Psychodynamic Psychologists and Therapists in Stanmore, NSW

Alex Quirk
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Stanmore, NSW 2048
The theoretical and philosophical interests informing my practice are guided mainly by the psychodynamic, existential and humanistic traditions.
Welcome - I’m Alex, a registered counsellor working together with people who want to feel more themselves. I offer an explorative approach to therapy, inviting you to closely acquaint yourself with your inner world. In this therapeutic space, parts of yourself that have previously been hidden away, or which have been too confusing or threatening to engage with, become possible to understand and embrace through our shared curiosity. This process can bring renewed flexibility to previously rigid patterns, helping you to live with greater freedom and authenticity in the longer term.
The theoretical and philosophical interests informing my practice are guided mainly by the psychodynamic, existential and humanistic traditions.
Welcome - I’m Alex, a registered counsellor working together with people who want to feel more themselves. I offer an explorative approach to therapy, inviting you to closely acquaint yourself with your inner world. In this therapeutic space, parts of yourself that have previously been hidden away, or which have been too confusing or threatening to engage with, become possible to understand and embrace through our shared curiosity. This process can bring renewed flexibility to previously rigid patterns, helping you to live with greater freedom and authenticity in the longer term.
0455 857 958 View 0455 857 958
Claudia Vayda
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Stanmore, NSW 2048
With over 25 years’ experience as a Psychologist and Family Therapist, I have worked both in crisis and outpatient settings with drug and alcohol, at-risk, and acute mental health populations as well as in private practice with couples, families, and individuals. My work now focusses on working together to facilitate and create sustained positive change with my clients, and to assist recovery from abuse, trauma, and adverse life events.
With over 25 years’ experience as a Psychologist and Family Therapist, I have worked both in crisis and outpatient settings with drug and alcohol, at-risk, and acute mental health populations as well as in private practice with couples, families, and individuals. My work now focusses on working together to facilitate and create sustained positive change with my clients, and to assist recovery from abuse, trauma, and adverse life events.
0493 838 567 View 0493 838 567
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
Isabelle Truong
Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you constantly asking yourself: ‘Why can't we stop fighting?’ ‘Why do I feel disrespected/unimportant?’ ‘Why am I dissatisfied with my life?’ 'Why do I feel anxious?'. If these thoughts are recurring often, individual, couple or family counselling will help you gain clarity, improve communication and create a more satisfied life. Strong, healthy relationships, whether social or intimate, have a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being. People with poor relationships are more likely to suffer from depression and loneliness. Living in conflict or within a toxic relationship is more damaging than being on your own.
Are you constantly asking yourself: ‘Why can't we stop fighting?’ ‘Why do I feel disrespected/unimportant?’ ‘Why am I dissatisfied with my life?’ 'Why do I feel anxious?'. If these thoughts are recurring often, individual, couple or family counselling will help you gain clarity, improve communication and create a more satisfied life. Strong, healthy relationships, whether social or intimate, have a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being. People with poor relationships are more likely to suffer from depression and loneliness. Living in conflict or within a toxic relationship is more damaging than being on your own.
(02) 8074 5258 View (02) 8074 5258
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
Amber Rules
Psychotherapist, PACFA
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you struggling with substances, gambling, smoking or other patterns that feel impossible to change? Or perhaps you're affected by someone else's addictive behaviours? As an experienced addiction support specialist, I help you understand these patterns and manage the chaos they create. Together, we'll combine practical education, evidence-based strategies, and counselling to help you make choices that align with the life you want. I also work with clients experiencing challenges including ADHD, chronic pain, relationship difficulties, and complex mental health diagnoses.
Are you struggling with substances, gambling, smoking or other patterns that feel impossible to change? Or perhaps you're affected by someone else's addictive behaviours? As an experienced addiction support specialist, I help you understand these patterns and manage the chaos they create. Together, we'll combine practical education, evidence-based strategies, and counselling to help you make choices that align with the life you want. I also work with clients experiencing challenges including ADHD, chronic pain, relationship difficulties, and complex mental health diagnoses.
