Emotionally Focused Counselling in Toorak, VIC

Photo of Joanne Dennison - South Yarra Psychology, FAPS, Psychologist
South Yarra Psychology
Psychologist, FAPS
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Treatment approaches include schema therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, DBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, positive psychology, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and ACT.
South Yarra Psychology sees clients with a wide range of presenting issues. The practice has a team of highly-qualified psychologists. The practice offers a free 10-minute 'psychologist matching appointment' for new clients (via telephone); to discuss their treatment needs and recommend a psychologist who is best suited to these. Appointments (including the free psychologist matching appointment) can be booked through the practice's online booking system (accessible via www.SYP.au). The website also contains profiles on each of the psychologists, with their specific interests and treatment approaches.
Treatment approaches include schema therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, DBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, positive psychology, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and ACT.
South Yarra Psychology sees clients with a wide range of presenting issues. The practice has a team of highly-qualified psychologists. The practice offers a free 10-minute 'psychologist matching appointment' for new clients (via telephone); to discuss their treatment needs and recommend a psychologist who is best suited to these. Appointments (including the free psychologist matching appointment) can be booked through the practice's online booking system (accessible via www.SYP.au). The website also contains profiles on each of the psychologists, with their specific interests and treatment approaches.
(03) 9070 5676 View (03) 9070 5676
Photo of Samiya Mowla - Heartstrings Counselling, MC, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Heartstrings Counselling
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142  (Online Only)
I am passionate about mental health and mental health advocacy, with a deep understanding and fascination about human behaviour and emotions. My expertise lies in providing an integrated and personalised approach, drawing from CBT, EFT, and NT. With experience in addressing various mental health challenges, I offer support for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, work-life balance and stress, self-esteem, relationship issues, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Our goal is to work towards improved interpersonal relationships, effectively manage challenges, and address personal challenges that may have set us back in the past.
I am passionate about mental health and mental health advocacy, with a deep understanding and fascination about human behaviour and emotions. My expertise lies in providing an integrated and personalised approach, drawing from CBT, EFT, and NT. With experience in addressing various mental health challenges, I offer support for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, work-life balance and stress, self-esteem, relationship issues, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Our goal is to work towards improved interpersonal relationships, effectively manage challenges, and address personal challenges that may have set us back in the past.
(03) 7003 2412 View (03) 7003 2412
Photo of Christina von Cohausen, MA, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Christina von Cohausen
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Christina is an experienced Senior Counselling Psychologist, Couples Therapist, AHPRA-approved Supervisor, and Hypnotherapist who is passionate about supporting people on their journey to greater psychological well-being and more fulfilling relationships. Her holistic approach focuses and integrates the mind, body, and emotions and draws on a wide range of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s unique situation and needs. She specialises in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and is an internationally accredited EFT practitioner. Christina provides a warm and safe space to explore your inner world with guidance and care.
Christina is an experienced Senior Counselling Psychologist, Couples Therapist, AHPRA-approved Supervisor, and Hypnotherapist who is passionate about supporting people on their journey to greater psychological well-being and more fulfilling relationships. Her holistic approach focuses and integrates the mind, body, and emotions and draws on a wide range of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s unique situation and needs. She specialises in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and is an internationally accredited EFT practitioner. Christina provides a warm and safe space to explore your inner world with guidance and care.
(03) 7003 2187 View (03) 7003 2187
Photo of Naomi Coulter, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Naomi Coulter
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Therapeutic approaches include: Adolescent Focused Thereapy (APT); Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Thereapy (CBT-E), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Based Therapy (FBT-AN), Focal Psychodynamic, Multi Family Therapy ( MFT), Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM-ED).
I work with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing challenges with how they relate to themselves, others and their environment. I value my clients as unique individuals and aim to foster a sense of hope, determination and resilience in people to make positive changes in their lives in whatever capacity is meaningful to them. I work a lot with people to help them identify, manage and regulate difficult emotions. This also involves a deeper understanding of emotional reactions and an opportunity to benefit from learning from past experiences.
Therapeutic approaches include: Adolescent Focused Thereapy (APT); Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Thereapy (CBT-E), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Based Therapy (FBT-AN), Focal Psychodynamic, Multi Family Therapy ( MFT), Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM-ED).
I work with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing challenges with how they relate to themselves, others and their environment. I value my clients as unique individuals and aim to foster a sense of hope, determination and resilience in people to make positive changes in their lives in whatever capacity is meaningful to them. I work a lot with people to help them identify, manage and regulate difficult emotions. This also involves a deeper understanding of emotional reactions and an opportunity to benefit from learning from past experiences.
