Grief Psychologists and Therapists in Petersham, NSW

Photo of Marie Mooney, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Marie Mooney
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I honour the innate wisdom in all of us, and hold deep respect and compassion for people. My aim is to provide a safe, compassionate and healing space, where you can talk about, explore and find solutions to what's really happening in your life and whatever brings you to counselling. I will support you to create a healthy relationship and connection with yourself and others, and will walk with you, as you overcome the obstacles, and celebrate the steps you take towards living more of the life you desire.
I honour the innate wisdom in all of us, and hold deep respect and compassion for people. My aim is to provide a safe, compassionate and healing space, where you can talk about, explore and find solutions to what's really happening in your life and whatever brings you to counselling. I will support you to create a healthy relationship and connection with yourself and others, and will walk with you, as you overcome the obstacles, and celebrate the steps you take towards living more of the life you desire.
(02) 8105 5005 View (02) 8105 5005
Photo of Katie Summerfield - Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
(02) 9100 0375 View (02) 9100 0375
Photo of Jane Rabie, Social Worker, AASW
Jane Rabie
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
(02) 9100 0607 View (02) 9100 0607
Photo of Sophia Charlotte Laurie, Counsellor
Sophia Charlotte Laurie
Counsellor
Online Only
I work with women experiencing social and generalised anxiety, depression, low mood, or a sense of feeling disconnected from themselves and the life they want to live. I support them to build self-trust, overcome challenges, and create a life that feels more aligned, meaningful, and fulfilling.
I work with women experiencing social and generalised anxiety, depression, low mood, or a sense of feeling disconnected from themselves and the life they want to live. I support them to build self-trust, overcome challenges, and create a life that feels more aligned, meaningful, and fulfilling.
0466 884 425 x61 View 0466 884 425 x61
Photo of Fiona Boughton - Well Therapy - Fiona Boughton, Social Worker, AMHSW
Well Therapy - Fiona Boughton
Social Worker, AMHSW
Petersham, NSW 2049
I work with adults navigating complex challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic stress, and addiction. Many clients come to me feeling trapped in unhelpful cycles, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. My role is to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for collaboratively exploring these experiences. I support clients in understanding how past events shape their present, help them to process and heal, reconnect with their strengths, build healthier coping strategies and ultimately begin living a fulfilling, balanced, resilient, and empowered life that aligns with their values.
I work with adults navigating complex challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic stress, and addiction. Many clients come to me feeling trapped in unhelpful cycles, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. My role is to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for collaboratively exploring these experiences. I support clients in understanding how past events shape their present, help them to process and heal, reconnect with their strengths, build healthier coping strategies and ultimately begin living a fulfilling, balanced, resilient, and empowered life that aligns with their values.
0430 439 485 View 0430 439 485
Photo of Joanne Francis, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Joanne Francis
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 22 years of experience working in both Public Mental Health and Private Practice. I have had the privilege of meeting clients from a range of backgrounds and presenting with vastly different situations and challenges to their mental health (both in psychiatric hospitals and in the community). I see my role as one that firstly needs to create a sense of safety and comfort and secondly brings in empathic challenges so that as a team we work towards a life that has purpose and meaning. I use models of therapy that are backed by science and align with my own values.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 22 years of experience working in both Public Mental Health and Private Practice. I have had the privilege of meeting clients from a range of backgrounds and presenting with vastly different situations and challenges to their mental health (both in psychiatric hospitals and in the community). I see my role as one that firstly needs to create a sense of safety and comfort and secondly brings in empathic challenges so that as a team we work towards a life that has purpose and meaning. I use models of therapy that are backed by science and align with my own values.
(02) 9100 0571 View (02) 9100 0571
Photo of Malak Shakhtour, Social Worker, AMHSW
Malak Shakhtour
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you're feeling lost, defeated, trying to navigate difficult emotions, I am here to help support you through your next life chapter. I am an accredited mental health social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. It can be incredibly difficult to change ongoing negative patterns of behaviour, I work on increasing your awareness of these behaviours and responses, whilst giving you coping skills to change old patterns. Whether your goal is to learn to cope with difficult emotions, understanding your psyche or looking to get "unstuck", we can work together to improve the next phase of your life.
If you're feeling lost, defeated, trying to navigate difficult emotions, I am here to help support you through your next life chapter. I am an accredited mental health social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. It can be incredibly difficult to change ongoing negative patterns of behaviour, I work on increasing your awareness of these behaviours and responses, whilst giving you coping skills to change old patterns. Whether your goal is to learn to cope with difficult emotions, understanding your psyche or looking to get "unstuck", we can work together to improve the next phase of your life.
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Photo of Ann-Maree Whelan, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Ann-Maree Whelan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Ann-Maree has been registered since 2009, and has extensive experience in working with clients through life experiences such as neurodiversity, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief and loss.