(02) 9158 6064 View (02) 9158 6064
Sara Bertolini at 'Some Therapy' EMDR, RI-EMDR
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am Registered Psychologist with a strong commitment to social justice and supporting individuals from all walks of life. I believe therapy should be inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in both compassion and evidence-based care. I welcome people of all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, and lived experiences, and I am committed to providing an affirming and non-judgmental space. Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, or longstanding patterns that feel difficult to shift, you deserve a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood.
I am Registered Psychologist with a strong commitment to social justice and supporting individuals from all walks of life. I believe therapy should be inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in both compassion and evidence-based care. I welcome people of all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, and lived experiences, and I am committed to providing an affirming and non-judgmental space. Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, or longstanding patterns that feel difficult to shift, you deserve a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood.
(02) 8000 1814 View (02) 8000 1814
Michael Grunwald
Psychologist, Assoc MAPS
Serves Area
I am a Registered General Psychologist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist experienced in working with a wide range of common adult mental health concerns in an open, sincere and frank manner, including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment and OCD disorders as well as various addictions (alcohol, drug, gambling, sex, internet) and recovery. As an older therapist, I bring decades of life experience into my counselling, with personal experience of many of the challenges facing clients, including trauma, grief/loss, neurodiversity (e.g. ADHD), sex/relationship/men's issues, workplace stress/bullying, hoarding, parenting and adoption.
I am a Registered General Psychologist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist experienced in working with a wide range of common adult mental health concerns in an open, sincere and frank manner, including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment and OCD disorders as well as various addictions (alcohol, drug, gambling, sex, internet) and recovery. As an older therapist, I bring decades of life experience into my counselling, with personal experience of many of the challenges facing clients, including trauma, grief/loss, neurodiversity (e.g. ADHD), sex/relationship/men's issues, workplace stress/bullying, hoarding, parenting and adoption.
(02) 8806 0512 View (02) 8806 0512
Sophie Kearns
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or aware that something in your life isn’t quite right, you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Sometimes the experience is clear - stress, anxiety, low mood, or a difficult life transition. At other times, it can feel like something harder to name: a sense of disconnection, of being unsettled or out of alignment, maybe a quiet inner signal - a soul cry - asking for attention, care, and understanding. I have particular interest areas in supporting women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and 20 and 30 somethings.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or aware that something in your life isn’t quite right, you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Sometimes the experience is clear - stress, anxiety, low mood, or a difficult life transition. At other times, it can feel like something harder to name: a sense of disconnection, of being unsettled or out of alignment, maybe a quiet inner signal - a soul cry - asking for attention, care, and understanding. I have particular interest areas in supporting women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and 20 and 30 somethings.
0416 823 664 View 0416 823 664
Couples Counselling Inner West Sydney
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Tamara Pallos and my area of expertise is relationship therapy. I work both with couples, wanting to resolve relationship difficulties, and with individuals looking to overcome blocks to having more fulfilling relationships. I can help with the full range of couple relationship problems, including conflict and communication issues, affairs or other breaches of trust, distance in the relationship, sexual difficulties, and issues with in-laws or extended family. I also support individuals to build thriving relationships through developing healthier patterns of relating.
Hi, I'm Tamara Pallos and my area of expertise is relationship therapy. I work both with couples, wanting to resolve relationship difficulties, and with individuals looking to overcome blocks to having more fulfilling relationships. I can help with the full range of couple relationship problems, including conflict and communication issues, affairs or other breaches of trust, distance in the relationship, sexual difficulties, and issues with in-laws or extended family. I also support individuals to build thriving relationships through developing healthier patterns of relating.
(02) 9100 0964 View (02) 9100 0964
Sarah Montgomery
Psychologist, PsyBA General
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm a warm, approachable psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience across tertiary referral and private practice settings. I quickly build genuine rapport and enjoy helping clients navigate life's challenges, fostering resilience, confidence, and lasting wellbeing. I specialise in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, neurodivergence, social and emotional difficulties, behavioural challenges, adjustment disorders, fears and phobias, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and interpersonal concerns.
I'm a warm, approachable psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience across tertiary referral and private practice settings. I quickly build genuine rapport and enjoy helping clients navigate life's challenges, fostering resilience, confidence, and lasting wellbeing. I specialise in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, neurodivergence, social and emotional difficulties, behavioural challenges, adjustment disorders, fears and phobias, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and interpersonal concerns.