(03) 7003 2813 View (03) 7003 2813
Photo of Genevieve Rix, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Genevieve Rix
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Genevieve has undertaken advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and highly values the opportunities EFT provides clients who are seeking to process past emotional injuries / traumas and make meaning of their emotional experience.
Genevieve Rix is a registered psychologist who brings an emotion-focused approach to working with adults. Genevieve provides psychological therapies for a range of mental health difficulties – including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship and social issues, low self-esteem and grief/loss. It is rare that a human being moves through their life without experiencing trauma and associated emotional pain. When emotional needs go unmet in the wake of trauma, our emotional pain is unlikely to resolve. Genevieve aims to provide a safe therapeutic space and alliance for clients to heal their emotional wounds.
Genevieve has undertaken advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and highly values the opportunities EFT provides clients who are seeking to process past emotional injuries / traumas and make meaning of their emotional experience.
Genevieve Rix is a registered psychologist who brings an emotion-focused approach to working with adults. Genevieve provides psychological therapies for a range of mental health difficulties – including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship and social issues, low self-esteem and grief/loss. It is rare that a human being moves through their life without experiencing trauma and associated emotional pain. When emotional needs go unmet in the wake of trauma, our emotional pain is unlikely to resolve. Genevieve aims to provide a safe therapeutic space and alliance for clients to heal their emotional wounds.
(03) 7003 2047 View (03) 7003 2047
Photo of Yuedda Sio - Inner Eastern Psychology, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Inner Eastern Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Managing difficult emotions, such as feeling down or depressed, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, feelings of emptiness or insecurity Managing mood swings and chronic mood disturbances Reducing stress and burnout Treatment of anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic Attacks Reducing harm from impulsive behaviours Adjustment to and management of major life events Coping with grief and bereavement Experience related to living with chronic illness Problems related to traumatic experience or abuse Managing distress related to body image concerns Experiences related to identifying as LGBTIQA Difficulties with identity, self-esteem or self-image
Managing difficult emotions, such as feeling down or depressed, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, feelings of emptiness or insecurity Managing mood swings and chronic mood disturbances Reducing stress and burnout Treatment of anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic Attacks Reducing harm from impulsive behaviours Adjustment to and management of major life events Coping with grief and bereavement Experience related to living with chronic illness Problems related to traumatic experience or abuse Managing distress related to body image concerns Experiences related to identifying as LGBTIQA Difficulties with identity, self-esteem or self-image
(03) 9070 3597 View (03) 9070 3597
Photo of Sleiman Abou-Hamdan - Holistic Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
Holistic Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
People often tell me that the reason why they choose to work with me is because they can see that they can be challenged and guided to be the empowered version of themselves, while at the same time feeling safe in the knowledge they are being cared for and supported by a qualified clinical psychologist. I have been a Clinical Psychologist since 2013 and a leadership and life coach since 2009. I am passionate about working with people who are ready to change their unhelpful stories to more empowering and authentic ones.
People often tell me that the reason why they choose to work with me is because they can see that they can be challenged and guided to be the empowered version of themselves, while at the same time feeling safe in the knowledge they are being cared for and supported by a qualified clinical psychologist. I have been a Clinical Psychologist since 2013 and a leadership and life coach since 2009. I am passionate about working with people who are ready to change their unhelpful stories to more empowering and authentic ones.
(03) 8592 7028 View (03) 8592 7028
Photo of Astrid Southey, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Astrid Southey
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Few sail through life without encountering obstacles of one sort or another. For the most part we adjust to challenges or emotional upset using our own internal healing systems. Occasionally though, we just can't find a way through the pain and can't understand what went wrong. At these times it is really helpful to talk with someone who is trained to notice the emotions behind your words, and it is by noticing these emotions solutions to your troubles can be found.
Few sail through life without encountering obstacles of one sort or another. For the most part we adjust to challenges or emotional upset using our own internal healing systems. Occasionally though, we just can't find a way through the pain and can't understand what went wrong. At these times it is really helpful to talk with someone who is trained to notice the emotions behind your words, and it is by noticing these emotions solutions to your troubles can be found.
(03) 4416 2322 View (03) 4416 2322
Photo of Noah Noam Mankowitz, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Noah Noam Mankowitz
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Noah Mankowitz is a Clinical Psychologist who works both at Alfred Health as well as privately. Noah specialises in mental conditions from age 8 and above, with particular interests in Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD, Trauma, Self-Harm, Personality Disorders, Psychosis as well as Life Transition and Body Image. Noah Mankowitz earned his qualifications from Harvard University; Yale University as well as Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. In addition, Noah Mankowitz has published articles with the American Psychological Association and strives to continue contributing to the Medical and Psychology field.
