is always there for others, but find it difficult to accept help in return. Your friends and loved ones reassure you, but you're plagued with a feeling that you don't really have much to offer. Self-doubt holds you back, and a constant battle with your inner critic leaves you exhausted. You've already worked really hard to try and make changes in your life, but frustratingly, your problems return and you keep struggling with feelings of emptiness and unfulfillment.
Anna is a registered psychologist and is passionate about helping adults and older adolescents to improve their happiness and wellbeing. Anna has experience working with parents and has facilitated early parenting and attachment-based group programs including Circle of Security and Keeping Your Child in Mind. Anna is committed to building strong, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with her clients. She believes in taking a gentle, person-centred approach so that each client feels heard and understood. Anna supports clients in developing their own insight, self-understanding, and self-compassion.
Anna is a registered psychologist and is passionate about helping adults and older adolescents to improve their happiness and wellbeing. Anna has experience working with parents and has facilitated early parenting and attachment-based group programs including Circle of Security and Keeping Your Child in Mind. Anna is committed to building strong, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with her clients. She believes in taking a gentle, person-centred approach so that each client feels heard and understood. Anna supports clients in developing their own insight, self-understanding, and self-compassion.
Giorgia integrates interventions from evidence-based therapies such as Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed CBT, Schema Therapy and Existentialism to create a safe space for clients to process and heal at their own pace.
Giorgia is a Melbourne-based holistic counsellor. Giorgia is registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and practices both counselling and psychotherapy. Giorgia is certified in Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma and draws upon her qualifications in Counselling Psychology (MA) to ensure an integrative, person-centred and strengths based approach to therapy.
Giorgia integrates interventions from evidence-based therapies such as Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed CBT, Schema Therapy and Existentialism to create a safe space for clients to process and heal at their own pace.
Giorgia is a Melbourne-based holistic counsellor. Giorgia is registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and practices both counselling and psychotherapy. Giorgia is certified in Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma and draws upon her qualifications in Counselling Psychology (MA) to ensure an integrative, person-centred and strengths based approach to therapy.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience. I specialise in working with children and adolescents with a range of presenting concerns, including depressed or low mood, anxiety, behavioural difficulties, school refusal, difficulties managing emotions, learning/academic difficulties, and psychological difficulties associated with chronic health health conditions such as Type I or Type II Diabetes. I am also able to support parents with parenting difficulties.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience. I specialise in working with children and adolescents with a range of presenting concerns, including depressed or low mood, anxiety, behavioural difficulties, school refusal, difficulties managing emotions, learning/academic difficulties, and psychological difficulties associated with chronic health health conditions such as Type I or Type II Diabetes. I am also able to support parents with parenting difficulties.
Mai Linh Ngo-Nguyen
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pascoe Vale, VIC 3044 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based and trauma-focused interventions and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I support clients through a wide range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and mood disorders to the more intricate issues of complex trauma and relationship dynamics. My interest with psychology comes from a natural curiosity about human behavior, that transcends into a genuine passion for helping individuals connect with their sense of aliveness and vitality. I’m an explorer of the human condition, and this is reflected in my therapy sessions as I delve into the stories, behaviours and motivations of the incredible individuals who sit across from me.
My therapeutic approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based and trauma-focused interventions and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I support clients through a wide range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and mood disorders to the more intricate issues of complex trauma and relationship dynamics. My interest with psychology comes from a natural curiosity about human behavior, that transcends into a genuine passion for helping individuals connect with their sense of aliveness and vitality. I’m an explorer of the human condition, and this is reflected in my therapy sessions as I delve into the stories, behaviours and motivations of the incredible individuals who sit across from me.
Brett Fernandez
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mentone, VIC 3194
I draw on attachment-based therapeutic models (schema/psychoanalytic/psychodynamic) and enjoy working with my clients medium—to long-term through life's seasons.
Warm, responsive, individualised psychotherapy and guidance for anyone, no matter where you are in your mental health journey. Individuals, Couples, Families and Groups - all welcome! Much of our work will involve processing our past in a safe and comfortable setting in the presence of an attentive ear, all the while recognising how we want to live our best lives in line with our goals and values today. Learn to be happy, healthy, and content with yourself and your loved ones!
I draw on attachment-based therapeutic models (schema/psychoanalytic/psychodynamic) and enjoy working with my clients medium—to long-term through life's seasons.
Warm, responsive, individualised psychotherapy and guidance for anyone, no matter where you are in your mental health journey. Individuals, Couples, Families and Groups - all welcome! Much of our work will involve processing our past in a safe and comfortable setting in the presence of an attentive ear, all the while recognising how we want to live our best lives in line with our goals and values today. Learn to be happy, healthy, and content with yourself and your loved ones!
I work with clients experiencing a range of difficulties, I recognise that all clients are unique and therefore approach each and every session with genuineness, curiosity and a range of therapeutic interventions that I can draw on to support my clients. My specialty is working with Children, Adolescents, Mums and Bubs and Families. This client group can benefit from attachment-based interventions, relationship and communication skills as well as emotion regulation and psychoeducation.
I work with clients experiencing a range of difficulties, I recognise that all clients are unique and therefore approach each and every session with genuineness, curiosity and a range of therapeutic interventions that I can draw on to support my clients. My specialty is working with Children, Adolescents, Mums and Bubs and Families. This client group can benefit from attachment-based interventions, relationship and communication skills as well as emotion regulation and psychoeducation.
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Employing relational and attachment-based therapies, I work with clients on understanding how their past relationships have shaped current ones and how they see themselves in the world.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years experience across public and private mental health settings, with extensive experience working with children and adolescents. I have a particular interest in attachment and impacts across the lifespan, perinatal psychology and the parent-infant relationship. I further enjoy working with attachment-based concerns, supporting clients through periods of major life transitions, trauma and significant life events, along with relationship and interpersonal issues.