(02) 9100 0132 View (02) 9100 0132

More Therapists Nearby

Rebecca Harrison
Social Worker, AMHSW
Petersham, NSW 2049
I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, working with adolescents, adults and couples. I help those experiencing anxiety, eating disorders, conflict, stress, emotional overwhelm and the impacts of past experiences, to build a more compassionate relationship with yourself, strengthen relationships with others, towards a more connected, balanced and fulfilling life.
I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, working with adolescents, adults and couples. I help those experiencing anxiety, eating disorders, conflict, stress, emotional overwhelm and the impacts of past experiences, to build a more compassionate relationship with yourself, strengthen relationships with others, towards a more connected, balanced and fulfilling life.
(02) 9909 6136 View (02) 9909 6136
Melissa Ferrari
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Pymble, NSW 2073
Melissa is one of Australia’s most sought-after therapists who possesses over 25 years’ experience in couples counselling and individual psychotherapy who is regularly called upon as a relationship expert across national media. She uses a range of proven approaches in her practice to help couples heal and reconnect having dedicated herself to a life of learning. A Clinical Member of the Australian College of Relationship Counsellors, Melissa is also one of the few therapists in the country to have received training from the world’s most renowned pioneer in couples counselling, Dr Stan Tatkin, founder of the PACT Training Institute.
Melissa is one of Australia’s most sought-after therapists who possesses over 25 years’ experience in couples counselling and individual psychotherapy who is regularly called upon as a relationship expert across national media. She uses a range of proven approaches in her practice to help couples heal and reconnect having dedicated herself to a life of learning. A Clinical Member of the Australian College of Relationship Counsellors, Melissa is also one of the few therapists in the country to have received training from the world’s most renowned pioneer in couples counselling, Dr Stan Tatkin, founder of the PACT Training Institute.
(02) 4058 4744 View (02) 4058 4744
Sagar Aadarsh
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kingsgrove, NSW 2208
Heya, I’m Sagar! I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to walk into a psychologist’s office. That’s why I aim to be warm, empathetic and approachable, to build a genuine relationship as the foundation of our therapeutic process. I work across the lifespan, and I love helping clients navigate those big life changes— adolescence into adulthood; career into retirement; or any of those big, overwhelming events that seem to just come with life. My approach is to give clients insight into their thoughts & emotions, warmth and space to help process and heal, then collaboratively create tools and strategies to lay problems to rest.
Heya, I’m Sagar! I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to walk into a psychologist’s office. That’s why I aim to be warm, empathetic and approachable, to build a genuine relationship as the foundation of our therapeutic process. I work across the lifespan, and I love helping clients navigate those big life changes— adolescence into adulthood; career into retirement; or any of those big, overwhelming events that seem to just come with life. My approach is to give clients insight into their thoughts & emotions, warmth and space to help process and heal, then collaboratively create tools and strategies to lay problems to rest.
(08) 7008 7438 View (08) 7008 7438
Hernan Luis Diaz
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Randwick, NSW 2031
CTP insurance and WorkCover expertise - Extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, lawyers, GPs and rehabilitation providers. My aim is to provide my clients with a space for healing, improvement and to be heard without judgement. I have 17 years experience working within the insurance space. My approach to therapy/counselling is based on cognitive behavioural therapy, and is mixed with other approaches such a narrative therapy and schema therapy. I am passionate to tailoring therapy to individual client needs.
CTP insurance and WorkCover expertise - Extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, lawyers, GPs and rehabilitation providers. My aim is to provide my clients with a space for healing, improvement and to be heard without judgement. I have 17 years experience working within the insurance space. My approach to therapy/counselling is based on cognitive behavioural therapy, and is mixed with other approaches such a narrative therapy and schema therapy. I am passionate to tailoring therapy to individual client needs.
(02) 9100 0507 View (02) 9100 0507
Natalie Harman
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
PACFA-registered Clinical Counsellor and psychotherapist, Natalie Harman has extensive experience and an unrivalled understanding of hospital workplace culture. As the Founder of Becoming Mindful Natalie Harman delivers tailored wellbeing programs in hospital workplaces which include individual counselling and coaching to equip doctors with the tools needed to move beyond survival to thriving. Natalie’s trauma-informed clinical approach and deep understanding of hospital environments enables her to integrate several therapeutic techniques that are tailored to meet the individual needs of both the client and department.
