Feminist Counselling in Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne Centre for Womens Mental Health
Psychologist, PhD, FAPS
Verified Verified
Melbourne, VIC 3004 (Online Only)
Melbourne Centre for Women’s Mental Health is a proud Australian feminist mental health service that offers a growing number of clinical and educational programs for women and girls of Victoria. Established in 2018, we stand for anti-oppressive practices in mental health care and offer a variety of therapeutic programs and professional programs designed to empower our clients. We also conduct our own research, publish regular articles and promote lived experience voices.
Melbourne Centre for Women’s Mental Health is a proud Australian feminist mental health service that offers a growing number of clinical and educational programs for women and girls of Victoria. Established in 2018, we stand for anti-oppressive practices in mental health care and offer a variety of therapeutic programs and professional programs designed to empower our clients. We also conduct our own research, publish regular articles and promote lived experience voices.
The work I do is informed by queer and feminist theory, as well as anti-oppression frameworks.
As a dedicated sex and relationship therapist, I am passionate about fostering healthy and fulfilling connections between individuals and within relationships. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I strive to create a supportive space where clients can explore their concerns, desires, and challenges regarding intimacy, sexuality, and relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients navigate the complexities of intimacy and relationships with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of connection and fulfillment. I have advanced training in working with LGBTQ+, kink, and non-monogamous communities.
The work I do is informed by queer and feminist theory, as well as anti-oppression frameworks.
As a dedicated sex and relationship therapist, I am passionate about fostering healthy and fulfilling connections between individuals and within relationships. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I strive to create a supportive space where clients can explore their concerns, desires, and challenges regarding intimacy, sexuality, and relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients navigate the complexities of intimacy and relationships with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of connection and fulfillment. I have advanced training in working with LGBTQ+, kink, and non-monogamous communities.
I usually work with folks who identify as female, however I am happy to consult with anyone who is comfortable to work within a feminist framework.
Typically, my clients have been to therapy many times before, but don't quite get to the bottom of their problems. They have tried the traditional methods of therapy that promote coping, but feel disheartened when they inevitably fall back into their old habits. Often they appear fine on the outside, but every day is a struggle. There is a big feeling of stuckness, or that 'something isn't right'. It's often hard to say exactly what is wrong. The words 'anxiety' and 'depression' don't seem to properly explain things. There may be a history of bad relationships, or struggling to accept love. Despite all this, they haven't given up.
I usually work with folks who identify as female, however I am happy to consult with anyone who is comfortable to work within a feminist framework.
Typically, my clients have been to therapy many times before, but don't quite get to the bottom of their problems. They have tried the traditional methods of therapy that promote coping, but feel disheartened when they inevitably fall back into their old habits. Often they appear fine on the outside, but every day is a struggle. There is a big feeling of stuckness, or that 'something isn't right'. It's often hard to say exactly what is wrong. The words 'anxiety' and 'depression' don't seem to properly explain things. There may be a history of bad relationships, or struggling to accept love. Despite all this, they haven't given up.
Melissa Desmarchelier
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I work predominantly with adolescents, young people, and adults, and have a special interest in working with people who are studying or working in creative fields (music, visual arts, dance), people from culturally and linguistically-diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community, girls from age 12 and women of all ages. I apply an integrative approach of evidence-based interventions including CBT, ACT, EFT, NT and SFT. I have a special interest in Mindfulness, Music-Assisted Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Feminist Psychology and working with girls and women. I work with many adults seeking ADHD & Autism Assessment & coaching.
I work predominantly with adolescents, young people, and adults, and have a special interest in working with people who are studying or working in creative fields (music, visual arts, dance), people from culturally and linguistically-diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community, girls from age 12 and women of all ages. I apply an integrative approach of evidence-based interventions including CBT, ACT, EFT, NT and SFT. I have a special interest in Mindfulness, Music-Assisted Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Feminist Psychology and working with girls and women. I work with many adults seeking ADHD & Autism Assessment & coaching.
My therapy style is integrative - drawing on evidence based training in mindfulness, self compassion, attachment theory, inner child therapy, feminist principles and somatic trauma informed care.
Safe, compassionate and non-pathologising therapy for women 16+. As a woman, you may have experienced trauma caused by discrimination, sexual assault, abuse, bullying, domestic violence, social exclusion or hormonal life transitions. Understandably, these traumatic life experiences can have a significant impact on your social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing, particularly within relationships. I believe, given the right environment and opportunities, you can heal from trauma and live a rich and meaningful life.