Noah Mankowitz is a Clinical Psychologist who works both at Alfred Health as well as privately. Noah specialises in mental conditions from age 8 and above, with particular interests in Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD, Trauma, Self-Harm, Personality Disorders, Psychosis as well as Life Transition and Body Image. Noah Mankowitz earned his qualifications from Harvard University; Yale University as well as Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. In addition, Noah Mankowitz has published articles with the American Psychological Association and strives to continue contributing to the Medical and Psychology field.
(03) 7003 2140 View (03) 7003 2140
Photo of Dr Alexandra Petrik, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Dr Alexandra Petrik
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toorak, VIC 3142
My therapeutic style is highly collaborative, supportive, strength-focused, and motivational. I believe in creating a supportive and empowering space in which to arm clients with a strong individualised “tool kit” to help manage both everyday and long-term challenges. I offer a broad range of therapeutic modalities to suit the specific needs of the client. I have strong expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Anger Management, and Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
My therapeutic style is highly collaborative, supportive, strength-focused, and motivational. I believe in creating a supportive and empowering space in which to arm clients with a strong individualised “tool kit” to help manage both everyday and long-term challenges. I offer a broad range of therapeutic modalities to suit the specific needs of the client. I have strong expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Anger Management, and Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
(03) 7003 2878 View (03) 7003 2878
Photo of Melissa Jane Freedman, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Melissa Jane Freedman
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
A registered psychotherapist, Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Melissa uses a range of evidenced based approaches, tailoring the therapy to best suit the individual needs of her clients.
A registered psychotherapist, Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Melissa uses a range of evidenced based approaches, tailoring the therapy to best suit the individual needs of her clients.
(03) 9070 3508 View (03) 9070 3508
Photo of Xuan Tan - Clinical Registrar - People Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Xuan Tan - Clinical Registrar - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Xuan (pronounced Shen) provides evidence-based and person-centred treatment with adolescents, adults, couples and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds. Xuan has multilingual skills and can deliver services in English or in Mandarin 说中文 She aims to provide a warm space where clients could form an in-depth understanding of themselves, to reflect on existing or past experiences, and to learn and grow at a pace that suits them.
Xuan (pronounced Shen) provides evidence-based and person-centred treatment with adolescents, adults, couples and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds. Xuan has multilingual skills and can deliver services in English or in Mandarin 说中文 She aims to provide a warm space where clients could form an in-depth understanding of themselves, to reflect on existing or past experiences, and to learn and grow at a pace that suits them.
(03) 7003 2350 View (03) 7003 2350
Photo of Dr Jo-Anne Zappia, MBBS, Psychotherapist
Dr Jo-Anne Zappia
Psychotherapist, MBBS
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
You may be lonely, sad or disappointed. You may be scared and uncertain. You may be at your wit's end or feeling totally burnt out. Or maybe you are struggling to get yourself out of bed in the morning, to take care of yourself or your family. Maybe you find yourself crying or feeling frustrated and angry. Life can be challenging on many levels, and being able to talk through your problems with a trusted professional who can help you untangle the issues can lead to a more happy, fulfilling and productive future. We will work at your pace, and I will support you in reaching your goals.
You may be lonely, sad or disappointed. You may be scared and uncertain. You may be at your wit's end or feeling totally burnt out. Or maybe you are struggling to get yourself out of bed in the morning, to take care of yourself or your family. Maybe you find yourself crying or feeling frustrated and angry. Life can be challenging on many levels, and being able to talk through your problems with a trusted professional who can help you untangle the issues can lead to a more happy, fulfilling and productive future. We will work at your pace, and I will support you in reaching your goals.
(03) 7003 2095 View (03) 7003 2095
Photo of Lauren Ross, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Lauren Ross
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Do you have a wish to understand your mind, to become un-stuck, and to have healthier relationships with yourself and others? I launched Melbourne Psychology House to offer people an opportunity to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering, to build skills to regulate anxiety, to gain stability in relationships, and to heal and unlock potential. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, relationship difficulties, women's health concerns, emotion regulation challenges, and more.
Do you have a wish to understand your mind, to become un-stuck, and to have healthier relationships with yourself and others? I launched Melbourne Psychology House to offer people an opportunity to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering, to build skills to regulate anxiety, to gain stability in relationships, and to heal and unlock potential. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, relationship difficulties, women's health concerns, emotion regulation challenges, and more.
(03) 7003 2027 View (03) 7003 2027
Photo of Poli Z - SHYNE Wellness - Poli, ACA-L1, Counsellor
SHYNE Wellness - Poli
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toorak, VIC 3142
Poli is a multi-talented and committed Counsellor and Life Coach who is sincerely passionate about supporting her clients through their issues. Poli is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and International Coaching Federation and has assisted clients worldwide. She specialises in working with adolescents, couples, adults and families. Poli provides practical support that a client can use immediately to help them move forward in life.
