Female Counselling in Ascot Vale, VIC

Photo of Diem Smith, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Diem Smith
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Western Psychology offers psychological therapy to young people and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and substance use. We believe in positive therapeutic relationships and collaboration with clients to achieve therapeutic goals.
Western Psychology offers psychological therapy to young people and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and substance use. We believe in positive therapeutic relationships and collaboration with clients to achieve therapeutic goals.
(03) 7003 2025 View (03) 7003 2025
Photo of Emma Sestan, MA, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member, Psychologist
Emma Sestan
Psychologist, MA, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
My name is Emma and I have a passion for providing respectful and non-judgmental therapy for all my clients. My aim is to ensure that you have a safe and respectful space where we can promote personal growth, self-compassion and work through challenging times together.
My name is Emma and I have a passion for providing respectful and non-judgmental therapy for all my clients. My aim is to ensure that you have a safe and respectful space where we can promote personal growth, self-compassion and work through challenging times together.
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Photo of Kelly Breen, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Kelly Breen
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with those impacted by trauma (c/PTSD), addiction, self-harm, and eating disorders. I also help people navigate the challenges associated with relationships, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My therapy style is integrative, utilising evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Schema, IFS, psychodynamic approaches, Mindfulness, and ACT. As a trained yoga teacher, I weave these practices along with somatic work into therapy. Additionally, I am appropriately trained to provide psychedelic integration & preperation support.
I have extensive experience working with those impacted by trauma (c/PTSD), addiction, self-harm, and eating disorders. I also help people navigate the challenges associated with relationships, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My therapy style is integrative, utilising evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Schema, IFS, psychodynamic approaches, Mindfulness, and ACT. As a trained yoga teacher, I weave these practices along with somatic work into therapy. Additionally, I am appropriately trained to provide psychedelic integration & preperation support.
(03) 9007 2718 View (03) 9007 2718
Photo of Emma Austin, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Emma Austin
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Emma is a clinical psychologist who specialises in working with children, adolescents and adults. She is a warm therapist who treats each client as an individual. Emma is passionate about working with clients who experience anxiety, OCD, anger, depression, trauma, self harm, relationship difficulties, unhealthy coping mechanisms and low self esteem. She is known for building strong, trusting relationships with her clients.
Emma is a clinical psychologist who specialises in working with children, adolescents and adults. She is a warm therapist who treats each client as an individual. Emma is passionate about working with clients who experience anxiety, OCD, anger, depression, trauma, self harm, relationship difficulties, unhealthy coping mechanisms and low self esteem. She is known for building strong, trusting relationships with her clients.
(03) 8338 1078 View (03) 8338 1078
Photo of Dr Karin du Plessis - Relationships Squared, PhD, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Dr Karin du Plessis - Relationships Squared
Counsellor, PhD, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Couples come to me often feeling that the constant arguing is wearing them down, that they are at the bottom of their partner’s priority list, or that they feel more like roommates rather than lovers. Others complain of constant bickering, walking on eggshells around each other, or living like ships in the night. I also see couples for pre-marital counselling and specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, in-laws, addictions and parenting. In working together we will build insights into patterns that are no longer serving you, and develop action so we can move you from stuck to thriving again.
Couples come to me often feeling that the constant arguing is wearing them down, that they are at the bottom of their partner’s priority list, or that they feel more like roommates rather than lovers. Others complain of constant bickering, walking on eggshells around each other, or living like ships in the night. I also see couples for pre-marital counselling and specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, in-laws, addictions and parenting. In working together we will build insights into patterns that are no longer serving you, and develop action so we can move you from stuck to thriving again.
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Photo of Toya Ricci, MA, Counsellor
Toya Ricci
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Toya (she/her) is an inclusive and culturally sensitive counsellor, sex therapist and sexuality educator with experience in supporting people from diverse backgrounds. Both as a professional and a woman of colour, Toya recognises that therapy can be a vulnerable and challenging process and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their concerns and experiences so that they can achieve meaningful outcomes.