My therapy style is integrative - drawing on evidence based training in mindfulness, self compassion, attachment theory, inner child therapy, feminist principles and somatic trauma informed care.
Safe, compassionate and non-pathologising therapy for women 16+. As a woman, you may have experienced trauma caused by discrimination, sexual assault, abuse, bullying, domestic violence, social exclusion or hormonal life transitions. Understandably, these traumatic life experiences can have a significant impact on your social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing, particularly within relationships. I believe, given the right environment and opportunities, you can heal from trauma and live a rich and meaningful life.
I have a strong interest in supporting women and girls to foster a positive self-image through self-compassion and self-awareness. My work centres on recognising and processing trauma, as well treating depression, anxiety, body-image dissatisfaction, grief, and relationship difficulties. I also work with women through the perinatal and postnatal period. In addition to therapeutic work, I conduct clinical assessments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and seek to facilitate empowered and affirming relationships with neurodiversity.
I have a strong interest in supporting women and girls to foster a positive self-image through self-compassion and self-awareness. My work centres on recognising and processing trauma, as well treating depression, anxiety, body-image dissatisfaction, grief, and relationship difficulties. I also work with women through the perinatal and postnatal period. In addition to therapeutic work, I conduct clinical assessments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and seek to facilitate empowered and affirming relationships with neurodiversity.
Finn works with couples, individuals and families, looking to create change and understand themselves and their relationships better. She is person-centred and emotion-focused, informed by an awareness of trauma, polyvagal theory and the nervous system, mindfulness, family-systems theories, attachment theory, Internal Family Systems therapy, social justice and intersectionality.
Finn works with couples, individuals and families, looking to create change and understand themselves and their relationships better. She is person-centred and emotion-focused, informed by an awareness of trauma, polyvagal theory and the nervous system, mindfulness, family-systems theories, attachment theory, Internal Family Systems therapy, social justice and intersectionality.
Emmy Fitz-Gerald
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3004 (Online Only)
I am a queer and nonbinary clinical psychologist with a background in providing trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, person-centred therapies. Belonging to groups that are outside the mainstream of society, can add a lot of additional burden - and psychological therapy is not always set up to take an intersectional approach to understanding your issues. At all times, I want to celebrate your unique identity and not apply a one-size-fits-most response to support you.
I am a queer and nonbinary clinical psychologist with a background in providing trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, person-centred therapies. Belonging to groups that are outside the mainstream of society, can add a lot of additional burden - and psychological therapy is not always set up to take an intersectional approach to understanding your issues. At all times, I want to celebrate your unique identity and not apply a one-size-fits-most response to support you.
It's my job to make myself redundant with clients, to help them stabilise long-term & end their care with new insights & skills to better manage inevitable emotional challenges. So I use EMDR to treat trauma from childhood, military service, sexual assault, family violence, road accidents & medical procedures. EMDR can also be helpful with workplace & social anxiety. In addition, I counsel adult clients with symptoms of autism such as rigid thinking & emotional barriers. I offer a safe space where intrusive & distressing thoughts can be safely explored, discussed respectfully & helpfully - & with some humour, but no nonsense.
It's my job to make myself redundant with clients, to help them stabilise long-term & end their care with new insights & skills to better manage inevitable emotional challenges. So I use EMDR to treat trauma from childhood, military service, sexual assault, family violence, road accidents & medical procedures. EMDR can also be helpful with workplace & social anxiety. In addition, I counsel adult clients with symptoms of autism such as rigid thinking & emotional barriers. I offer a safe space where intrusive & distressing thoughts can be safely explored, discussed respectfully & helpfully - & with some humour, but no nonsense.
Hi, I’m Patricia Martins, a Portuguese and Spanish speaking psychologist who helps immigrants find their place in Australia. I know how hard it can be to leave your home country and start a new life in a different culture. I’ve been there myself. That’s why I decided to dedicate my career to helping people like you, who are going through a similar journey. Whether you are struggling with emotional distress, anxiety, loneliness, or any other issue, I’m here to support you and help you thrive in your new environment.
Hi, I’m Patricia Martins, a Portuguese and Spanish speaking psychologist who helps immigrants find their place in Australia. I know how hard it can be to leave your home country and start a new life in a different culture. I’ve been there myself. That’s why I decided to dedicate my career to helping people like you, who are going through a similar journey. Whether you are struggling with emotional distress, anxiety, loneliness, or any other issue, I’m here to support you and help you thrive in your new environment.
