Couples Counselling in Armadale, VIC

I am a Counsellor & also work as a Health Coach, with a special interest in all areas of women’s health, trauma & relationships. My approach to Counselling is very body-focused, thereby working collaboratively with you to bring about healing that includes your physical, mental and emotional health. I bring a warm and steady presence to the sessions, using a strength-based approach & challenge clients to raise the bar when it comes to their wellbeing. People often present with anxiety, depression, PMS, period pain, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, IVF, PND, trauma, menopause, lack of self-worth, lack purpose/meaning in life...& more

It is my hope that when someone spends time in the therapy room with me that our relationship feels honest, authentic and safe. During a therapy session you’ll encounter a mix and variety of therapeutic approaches including couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and emotion-focused therapy, to name a few. I have a special interest in relationships, life transitions, grief and parenting. I genuinely love my work and I’ve always, for as long as I can remember, been interested in people’s stories and how they think, feel, behave and relate.

Have you thought about seeking help for a long time? Struggling to make sense of what is happening in your life and how to manage your feelings and relationships? Do you want to improve your relationship and improve communication and intimacy? Are you finding that anxiety is running your life and, or feeling low in mood and unmotivated? Seeking help can the first step to moving forward and improving aspects of your life that concern you.

I am a Clinical and Counselling psychologist with over 30 years experience working extensively with Individuals, Couples and Adolescents. My areas of expertise include: Relationships and Interpersonal Issues; Anxiety/Depression management; Conflict resolution and Mediation; Self-esteem and Assertiveness Training; Stress Management; Bullying - School and Workplace; Gender/ Sexuality Concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Adjusting to Transitions and Life Change; Grief and Loss ; Anger Management; and Parenting Skills.

You may have come to this site because you feel stuck – because you are not moving in the direction you most want to. You may feel aspects of your life could be better, or you may be dealing with problems that feel overwhelming. These feelings may be related to your work, relationships or health, or they may be about your attitudes and feelings toward yourself. You may not know what is wrong or why you feel the way you do. Whatever the issue, I hope I am able to help.

I am a qualified and registered Psychotherapist and I will work with any presenting issue from your perspective. My non-judgmental, yet challenging approach, is sincere and honest. If you are grappling with issues such as relationship breakdowns, depressive moods, up/down addiction swings, body issues, grief/despair, compulsions or otherwise, these are coping mechanisms to ward off what feels unbearable. Emotional strain and exhaustion are signals that require your attention. Make time to support yourself. You will find me down to earth and easy to talk to in a confidential space. Wisdom and clarity can be your guideposts in future

Don't expect to see a change if you don't make one. I enable positive change. My clients may have seen a therapist or coach before, but it didn't change anything for them. They then come to me. They want to make lasting positive change in their lives, but they need somebody to give them structured tools and support them in the growth process. Change can be good, but it is not easy. Typically, my clients come to me feeling that living on auto-pilot or that they have lost touch with who they are at their core. They desire more life satisfaction and are prepared to work for it. They want to thrive not just survive.

Availability for in-person or Telehealth appointments during work hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please get in touch via email or phone.

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.

As a psychologist, past teacher, and parent, I feel privileged to work collaboratively with children, adolescents, families, and schools to help advocate for children, to allow their voices to be heard, and to provide understanding and support in bringing out the best in all young people. Giving children courage and skills to navigate difficult, confusing, or anxious situations in their lives builds their confidence and resilience. With a focus on helping young people better understand themselves and their circumstances, goals and strategies centre around realistic expectations, skill development, and hope for a preferred future.

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.

Ever feel like your mind is on a loop? These repeating patterns: where thoughts and beliefs produce feelings that fuel our rightness about our stories, can then further intensify our feelings, on and on. This experience can be exhausting and leave us feeling stuck. The mind can only recycle what it knows. And this is where Loop comes in. Therapy offers space for insight and reflection that is near impossible to cultivate alone. A space where together, we break down negative loops and reinforce positive ones. Our shared goal is to become more conscious, more present, and more connected. And to help you figure things out on your own.

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.

You might seek help from me because you want to perform more effectively and be the best you can be. You might want to learn to manage your anxiety more effectively. You may want to learn to regulate your mood so your low moods have less impact on your day-to-day life. You might want to learn to relate better to others. You might want to learn more about yourself and your values and how this could impact on behaviour and on others. You might be struggling with changes and want to learn how to struggle less or to integrate these changes into your life in an easier way. You want to live your most enhanced life.

Dr. Kazantzis is a psychologist and board-approved supervisor registered with AHPRA under the clinical scope of practice. He has over 20 years of experience in psychology consulting within public health (inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, specialist cognitive behavior therapy clinics) and primary care contexts.

Dr Daniel Leung is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist and PsyBA-Approved Supervisor who has worked in hospital, university, and community mental health settings. He has experience providing short- and long-term therapy for individuals as well as facilitated group-based therapy programs in both inpatient and outpatient settings designed to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression. He primarily works with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD), depression, complex trauma and PTSD, and substance use issues.

My clients immediately feel comfortable in my pleasant environment. I recognise that people’s concerns can be extremely challenging. Through my ability to create a strong rapport and connection with my clients, I am able to empower them to identify and explore their concerns. I am passionate about supporting my clients in creating and maintaining healthy relationships and wellbeing in all aspects of life. I provide practical guidance, strategies and tools for people to go out into their lives with more confidence and a pathway for action that works for them. I am committed to positive, sustainable outcomes.