Toya (she/her) is an inclusive and culturally sensitive counsellor, sex therapist and sexuality educator with experience in supporting people from diverse backgrounds. Both as a professional and a woman of colour, Toya recognises that therapy can be a vulnerable and challenging process and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their concerns and experiences so that they can achieve meaningful outcomes.
(03) 8595 5264 View (03) 8595 5264
Photo of Tigist Kebede, MA
Tigist Kebede
MA
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Tigist Kebede is Naarm (Melbourne) based Black Counsellor, who employs trauma informed, decolonizing and intersectional frameworks into her practice and advocacy. She specificalised in working with adults with particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sector. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma.
Tigist Kebede is Naarm (Melbourne) based Black Counsellor, who employs trauma informed, decolonizing and intersectional frameworks into her practice and advocacy. She specificalised in working with adults with particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sector. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma.
(03) 9001 5665 View (03) 9001 5665
Photo of Avrille Burrows, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Avrille Burrows
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Avrille has a strong understanding of intergenerational trauma, and as a migrant of the Indian diaspora, a woman of colour and mother understands the complexities of navigating these identities.
Avrille Burrows is a Naarm (Melbourne) based Mental Health Clinician and Arts Therapist who utilises a visual and culturally responsive approach to her therapy. She has worked for over 13 years with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, family violence, abuse and those who are still navigating difficult family dynamics. Avrille supports building a stronger understanding of your mental health, your needs and your identity to help decision making easier, boundary setting adaptive and communication clearer. Avrille works in a collaborative manner, drawing in a trauma-informed, intersectional and systemic lens.
Avrille has a strong understanding of intergenerational trauma, and as a migrant of the Indian diaspora, a woman of colour and mother understands the complexities of navigating these identities.
Avrille Burrows is a Naarm (Melbourne) based Mental Health Clinician and Arts Therapist who utilises a visual and culturally responsive approach to her therapy. She has worked for over 13 years with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, family violence, abuse and those who are still navigating difficult family dynamics. Avrille supports building a stronger understanding of your mental health, your needs and your identity to help decision making easier, boundary setting adaptive and communication clearer. Avrille works in a collaborative manner, drawing in a trauma-informed, intersectional and systemic lens.
(03) 7003 2742 View (03) 7003 2742
Photo of Su Mei Tan, MA, AThR, Psychotherapist
Su Mei Tan
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Individuals and families may be grappling with personal challenges, yearning for a deeper understanding of themselves and seeking empowerment through creative expression. They appreciate the importance of cultural sensitivity in their therapeutic process, desiring a safe and inclusive space that respects their diverse background. This client values navigating between multiple cultural identities and desires a therapist who comprehends their unique complexities. Their ideal experience involves tailored interventions that integrate creative expression, cultural sensitivity, and third culture therapy.
Individuals and families may be grappling with personal challenges, yearning for a deeper understanding of themselves and seeking empowerment through creative expression. They appreciate the importance of cultural sensitivity in their therapeutic process, desiring a safe and inclusive space that respects their diverse background. This client values navigating between multiple cultural identities and desires a therapist who comprehends their unique complexities. Their ideal experience involves tailored interventions that integrate creative expression, cultural sensitivity, and third culture therapy.
(03) 7003 2156 View (03) 7003 2156
Photo of Ruby K Swaid, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Ruby K Swaid
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
In my practice I work with individuals above the age of 17 years, in person or over Telehealth. I have extensive experience working with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, one of my key strengths is the provision of culturally-sensitive therapy. I am an LGBTQI+ aware and affirmative clinician, a multi-lingual therapist, I am fluent and can provide therapy in English and Arabic. I support people who present with the following: Trauma (PTSD and cPTSD), Anxiety and Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Esteem issues, Stress and Burnout, Adjustment to major life transitions, Grief and Loss
In my practice I work with individuals above the age of 17 years, in person or over Telehealth. I have extensive experience working with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, one of my key strengths is the provision of culturally-sensitive therapy. I am an LGBTQI+ aware and affirmative clinician, a multi-lingual therapist, I am fluent and can provide therapy in English and Arabic. I support people who present with the following: Trauma (PTSD and cPTSD), Anxiety and Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Esteem issues, Stress and Burnout, Adjustment to major life transitions, Grief and Loss
(03) 7037 6932 View (03) 7037 6932
Photo of Portia Kambasha, MSc
Portia Kambasha
MSc
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
I have 20 years experience with complex mental health issues across the age spectrum. I offer a kind, empathetic service to families and individuals using my skills as a family therapist and mental health clinician. I welcome individuals and families who represent marginalised communities, (neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, culturally diverse, and anyone who has ever been “othered”) and provide a service that is inclusive and affirming whilst utilising an anti racist and decolonized lens.