Nat Lysenko EMDR Therapist
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Hi, I'm Nat, a Registered Psychologist working in Melbourne with a focus on EMDR and Schema Therapy. My approach is warm and collaborative and I enjoy working with people to tackle a range of concerns. I have experience assessing and treating anxiety (social anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD from traffic or other single incident accidents, phobias, and generalised anxiety disorder), depression, chronic stress/burnout, complex trauma and BPD. I value ongoing professional development and follow current research on what works in therapy.
Hi, I'm Nat, a Registered Psychologist working in Melbourne with a focus on EMDR and Schema Therapy. My approach is warm and collaborative and I enjoy working with people to tackle a range of concerns. I have experience assessing and treating anxiety (social anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD from traffic or other single incident accidents, phobias, and generalised anxiety disorder), depression, chronic stress/burnout, complex trauma and BPD. I value ongoing professional development and follow current research on what works in therapy.
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Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Online Only)
I am a registered clinical psychologist with experience working with a wide range of mental health conditions. I work primarily with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, shame, guilt, and many other mental health issues. I have a special interest in supporting and empowering women with their mental health, in particular perinatal mental health support. I also support many of my clients with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, early life attachment trauma, and anxiety disorders.
I am a registered clinical psychologist with experience working with a wide range of mental health conditions. I work primarily with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, shame, guilt, and many other mental health issues. I have a special interest in supporting and empowering women with their mental health, in particular perinatal mental health support. I also support many of my clients with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, early life attachment trauma, and anxiety disorders.
Hey, I'm stoked you've stopped by! I'm Ess, an introverted, dance obsessed, spiritual being who will drop an F-bomb in solidarity or celebration. I'm genuinely interested in learning about you and hearing your story. I'm excited for you, to be more YOU! Whether that's supporting you to: express yourself more fully, learn tools to practice self-acceptance, work through past experiences so you can embrace you now, unlearn and relearn behaviours so you can thrive... I have approx 10 years experience working in trauma/mental health, and enjoy working with folks curious about deeper self exploration + growth.
Hey, I'm stoked you've stopped by! I'm Ess, an introverted, dance obsessed, spiritual being who will drop an F-bomb in solidarity or celebration. I'm genuinely interested in learning about you and hearing your story. I'm excited for you, to be more YOU! Whether that's supporting you to: express yourself more fully, learn tools to practice self-acceptance, work through past experiences so you can embrace you now, unlearn and relearn behaviours so you can thrive... I have approx 10 years experience working in trauma/mental health, and enjoy working with folks curious about deeper self exploration + growth.
Anine Cummins (they/them) - Ginger Cat Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Please note: I am a counsellor, and cannot accept mental health care plans. I provide online counselling for adults and teenagers. Everyone is welcome! I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD and autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
Please note: I am a counsellor, and cannot accept mental health care plans. I provide online counselling for adults and teenagers. Everyone is welcome! I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD and autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
Magda's clients vary from well-seasoned in therapy to these who never worked with a psychologist before. Many are experiencing a major life transition such as geographical relocation, relationship breakdown/dissatisfaction or a career transition. It is her vision and passion to facilitate individuals, couples and families in connect to their values, learning practical tools to cope with life's challenges more effectively, and live happier and more meaningful lives. She specialises in providing services to culturally and linguistically diverse clients, LGBTQI clients, and clients who identify as religious and/or spiritual.
Magda's clients vary from well-seasoned in therapy to these who never worked with a psychologist before. Many are experiencing a major life transition such as geographical relocation, relationship breakdown/dissatisfaction or a career transition. It is her vision and passion to facilitate individuals, couples and families in connect to their values, learning practical tools to cope with life's challenges more effectively, and live happier and more meaningful lives. She specialises in providing services to culturally and linguistically diverse clients, LGBTQI clients, and clients who identify as religious and/or spiritual.
The Empty Cradle supports involuntary childless women to grieve the loss of motherhood and create lives of connection, meaning and joy. As lived experience counsellors we understand childlessness can leave women feeling broken hearted and excluded from the world of children, mothers and families. We can experience profound grief, shame, diminished self worth, struggle for meaning and purpose, and impact on interpersonal relationships. There can be regrets, bereavement, losses and ongoing trauma. We support women to develop esteem, confidence and competence to navigate this difficult terrain and gently create a new vision for life.
The Empty Cradle supports involuntary childless women to grieve the loss of motherhood and create lives of connection, meaning and joy. As lived experience counsellors we understand childlessness can leave women feeling broken hearted and excluded from the world of children, mothers and families. We can experience profound grief, shame, diminished self worth, struggle for meaning and purpose, and impact on interpersonal relationships. There can be regrets, bereavement, losses and ongoing trauma. We support women to develop esteem, confidence and competence to navigate this difficult terrain and gently create a new vision for life.