Poli is a multi-talented and committed Counsellor and Life Coach who is sincerely passionate about supporting her clients through their issues. Poli is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and International Coaching Federation and has assisted clients worldwide. She specialises in working with adolescents, couples, adults and families. Poli provides practical support that a client can use immediately to help them move forward in life.
(03) 8595 4433 View (03) 8595 4433
Photo of Dr Kate O'Brien, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Kate O'Brien
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is about self-discovery. With curiosity and compassion, I am to help clients explore, move through, and integrate challenging experiences, to ultimately discover what they truly value and what is vital for attaining and maintaining psychological well-being.
My approach is about self-discovery. With curiosity and compassion, I am to help clients explore, move through, and integrate challenging experiences, to ultimately discover what they truly value and what is vital for attaining and maintaining psychological well-being.
(03) 7003 2086 View (03) 7003 2086
Photo of Heidi Gaspar - Heart Expression - Heidi Gaspar, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Heart Expression - Heidi Gaspar
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
Heart Expression was founded in 2009 by Heidi Gaspar, an experienced Psychologist providing an eclectic mix of clinical counselling and Psychological therapeutic services, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy, Sandplay, Music Therapy, and Mindfulness based stress reduction strategies for children, teenagers, adults, parents, couples and families. Experienced school Psychologist with many years in Private Practice.
Heart Expression was founded in 2009 by Heidi Gaspar, an experienced Psychologist providing an eclectic mix of clinical counselling and Psychological therapeutic services, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy, Sandplay, Music Therapy, and Mindfulness based stress reduction strategies for children, teenagers, adults, parents, couples and families. Experienced school Psychologist with many years in Private Practice.
(03) 9118 9036 View (03) 9118 9036
Photo of Karla Lomagno, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Karla Lomagno
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toorak, VIC 3142
I have over a decade of experience in both public and private mental health sectors. I have a compassionate and collaborative approach, and I work closely with clients to help them pinpoint their life-worth living goals, identify barriers to change, and support skills development to enhance behavioural effectiveness and improve overall sense of wellbeing. I have worked with individuals grappling with a diverse range of mental health conditions, and have developed a keen interest in supporting those dealing with disordered eating and emotional dysregulation challenges.
I have over a decade of experience in both public and private mental health sectors. I have a compassionate and collaborative approach, and I work closely with clients to help them pinpoint their life-worth living goals, identify barriers to change, and support skills development to enhance behavioural effectiveness and improve overall sense of wellbeing. I have worked with individuals grappling with a diverse range of mental health conditions, and have developed a keen interest in supporting those dealing with disordered eating and emotional dysregulation challenges.
(03) 9131 8787 View (03) 9131 8787
Photo of Brooke Scerri, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Brooke Scerri
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142  (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients - Australia wide. Connection, collaboration, empathy and open-mindedness are values that lay the foundation for my work. I am passionate about cultivating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space for my clients to freely express, explore, and process their experiences. All of my sessions are tailored to meet the uniqueness of my client. I draw upon several modalities including - EMDR, internal family systems, inner-child work and re-parenting tools, imagery rescripting, somatic psychotherapy, ACT and mindfulness.
I am currently accepting new clients - Australia wide. Connection, collaboration, empathy and open-mindedness are values that lay the foundation for my work. I am passionate about cultivating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space for my clients to freely express, explore, and process their experiences. All of my sessions are tailored to meet the uniqueness of my client. I draw upon several modalities including - EMDR, internal family systems, inner-child work and re-parenting tools, imagery rescripting, somatic psychotherapy, ACT and mindfulness.
(03) 7003 2218 View (03) 7003 2218
Photo of Alyona Cerfontyne, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Alyona Cerfontyne
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Toorak, VIC 3142
I help couples and individuals re-discover their relationships and build stronger connections that bring joy and fulfilment. Instead of simply talking about issues you are dealing with, we will learn practical, effective communication tools that can transform your conversations and help you break through gridlocked issues. And if you feel disconnected from your partner, we will use research-based methods of strengthening your connection so that you can feel closer again.
I help couples and individuals re-discover their relationships and build stronger connections that bring joy and fulfilment. Instead of simply talking about issues you are dealing with, we will learn practical, effective communication tools that can transform your conversations and help you break through gridlocked issues. And if you feel disconnected from your partner, we will use research-based methods of strengthening your connection so that you can feel closer again.
(08) 9126 9144 View (08) 9126 9144
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See more therapy options for Toorak

Emotionally Focused Counsellors

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.