I have 20 years experience with complex mental health issues across the age spectrum. I offer a kind, empathetic service to families and individuals using my skills as a family therapist and mental health clinician. I welcome individuals and families who represent marginalised communities, (neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, culturally diverse, and anyone who has ever been “othered”) and provide a service that is inclusive and affirming whilst utilising an anti racist and decolonized lens.
(03) 4327 9085 View (03) 4327 9085
Photo of Natalia Burfurd, ACA-L4, Counsellor
Natalia Burfurd
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
I work with a wide variety of issues. I am patient and empathic. I appreciate that change can occur quickly or slowly. I work in various locations around the city and western suburbs. I have over twenty years experience as a professional counsellor. I have obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/ Anthropology), a Graduate Diploma in Loss and Grief Counselling, a Diploma of Learning Solutions in Counselling, a Master of Social Work (Qualifying), a Graduate Certificate in Disability and Inclusion and a Master of Mental Health. I am passionate about growth, change and healing.
I work with a wide variety of issues. I am patient and empathic. I appreciate that change can occur quickly or slowly. I work in various locations around the city and western suburbs. I have over twenty years experience as a professional counsellor. I have obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/ Anthropology), a Graduate Diploma in Loss and Grief Counselling, a Diploma of Learning Solutions in Counselling, a Master of Social Work (Qualifying), a Graduate Certificate in Disability and Inclusion and a Master of Mental Health. I am passionate about growth, change and healing.
(08) 9126 9460 View (08) 9126 9460
Photo of Dr Clare Bellhouse, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Clare Bellhouse
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Clare is a clinical psychologist with special interests in perinatal and infant mental health, parenting difficulties and complex trauma. She also works with clients experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, relationship issues and reproductive loss. Clare completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne which involved developing, facilitating and evaluating a group psychotherapy program for pregnant women experiencing difficulties in the transition to parenthood.
Clare is a clinical psychologist with special interests in perinatal and infant mental health, parenting difficulties and complex trauma. She also works with clients experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, relationship issues and reproductive loss. Clare completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne which involved developing, facilitating and evaluating a group psychotherapy program for pregnant women experiencing difficulties in the transition to parenthood.
(03) 7003 2861 View (03) 7003 2861
Photo of Monika Polemicos
Monika Polemicos
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032  (Online Only)
Has traditional ‘talk therapy’ not completely worked? Maybe you have an understanding of anxiety triggers but lack the strategy for stopping it. Frustrated with feelings of dread, edginess, lack deep sleep, worry, panic coming out of nowhere, exhaustion, reduced productivity at work, irritability, emotional outbursts, crying, anger, feeling inadequate. Thankfully you dont have to put up with it. You can work with an award winning Anxiety Relief S.P.E.C.I.A.L.I.S.T who will take you through a step by step process, teaching you the tools to be free from anxiety and panic.
Has traditional ‘talk therapy’ not completely worked? Maybe you have an understanding of anxiety triggers but lack the strategy for stopping it. Frustrated with feelings of dread, edginess, lack deep sleep, worry, panic coming out of nowhere, exhaustion, reduced productivity at work, irritability, emotional outbursts, crying, anger, feeling inadequate. Thankfully you dont have to put up with it. You can work with an award winning Anxiety Relief S.P.E.C.I.A.L.I.S.T who will take you through a step by step process, teaching you the tools to be free from anxiety and panic.