Ann-Maree has been taking a keen interest in the Neurodiversity Affirming paradigm shift that is occuring in psychology, and has been undertaking extra training and consultation to better support her neurodivergent clients. She has also been undertaking extra training in treating trauma through Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Ann-Maree has been registered since 2009, and has extensive experience in working with clients through life experiences such as neurodiversity, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief and loss.
Ann-Maree has been taking a keen interest in the Neurodiversity Affirming paradigm shift that is occuring in psychology, and has been undertaking extra training and consultation to better support her neurodivergent clients. She has also been undertaking extra training in treating trauma through Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
(02) 9158 6228 View (02) 9158 6228
Photo of Lauren O'Donoghue, Psychotherapist, ACA-L1
Lauren O'Donoghue
Psychotherapist, ACA-L1
Serves Area
I support Queer, Neurodivergent, Chronically ill & Disabled folk, or anyone who may have felt misunderstood in traditional/allistic clinical settings. I integrate my lived experience with professional expertise to support clients navigating AuDHD, burnout, life transitions, relationship or workplace challenges, anxiety, substance use concerns etc. I am honoured to walk alongside my clients helping people to heal hurt, find their spark, cope with suffering, and come home to themselves. My work is grounded in social justice principals, and guided by my values of authenticity, integrity, humour, agency, and joy.
I support Queer, Neurodivergent, Chronically ill & Disabled folk, or anyone who may have felt misunderstood in traditional/allistic clinical settings. I integrate my lived experience with professional expertise to support clients navigating AuDHD, burnout, life transitions, relationship or workplace challenges, anxiety, substance use concerns etc. I am honoured to walk alongside my clients helping people to heal hurt, find their spark, cope with suffering, and come home to themselves. My work is grounded in social justice principals, and guided by my values of authenticity, integrity, humour, agency, and joy.
0403 912 902 View 0403 912 902
Photo of James Croft, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
James Croft
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Please reach out via the Croft Psychology website. James is a warm and friendly Clinical Psychologist specialising in individual therapy for adults. His kind and non-judgemental demeanour helps you to settle into therapy, open up, and be yourself. You will feel safe and heard, all the while knowing you’re in very capable hands.
Please reach out via the Croft Psychology website. James is a warm and friendly Clinical Psychologist specialising in individual therapy for adults. His kind and non-judgemental demeanour helps you to settle into therapy, open up, and be yourself. You will feel safe and heard, all the while knowing you’re in very capable hands.
(02) 9538 7957 View (02) 9538 7957
Photo of Maya Floyd - existential psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
existential psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have over 19 years experience in counselling and psychology in non-government organisations, education, and private practice, providing services to adolescents, adults, and families. For anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, confusion, guilt, shame, feeling numb or disconnected in relationships, facing a major life change or bereavement, or struggling with addiction or legacy of trauma, or just how to navigate the current world, counselling can give you the space to speak freely about your experience, fears, needs, and desired solutions.
I have over 19 years experience in counselling and psychology in non-government organisations, education, and private practice, providing services to adolescents, adults, and families. For anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, confusion, guilt, shame, feeling numb or disconnected in relationships, facing a major life change or bereavement, or struggling with addiction or legacy of trauma, or just how to navigate the current world, counselling can give you the space to speak freely about your experience, fears, needs, and desired solutions.
0423 701 157 View 0423 701 157
Photo of Sam Felicity Baran - Sam Baran (Inner Orbit Therapy), Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sam Baran (Inner Orbit Therapy)
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi! I'm Sam (they/them), a queer non-binary therapist. I offer a judgement-free and affirming space for curious and creative people, including those from the neurodiverse, transgender, and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we can look at hard stuff around relationships, identity, stress, anxiety, and existence with a view of boosting self-esteem and reducing distress. We’ll puzzle out the unique bits that sit at your core and use that understanding to create positive changes in your life and your relationships. My focus is always around making therapy a safe, supportive place where you can embrace and express your authentic self.
Hi! I'm Sam (they/them), a queer non-binary therapist. I offer a judgement-free and affirming space for curious and creative people, including those from the neurodiverse, transgender, and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we can look at hard stuff around relationships, identity, stress, anxiety, and existence with a view of boosting self-esteem and reducing distress. We’ll puzzle out the unique bits that sit at your core and use that understanding to create positive changes in your life and your relationships. My focus is always around making therapy a safe, supportive place where you can embrace and express your authentic self.
(02) 8000 1501 View (02) 8000 1501
Photo of Bronwyn Davies Glover - Bronwyn Davies Glover - As You Are Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Bronwyn Davies Glover - As You Are Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
(02) 8074 1609 View (02) 8074 1609
Photo of Tim Carey, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Tim Carey
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I help people with a wide range of issues: Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, Loss and Grief, PTSD, Work Cover (SIRA accredited), and Compulsory Third Party.
I use a range of therapies, but primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as it addresses the needs of the whole person. ACT does this by helping us to deliberately notice unwanted thoughts and feelings, and how much we ‘buy into’ them. We then see whether their attempts to control thoughts and feelings is working to build a life with meanining.
