Counselling in Aspendale, VIC

Leah Smith, Director and Principal Psychologist of "Opening Doors Psychology" has a passion for working with adolescents, young adults/adults, and also works with some couples. Leah is particularly interested in working with eating disorders and body image concerns, as well as, anxiety disorders, and interpersonal/relational difficulties. Leah strives to provide a safe space for clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, guide clients to and equip them with the necessary skills, to enable them to manage their symptoms and unique difficulties, and address ongoing problematic patterns.

As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist I offer a confidential, non-judgmental and safe space to talk. Using an integrative approach which draws on various counselling techniques tailored to your individual needs.

Port Phillip Psychology is a friendly practice in Melbourne's Bayside suburbs of St Kilda, Brighton, Cheltenham and Chelsea. We provide counselling for children, adults and couples and can match a psychologist to your needs. We can help most issues including: anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, infidelity, relationship issues and children's counselling. We have both male and female psychologists and use a variety of tools including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Solution Focussed Therapy.

I am passionate about helping people improve the quality of their lives by better managing their mental health. Maybe you have always struggled with things like worry, stress, low mood, or difficulty adjusting to change/loss. Or maybe this is your first experience of not being able to "fix it" yourself. Either way, there will always be a time when we need to look beyond ourselves for practical support to resolve a psychological issue. When we learn how to constructively deal with our mental health challenges, we feel more at ease, more energized, and better able to pursue those things in life that nourish us and enable us to thrive.

I have over 15 years experience working with individuals affected by loss, grief and trauma following sudden life events. This has included adult and paediatric palliative care, fertility and IVF, and supporting individuals experiencing the loss of a missing person. I have extensive practical experience sitting with individuals during very difficult situations and understand the need to build a trusting relationship in session. I have been one of only a handful of counsellors to work in the missing persons sector and understand the trauma and loss experienced by families.

All people of all ages can experience difficult times in their life. These may have been caused by an event that has caused distress, issues with family, friendships, relationships, the work place, health issues and countless other situations. Sometimes events have happened long ago and continue to trouble us and impact our life, or the situation may be more recent. It can be difficult to share what is happening. Often we don't want to burden or worry those who care for us; or we may feel uncomfortable talking to people we know. Counselling provides support toward finding resolutions and living life in the best way possible.

Dealing with personal issues can feel overwhelming. Are you experiencing relationship or family problems, personal issues such as anxiety, depression, loss of a loved one, low self esteem? Some people, especially men, find it difficult to ask for help. It is ok and a positive think to ask for help. Counselling enables you to talk through your problems and find practical strategies to manage or relieve your symptoms, and make positive changes in your life to move forward with confidence.