PACFA-registered Clinical Counsellor and psychotherapist, Natalie Harman has extensive experience and an unrivalled understanding of hospital workplace culture. As the Founder of Becoming Mindful Natalie Harman delivers tailored wellbeing programs in hospital workplaces which include individual counselling and coaching to equip doctors with the tools needed to move beyond survival to thriving. Natalie’s trauma-informed clinical approach and deep understanding of hospital environments enables her to integrate several therapeutic techniques that are tailored to meet the individual needs of both the client and department.
(02) 8355 9759 View (02) 8355 9759
Rachel Gordon
Psychotherapist, MPsych, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Cammeray, NSW 2062
I believe that as human beings our vulnerabilities can often become our greatest strengths. My mission is to walk beside my clients in a heart centred, trauma informed, holistic way while helping them to rediscover their authentic self, find purpose and have meaningful, fulfilling relationships.
I believe that as human beings our vulnerabilities can often become our greatest strengths. My mission is to walk beside my clients in a heart centred, trauma informed, holistic way while helping them to rediscover their authentic self, find purpose and have meaningful, fulfilling relationships.
(02) 9100 0864 View (02) 9100 0864
Joshua Comyn
Psychotherapist, PhD, ACA-L3
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Something isn’t quite right. It may be that you can’t stop yourself from worrying. Or you are compulsively avoiding things (places, people, certain situations). Perhaps you find yourself flying into a sudden, uncontrollable, panic. It may be that you are feeling down: you can’t shake the sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness in your life. You may be feeling worthless and guilty too. It could be your relationships that aren’t working (partner, friends, family, boss, or colleagues). Perhaps past experiences are haunting you so that you lose your connection to the present and the people in it. Perhaps it's all of the above.
Something isn’t quite right. It may be that you can’t stop yourself from worrying. Or you are compulsively avoiding things (places, people, certain situations). Perhaps you find yourself flying into a sudden, uncontrollable, panic. It may be that you are feeling down: you can’t shake the sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness in your life. You may be feeling worthless and guilty too. It could be your relationships that aren’t working (partner, friends, family, boss, or colleagues). Perhaps past experiences are haunting you so that you lose your connection to the present and the people in it. Perhaps it's all of the above.
(03) 7003 2150 View (03) 7003 2150
Mj Basilio
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Wahroonga, NSW 2076
Waitlist for new clients
My passion lies in working with people who are ready to add joy, love, and ease to their lives. Overcoming the barriers of depression, anxiety, overwhelm, self-doubt, and low confidence can be daunting, but seeking help is the first step towards a brighter future. Together we can embark on a journey to tap into your inner beauty, strength, and resilience, transforming your relationship with yourself and with those you love. By nurturing these qualities, we cultivate a solid foundation that paves the way for a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and purpose.
My passion lies in working with people who are ready to add joy, love, and ease to their lives. Overcoming the barriers of depression, anxiety, overwhelm, self-doubt, and low confidence can be daunting, but seeking help is the first step towards a brighter future. Together we can embark on a journey to tap into your inner beauty, strength, and resilience, transforming your relationship with yourself and with those you love. By nurturing these qualities, we cultivate a solid foundation that paves the way for a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and purpose.
(02) 9541 8788 View (02) 9541 8788
Tim Yassine
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Burwood, NSW 2134
Clients who find most natural harmony in their experience with me are those struggling with their own mind, hoping to find a space to gently unravel. They learn to examine themselves with the help of my patience, curiosity and wisdom. I assist clients develop their own patience and curiosity to learning about themselves with the spirit of total acceptance of what they discover to heal the relationship they have with themselves. Clients ideally come to learn about themselves with whatever difficulty they are struggling with.
Clients who find most natural harmony in their experience with me are those struggling with their own mind, hoping to find a space to gently unravel. They learn to examine themselves with the help of my patience, curiosity and wisdom. I assist clients develop their own patience and curiosity to learning about themselves with the spirit of total acceptance of what they discover to heal the relationship they have with themselves. Clients ideally come to learn about themselves with whatever difficulty they are struggling with.
(02) 8261 0777 View (02) 8261 0777

See more therapy options for Stanmore

Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.