(03) 8372 0463 View (03) 8372 0463
Photo of Ashlee Hancock - Ashlee Hancock , MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Ashlee Hancock
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Open for autism assessment which you can book online via Ashlee's website. Not currently accepting new therapy clients. Ashlee is a clinical psychologist who has experience in hospital and public mental health systems, providing specialist support for young people experiencing severe and/or complex mental health concerns. She has experience cultivating good therapeutic relationships with young people and is experienced in managing a team of clinician's to provide high quality care. Within her private practice, she offers autism assessments for adults 15+ and individual therapy for teens and young adults aged 15 - 25.
Open for autism assessment which you can book online via Ashlee's website. Not currently accepting new therapy clients. Ashlee is a clinical psychologist who has experience in hospital and public mental health systems, providing specialist support for young people experiencing severe and/or complex mental health concerns. She has experience cultivating good therapeutic relationships with young people and is experienced in managing a team of clinician's to provide high quality care. Within her private practice, she offers autism assessments for adults 15+ and individual therapy for teens and young adults aged 15 - 25.
(03) 9020 3705 View (03) 9020 3705
Photo of Julie Donnelly, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Julie Donnelly
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
If you are looking for support for life's challenges due to change, transition or trauma, I welcome your enquiry and contact. I am an experienced Counsellor who loves working with individuals to support changes in their lives. Whether you are coping with bereavement, grief and loss, anxiety or depression, relationship issues or simply feel stuck in life, we will work together to find new insights and identify your strengths and coping skills.
If you are looking for support for life's challenges due to change, transition or trauma, I welcome your enquiry and contact. I am an experienced Counsellor who loves working with individuals to support changes in their lives. Whether you are coping with bereavement, grief and loss, anxiety or depression, relationship issues or simply feel stuck in life, we will work together to find new insights and identify your strengths and coping skills.
(03) 8566 7760 View (03) 8566 7760
Photo of Jacqueline Ha, PACFA, Counsellor
Jacqueline Ha
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
I aim to create a warm and supportive space for people to inquire about how and why their symptoms present in the way that they do. I work collaboratively with people to increase insight, make the unconscious conscious, and help them learn to be with their pain in a way that is present. We do this by exploring their defence mechanisms, internal conflicts, their relationship patterns, and how their early life experiences have informed the way they relate to themselves, others and the world around them. It’s through this exploration that we begin to understand why they show up in the world the way that they do.
I aim to create a warm and supportive space for people to inquire about how and why their symptoms present in the way that they do. I work collaboratively with people to increase insight, make the unconscious conscious, and help them learn to be with their pain in a way that is present. We do this by exploring their defence mechanisms, internal conflicts, their relationship patterns, and how their early life experiences have informed the way they relate to themselves, others and the world around them. It’s through this exploration that we begin to understand why they show up in the world the way that they do.
(03) 7302 8729 View (03) 7302 8729
Photo of Joanne Cook, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanne Cook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Hi, I’m Jo. I am a registered Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist with experience working in public and private mental health settings. I primarily work with children and adolescents using a systemic approach of involving parents where appropriate. My work with children incorporates play and considers their developmental age. I also offer therapeutic interventions to individual adults and families. I enjoy the dynamic nature of family and parent-child therapy, to help mobilise your individual and collective strengths that will promote deeper connectivity and improve family relationships.
Hi, I’m Jo. I am a registered Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist with experience working in public and private mental health settings. I primarily work with children and adolescents using a systemic approach of involving parents where appropriate. My work with children incorporates play and considers their developmental age. I also offer therapeutic interventions to individual adults and families. I enjoy the dynamic nature of family and parent-child therapy, to help mobilise your individual and collective strengths that will promote deeper connectivity and improve family relationships.
(08) 9126 9091 View (08) 9126 9091
Photo of Lidija Trpcevska - Bright Psych, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Bright Psych
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Bright Psych provides a comprehensive psychological service for adolescents and adults.
Bright Psych provides a comprehensive psychological service for adolescents and adults.
(03) 9068 6415 View (03) 9068 6415
Photo of Kayla Cutajar, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Kayla Cutajar
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
(03) 8104 9965 View (03) 8104 9965
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Female Counsellors

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.