I help people with a wide range of issues: Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, Loss and Grief, PTSD, Work Cover (SIRA accredited), and Compulsory Third Party.
I use a range of therapies, but primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as it addresses the needs of the whole person. ACT does this by helping us to deliberately notice unwanted thoughts and feelings, and how much we ‘buy into’ them. We then see whether their attempts to control thoughts and feelings is working to build a life with meanining.
0401 673 696 View 0401 673 696
Photo of Charlotte Ritchie - Charlotte Ritchie Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Charlotte Ritchie Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I am passionate about partnering with people to help them tolerate extreme emotion, to learn and grow and be free to choose new behaviours. I have decades of lived and years of clinical experience with Alcohol and Other Drugs use and abuse and the traumas that so often lead to it and arise from it. I have understanding of complex PTSD and the Autonomic Nervous System and the ways our experiences get laid down in our systems and repeat themselves, often causing relationship upsets.
I am passionate about partnering with people to help them tolerate extreme emotion, to learn and grow and be free to choose new behaviours. I have decades of lived and years of clinical experience with Alcohol and Other Drugs use and abuse and the traumas that so often lead to it and arise from it. I have understanding of complex PTSD and the Autonomic Nervous System and the ways our experiences get laid down in our systems and repeat themselves, often causing relationship upsets.
(02) 9100 0566 View (02) 9100 0566
Photo of Gabi Cavaler, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Gabi Cavaler
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Do you feel like your brain works differently — and that most therapists don't quite get it? I'm Gabi, a registered clinical psychologist in North Strathfield, Sydney. I work with adults and couples — including neurodiverse, neuro-mixed (where one partner is neurotypical), both-neurodiverse, and neurotypical couples navigating relationship difficulties. I completed training in couples coaching for neurodiverse relationships. When you come to me as a couple, I'm not adapting a generic approach — I have a methodology built specifically for how neurodiverse brains experience love, conflict, and connection.
Do you feel like your brain works differently — and that most therapists don't quite get it? I'm Gabi, a registered clinical psychologist in North Strathfield, Sydney. I work with adults and couples — including neurodiverse, neuro-mixed (where one partner is neurotypical), both-neurodiverse, and neurotypical couples navigating relationship difficulties. I completed training in couples coaching for neurodiverse relationships. When you come to me as a couple, I'm not adapting a generic approach — I have a methodology built specifically for how neurodiverse brains experience love, conflict, and connection.
(02) 7804 4803 View (02) 7804 4803
Photo of Roberta Iavarone, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Roberta Iavarone
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Roberta has worked in community mental health, EAP counselling, specialist grief counselling & private practice.
Are you struggling to navigate relationship difficulties/conflict with your partner, family member or work colleague? Perhaps you are struggling to navigate the pressures of a new job, life stage such as menopause or adult diagnosis of ADHD? You may feel anxious & overwhelmed and in need of support to help you confidently build skills so you can work towards the things that you really care about & want? Hi I'm Roberta & I have a special interest in working with women & men in all stages of life & to help you build the life you want.
Roberta has worked in community mental health, EAP counselling, specialist grief counselling & private practice.
Are you struggling to navigate relationship difficulties/conflict with your partner, family member or work colleague? Perhaps you are struggling to navigate the pressures of a new job, life stage such as menopause or adult diagnosis of ADHD? You may feel anxious & overwhelmed and in need of support to help you confidently build skills so you can work towards the things that you really care about & want? Hi I'm Roberta & I have a special interest in working with women & men in all stages of life & to help you build the life you want.
(02) 9100 0107 View (02) 9100 0107
Photo of Maria Simonetta, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Maria Simonetta
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
(02) 8073 9397 View (02) 8073 9397
Photo of Voula Kougelos, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Voula Kougelos
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
With over 35 years experience in various therapy and senior health management roles including President of the NSW Association of Adolescent Health, I have had the privilege and opportunity to listen to and develop a deep understanding of the needs of others. I use a range of evidence based, wholistic, strength focussed and trauma informed strategies to support, empower and enhance mental wellbeing.
With over 35 years experience in various therapy and senior health management roles including President of the NSW Association of Adolescent Health, I have had the privilege and opportunity to listen to and develop a deep understanding of the needs of others. I use a range of evidence based, wholistic, strength focussed and trauma informed strategies to support, empower and enhance mental wellbeing.
(02) 8599 0768 View (02) 8599 0768
Photo of Tatiana Faundez, Social Worker, AASW
Tatiana Faundez
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
The areas of interest are identity, life stages, loss and grief, isolation, anxiety & depression, coming out, health complications, relationship issues and parenting.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
The areas of interest are identity, life stages, loss and grief, isolation, anxiety & depression, coming out, health complications, relationship issues and parenting.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
0402 975 707 View 0402 975 707
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.