Employing relational and attachment-based therapies, I work with clients on understanding how their past relationships have shaped current ones and how they see themselves in the world.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years experience across public and private mental health settings, with extensive experience working with children and adolescents. I have a particular interest in attachment and impacts across the lifespan, perinatal psychology and the parent-infant relationship. I further enjoy working with attachment-based concerns, supporting clients through periods of major life transitions, trauma and significant life events, along with relationship and interpersonal issues.
Alexandra Heynatz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
I am a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of working with a wide array of difficulties across different settings, from youth and adult community mental health to hospitals within the public sector. Over the years, I have transitioned to private practice, where I have supported clients dealing with a range of issues from depression and anxiety to relationship challenges, stress, and chronic illnesses.
I am a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of working with a wide array of difficulties across different settings, from youth and adult community mental health to hospitals within the public sector. Over the years, I have transitioned to private practice, where I have supported clients dealing with a range of issues from depression and anxiety to relationship challenges, stress, and chronic illnesses.
Gender Therapy & Coaching
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Heidelberg West, VIC 3081 (Online Only)
My name is Ari Heart. I am a trans non-binary person, a psychotherapist, coach and educator in all things trans wellbeing. I help trans and nonbinary people experience greater clarity, ease and relief, without months or years of ongoing talk therapy. If you are struggling with your identity, dysphoria, your relationship with your body, decisions about transition/gender affirmation, how you can navigate other people, coming out, finding your authentic expression, or any other gender-based challenge, you do not have to be alone with it. We can work together to accelerate your movement towards a meaningful, enjoyable trans life.
My name is Ari Heart. I am a trans non-binary person, a psychotherapist, coach and educator in all things trans wellbeing. I help trans and nonbinary people experience greater clarity, ease and relief, without months or years of ongoing talk therapy. If you are struggling with your identity, dysphoria, your relationship with your body, decisions about transition/gender affirmation, how you can navigate other people, coming out, finding your authentic expression, or any other gender-based challenge, you do not have to be alone with it. We can work together to accelerate your movement towards a meaningful, enjoyable trans life.
Asa Chen LCSW, SEP, AMHSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Footscray, VIC 3011
I am a somatic psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical SW who works with people who live with complex mental health conditions and trauma symptoms, which may show up as syndromes like CFS or Fibromyalgia. My clients tend to have difficulty managing distressing and intense emotions, find it hard to stay present, and have a hard time fostering connection with others. They have usually experienced years of talk therapy (ie CBT, ACT, etc.) and still find themselves working hard to function. My aim is to work toward re-organising/regulating your physiology (which impacts your symptom expression) and increases your capacity/functioning.
I am a somatic psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical SW who works with people who live with complex mental health conditions and trauma symptoms, which may show up as syndromes like CFS or Fibromyalgia. My clients tend to have difficulty managing distressing and intense emotions, find it hard to stay present, and have a hard time fostering connection with others. They have usually experienced years of talk therapy (ie CBT, ACT, etc.) and still find themselves working hard to function. My aim is to work toward re-organising/regulating your physiology (which impacts your symptom expression) and increases your capacity/functioning.
Elena Manning
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Caulfield North, VIC 3161 (Online Only)
Elena is a registered Psychologist with many years’ experience assisting people manage life stressors and challenges. Elena’s experience stems from years working in various setting to support people struggling with mental health. She utilizes a range of approaches, tailored to meet the individual’s needs, and recognizes that everyone has strengths and capabilities that that can be built on.
Elena is a registered Psychologist with many years’ experience assisting people manage life stressors and challenges. Elena’s experience stems from years working in various setting to support people struggling with mental health. She utilizes a range of approaches, tailored to meet the individual’s needs, and recognizes that everyone has strengths and capabilities that that can be built on.
Emma Sestan
Psychologist, MA, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
My name is Emma and I have a passion for providing respectful and non-judgmental therapy for all my clients. My aim is to ensure that you have a safe and respectful space where we can promote personal growth, self-compassion and work through challenging times together.
My name is Emma and I have a passion for providing respectful and non-judgmental therapy for all my clients. My aim is to ensure that you have a safe and respectful space where we can promote personal growth, self-compassion and work through challenging times together.
Minded Psychology is a small private practice by the beach in Beaumaris. We take an integrative approach when treating mental health conditions. This means we consider the whole person when assessing psychological need and not just the symptoms of disease. Minded Psychology values the mind-body connection and places focus on the stages of human development. We also look at the impact that lifestyle can have on mental health issues and tailor treatment accordingly.
Minded Psychology is a small private practice by the beach in Beaumaris. We take an integrative approach when treating mental health conditions. This means we consider the whole person when assessing psychological need and not just the symptoms of disease. Minded Psychology values the mind-body connection and places focus on the stages of human development. We also look at the impact that lifestyle can have on mental health issues and tailor treatment accordingly.
In private practice Elissa works with clients who talk about having increased difficulty in coping with their daily lives for an array of reasons. Clients often say that they had been managing previously but additional stressors have been more than they could cope with on their own resulting in a deterioration in their overall mental health. Elissa also works with clients who want to understand themselves more deeply, in the hope of improving the relationship they have with themselves and others.
In private practice Elissa works with clients who talk about having increased difficulty in coping with their daily lives for an array of reasons. Clients often say that they had been managing previously but additional stressors have been more than they could cope with on their own resulting in a deterioration in their overall mental health. Elissa also works with clients who want to understand themselves more deeply, in the hope of improving the relationship they have with themselves and others.
See more therapy options for Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan)
Attachment-based Counsellors
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.