Golden Point Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I am a Mental Health Social Worker/Therapist (Medicare available), practicing in Bendigo & Online. I specialise in supporting women, young adults and Neurodivergent clients. I help those seeking affirming or positive counselling for ADHD & Autism, Trauma, Family Violence and Mental Health. I work with the complexity of issues presenting across these areas and support people to understand and develop effective coping strategies for associated trauma and other mental health challenges. I am passionate about working with clients who have felt excluded from therapy or have struggled to feel 'seen and heard' in their lives.
I am a Mental Health Social Worker/Therapist (Medicare available), practicing in Bendigo & Online. I specialise in supporting women, young adults and Neurodivergent clients. I help those seeking affirming or positive counselling for ADHD & Autism, Trauma, Family Violence and Mental Health. I work with the complexity of issues presenting across these areas and support people to understand and develop effective coping strategies for associated trauma and other mental health challenges. I am passionate about working with clients who have felt excluded from therapy or have struggled to feel 'seen and heard' in their lives.
Yuying Zhao (Chinese - English)
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I am a Chinese-speaking psychotherapist, most private insurance accepted. I work with teenagers, adults, couples, and families to overcome issues related to psychological concerns, emotional disorders, personal development, relationship conflicts, and parenting skills. 澳洲注册心理咨询师、婚姻伴侣咨询师, 以及催眠治疗师。服务青少年及成人的各种情绪障碍，心理不适，创伤疗愈和情感关系问题，接受线上和线下咨询。
I am a Chinese-speaking psychotherapist, most private insurance accepted. I work with teenagers, adults, couples, and families to overcome issues related to psychological concerns, emotional disorders, personal development, relationship conflicts, and parenting skills. 澳洲注册心理咨询师、婚姻伴侣咨询师, 以及催眠治疗师。服务青少年及成人的各种情绪障碍，心理不适，创伤疗愈和情感关系问题，接受线上和线下咨询。
Person Centred Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Deborah is an experienced Clinical Psychology with a particular interest in Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Grief. She works with a diverse population, seeing adult women and men. Deborah provides a compassionate and evidence informed treatment. In addition to her therapeutic work, she teaches masters level clinical psychology students, and has an interest in eating disorder prevention. Deborah is the founder of Person Centred Psychology & Allied Health in South Melbourne, where she has built her practice of psychologists and dietitians to provide evidence informed person centred care to all clients.
Deborah is an experienced Clinical Psychology with a particular interest in Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Grief. She works with a diverse population, seeing adult women and men. Deborah provides a compassionate and evidence informed treatment. In addition to her therapeutic work, she teaches masters level clinical psychology students, and has an interest in eating disorder prevention. Deborah is the founder of Person Centred Psychology & Allied Health in South Melbourne, where she has built her practice of psychologists and dietitians to provide evidence informed person centred care to all clients.
Elizabeth Theiler
Psychologist, MA, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Verified Verified
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I offer above all my intentional+ deep listening to your conscious/ unconscious concerns. I specialise in tailoring individually suitable therapies. I wish to assist you to open spaces, that can allow reflection and creation towards new internal+ external potentialities+ futurities, unique only to you. I am a Registered Psychologist and Psychoanalyst (Badiou/Lacan), Phd (abd level) with 50 years of expertise. I can practice in English, German or French. I am available on line, by Skype/Zoom (from anywhere in the world) + in person (at my office), by phone (Australia), for home visits (10km radius) for short and longterm therapies.
I offer above all my intentional+ deep listening to your conscious/ unconscious concerns. I specialise in tailoring individually suitable therapies. I wish to assist you to open spaces, that can allow reflection and creation towards new internal+ external potentialities+ futurities, unique only to you. I am a Registered Psychologist and Psychoanalyst (Badiou/Lacan), Phd (abd level) with 50 years of expertise. I can practice in English, German or French. I am available on line, by Skype/Zoom (from anywhere in the world) + in person (at my office), by phone (Australia), for home visits (10km radius) for short and longterm therapies.
See more therapy options for Melbourne
Nearby Feminist Counsellors Searches for Melbourne
- Abbotsford
- Collingwood
- Docklands
- East Melbourne
- Fitzroy
- Prahran
- Richmond
- Saint Kilda
- Saint Kilda East
- South Melbourne
- South Yarra
- West Melbourne
Feminist Counsellors
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.