Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Email Me
Email Me
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW

Lanie Tobias

Social Worker, MA, AMHSW

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
1 Endorsed
Connect with Lanie Tobias
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Available both in-person and online
283 Carlisle Street Balaclava, VIC 3183
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) udertaking a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice and over 20 years of counselling experience. My client-centred, strengths-based approach incorporates trauma-informed modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Creative Arts Therapy. I am committed to anti-oppressive, non-pathologising counselling, helping you explore and make sense of your life experiences. As a body-positive, gender-affirming, neuro-affirming, and LGBTQIA+ affirming counsellor, I offer warm, non-judgemental support to people seeking guidance.
I create a safe, trusting space where you can feel supported in navigating challenges. I welcome all bodies, genders, and identities, and acknowledge the privileges I hold as a cis, able-bodied woman on stolen land. My collaborative approach encourages genuine connection, where we work together to explore your experiences and make meaningful changes.
I’ve worked with a diverse range of people, including young people, neurodiverse, trans and gender-diverse folk, trauma, grief, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions. I collaborate with you to create a personalised support plan that aligns with your needs and goals, helping you gain insight and move toward a more fulfilling life. Please reach out!
Lanie Tobias now for a free 15 minute consultation

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

283 Carlisle Street

Balaclava, VIC 3183 map

I offer therapy sessions in-person, in a cosy space in Balaclava, or online via video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.
$180 Per Session  
I see individuals and groups  
Connect with Lanie Tobias
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

283 Carlisle Street

Balaclava, VIC 3183 map

I offer therapy sessions in-person, in a cosy space in Balaclava, or online via video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.
$180 Per Session  
I see individuals and groups  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $180
  • Concession rate: apply if you may be eligible
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Please ask me about fees or use of insurance when you
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Please ask me about fees or use of insurance when you

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Membership with Australian Association of Social Workers Lanie Tobias
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 21 years
  • Social Work, Bachelor degree, Graduated 2004
  • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from MIECAT in Arts Therapy (MA) Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice / 2025
"
Social work and arts therapy offers a holistic approach to healing, blending practical, person-centred support with creative expression. This unique combination allows us to explore both the emotional and cognitive aspects of your experiences, providing a safe space for self-discovery.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
Social work and arts therapy offers a holistic approach to healing, blending practical, person-centred support with creative expression. This unique combination allows us to explore both the emotional and cognitive aspects of your experiences, providing a safe space for self-discovery.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Expertise and Interests

Practice Areas

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Bisexual
  • Body Image
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Eating Disorders
  • Family Conflict
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Parenting
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
I work with individuals navigating trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions, with a focus on LGBTQIA and gender-diverse identities. I also support those exploring neurodiversity, mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, and the impact of societal pressures on well-being. My approach is rooted in creating a safe space for personal exploration and meaningful change.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I work with individuals navigating trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions, with a focus on LGBTQIA and gender-diverse identities. I also support those exploring neurodiversity, mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, and the impact of societal pressures on well-being. My approach is rooted in creating a safe space for personal exploration and meaningful change.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
for a free 15 minute consultation now.


Client Focus

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Single Parent
Transgender Allied

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Single Parent
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Art Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Family Systems
  • Feminist
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Interpersonal
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Person-Centred
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
In our sessions, we'll work collaboratively, focusing on your unique needs and goals. The approach will be person-centred, with techniques tailored to what works best for you; whether that's conversational, somatic, or expressive through art. Together, we'll create a space where you can explore, reflect, and make meaningful changes in your life.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
In our sessions, we'll work collaboratively, focusing on your unique needs and goals. The approach will be person-centred, with techniques tailored to what works best for you; whether that's conversational, somatic, or expressive through art. Together, we'll create a space where you can explore, reflect, and make meaningful changes in your life.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Location

Primary Location

283 Carlisle Street

Balaclava, VIC 3183

Nearby Areas

Cities/Towns

Postcodes

"
I offer therapy sessions in-person, in a cosy space in Balaclava, or online via video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
"
I offer therapy sessions in-person, in a cosy space in Balaclava, or online via video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.
Photo of Lanie Tobias, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Lanie Tobias
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW