Attachment-based Psychologists and Therapists in Bentleigh, VIC

Photo of Dr Shalya Hirschson, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Dr Shalya Hirschson
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Bentleigh, VIC 3204
As a psychologist, I feel privileged, to observe & work with the difficult life experiences, which lead individuals to engage in therapy. I believe that therapy is a form of self-exploration & learning. In sessions, I use safe, containing ways to help clients process their thoughts and feelings, gaining insight and understanding, so that they can navigate the world around them, with a sense of confidence, purpose and hope. I help clients develop skills to manage their discomfort, pain, uncertainty and fear, to facilitate change in their lives and improve their overall sense of well-being.
As a psychologist, I feel privileged, to observe & work with the difficult life experiences, which lead individuals to engage in therapy. I believe that therapy is a form of self-exploration & learning. In sessions, I use safe, containing ways to help clients process their thoughts and feelings, gaining insight and understanding, so that they can navigate the world around them, with a sense of confidence, purpose and hope. I help clients develop skills to manage their discomfort, pain, uncertainty and fear, to facilitate change in their lives and improve their overall sense of well-being.
(03) 9988 1271 View (03) 9988 1271
Photo of Robert Patrick Kaczan, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Robert Patrick Kaczan
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Bentleigh, VIC 3204
I love helping people make sense of their issues and get past them. Psychological science has come a long way and there are excellent strategies for most problems - often all that is needed is a clear grasp of what’s happening, a path forward, and some effort to put in the work.
I love helping people make sense of their issues and get past them. Psychological science has come a long way and there are excellent strategies for most problems - often all that is needed is a clear grasp of what’s happening, a path forward, and some effort to put in the work.
1300 455 173 View 1300 455 173
Photo of Maria Dhroso, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Maria Dhroso
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Bentleigh, VIC 3204
Maria provides counselling and intervention for neurodivergent and neurotypical children, young people and families (4 years+). Maria uses skills-based and cognitive-based approaches, as well as relational approaches, using Child Centre Play Therapy. Archie, a lovely Accredited Therapy dog can also be included in sessions. Support is provided for a wide range of common child and adolescent issues, including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, anger and others. Maria loves to work with neurodivergent young people in neuroaffirming ways to explore their identity. Maria also works with parents to help support them with parenting.
Maria provides counselling and intervention for neurodivergent and neurotypical children, young people and families (4 years+). Maria uses skills-based and cognitive-based approaches, as well as relational approaches, using Child Centre Play Therapy. Archie, a lovely Accredited Therapy dog can also be included in sessions. Support is provided for a wide range of common child and adolescent issues, including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, anger and others. Maria loves to work with neurodivergent young people in neuroaffirming ways to explore their identity. Maria also works with parents to help support them with parenting.
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Photo of Sylvie Braverman, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sylvie Braverman
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Bentleigh, VIC 3204
I am a registered clinical counsellor. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy as my main mode of practice. EFT is Person Centred/Humanistic. It is based on the Attachment and Identity theory. It also means that in therapy, I prioritise working on emotions. You may have learned to avoid and suppress your feelings, or they may have overwhelmed you. In therapy, I aim to support you in befriending and welcoming your feelings so they become a resource as they are meant to be and not a hindrance.
I am a registered clinical counsellor. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy as my main mode of practice. EFT is Person Centred/Humanistic. It is based on the Attachment and Identity theory. It also means that in therapy, I prioritise working on emotions. You may have learned to avoid and suppress your feelings, or they may have overwhelmed you. In therapy, I aim to support you in befriending and welcoming your feelings so they become a resource as they are meant to be and not a hindrance.
(03) 9069 9726 View (03) 9069 9726
Photo of Melanie Colhoun - Melanie Colhoun - Integrated Psychology Centre, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Melanie Colhoun - Integrated Psychology Centre
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Bentleigh, VIC 3204
Melanie is the Principal Clinical Psychologist at Integrated Psychology Centre, a group private practice including Clinical, Counselling. Health, Educational & Developmental registered psychologists. A Graduate of Monash University, Melanie has over twenty years experience in private practice and other clinical settings including; university counselling, employee assistance programmes, employment services, asylum seeker detention centres and educational settings. Our psychologists consult with children, teens and adults.
Melanie is the Principal Clinical Psychologist at Integrated Psychology Centre, a group private practice including Clinical, Counselling. Health, Educational & Developmental registered psychologists. A Graduate of Monash University, Melanie has over twenty years experience in private practice and other clinical settings including; university counselling, employee assistance programmes, employment services, asylum seeker detention centres and educational settings. Our psychologists consult with children, teens and adults.
(03) 7500 5942 View (03) 7500 5942
Photo of Penelope Lovegrove, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Penelope Lovegrove
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Currently accepting new clients. I pride myself on developing a supportive, collaborative and compassionate relationship with my clients, focusing on delivering psychological treatments based on current evidence. I work with individuals aged 17 and above across a range of issues. I am particularly interested in anxiety and related disorders in men and the intersection of mental health and menopause in women. I also provide psychotherapy and coaching for the management of ADHD in adults.
Currently accepting new clients. I pride myself on developing a supportive, collaborative and compassionate relationship with my clients, focusing on delivering psychological treatments based on current evidence. I work with individuals aged 17 and above across a range of issues. I am particularly interested in anxiety and related disorders in men and the intersection of mental health and menopause in women. I also provide psychotherapy and coaching for the management of ADHD in adults.
(03) 7500 5592 View (03) 7500 5592
Photo of Dr Shikha Gray - Dr Shikha Gray Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Shikha Gray Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I work with adults & couples struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD & complex trauma, relationship difficulties, OCD and other emotional concerns. I approach therapy with a deep curiosity about you - how you see things like noone else. Depending on what brings you to therapy, we may explore how pivotal moments in life have shaped you, your beliefs, and your relationships. And we may also look at practical ways you could bring about the changes you hope for. My aim is to provide a supportive space that helps you understand things more clearly, accept yourself more fully, and feel more capable of meeting life’s challenges.
I work with adults & couples struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD & complex trauma, relationship difficulties, OCD and other emotional concerns. I approach therapy with a deep curiosity about you - how you see things like noone else. Depending on what brings you to therapy, we may explore how pivotal moments in life have shaped you, your beliefs, and your relationships. And we may also look at practical ways you could bring about the changes you hope for. My aim is to provide a supportive space that helps you understand things more clearly, accept yourself more fully, and feel more capable of meeting life’s challenges.
(03) 7003 2197 View (03) 7003 2197
Photo of Rachel Burchell, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Rachel Burchell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
As a trained Circle of Security Parent Educator, I apply attachment-based strategies to help parents attune to their children’s emotional needs, fostering secure, nurturing relationships.
I offer a warm, empathetic therapeutic approach using evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s needs. With experience in CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy and mindfulness techniques, I work collaboratively with clients to create lasting change. I am passionate about supporting clients as they heal, build resilience, and enhance their emotional and
As a trained Circle of Security Parent Educator, I apply attachment-based strategies to help parents attune to their children’s emotional needs, fostering secure, nurturing relationships.
I offer a warm, empathetic therapeutic approach using evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s needs. With experience in CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy and mindfulness techniques, I work collaboratively with clients to create lasting change. I am passionate about supporting clients as they heal, build resilience, and enhance their emotional and
0416 261 825 View 0416 261 825
Photo of Melanie Strang, Psychologist, MBBS, PsyBA General
Melanie Strang
Psychologist, MBBS, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi there ! Thanks for clicking on my profile. I have over 20 years of practitioner experience, initially as a doctor working in mental health, then as a counsellor and presently, a psychologist. I will see Private, Medicare, NDIS, Workcover and Victims of Crime clients.
Hi there ! Thanks for clicking on my profile. I have over 20 years of practitioner experience, initially as a doctor working in mental health, then as a counsellor and presently, a psychologist. I will see Private, Medicare, NDIS, Workcover and Victims of Crime clients.
(03) 7003 2841 View (03) 7003 2841
Photo of Sharon Weingarten, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Sharon Weingarten
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Sharon has a Masters Degree in Counselling, specialising in relationships. She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients using a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapy approach.  Sharon brings a wealth of experience to her work with both couples and individuals, skilfully navigating a diverse array of issues that can strain relationships. This includes helping clients to improve communication, de-escalate conflict, strengthen connection, navigate life transitions, address parenting concerns, and manage discrepancies in sexual desire.
Sharon has a Masters Degree in Counselling, specialising in relationships. She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients using a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapy approach.  Sharon brings a wealth of experience to her work with both couples and individuals, skilfully navigating a diverse array of issues that can strain relationships. This includes helping clients to improve communication, de-escalate conflict, strengthen connection, navigate life transitions, address parenting concerns, and manage discrepancies in sexual desire.
0459 883 205 View 0459 883 205
Photo of Isaac Nathan, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Isaac Nathan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I take a collaborative to therapy, in which we work together to define a project to address the core concerns. I see a range of clinical issues: mood disturbance (depression, dysthymia) anxiety (generalised anxiety, excessive worry, panic) and entrenched problems arising from trauma (PTSD, grief, attachment issues), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a clinical psychologist I am trained in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Therapy (CBT), trauma therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My past roles are as senior clinician in private & public mental health, and I provide supervision to psychologists.
I take a collaborative to therapy, in which we work together to define a project to address the core concerns. I see a range of clinical issues: mood disturbance (depression, dysthymia) anxiety (generalised anxiety, excessive worry, panic) and entrenched problems arising from trauma (PTSD, grief, attachment issues), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a clinical psychologist I am trained in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Therapy (CBT), trauma therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My past roles are as senior clinician in private & public mental health, and I provide supervision to psychologists.
(03) 7003 2083 View (03) 7003 2083
Photo of Natalie Anker Cohen, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Natalie Anker Cohen
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about your next steps? Do you find yourself reacting in ways that don't align with who you want to be? You're not alone, and there's nothing wrong with you. As a Registered Psychologist, I believe lasting change comes from understanding yourself more deeply and developing practical skills for your real life. My practice honours who you are in your full complexity. You bring unique strengths, experiences, and goals to our work. My approach recognises that meaningful change happens collaboratively, building on your existing capabilities while developing new tools and perspectives.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about your next steps? Do you find yourself reacting in ways that don't align with who you want to be? You're not alone, and there's nothing wrong with you. As a Registered Psychologist, I believe lasting change comes from understanding yourself more deeply and developing practical skills for your real life. My practice honours who you are in your full complexity. You bring unique strengths, experiences, and goals to our work. My approach recognises that meaningful change happens collaboratively, building on your existing capabilities while developing new tools and perspectives.
(03) 7003 2764 View (03) 7003 2764
Photo of Kenny Dao, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Kenny Dao
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
(03) 8771 5313 View (03) 8771 5313
Photo of Elizabeth Reilly, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Elizabeth Reilly
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Elizabeth is a warm and caring Clinical Psychologist who creates a collaborative therapeutic partnership with clients to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. She adopts a strengths based and trauma informed framework to address a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, depression, panic, grief and loss, relationship challenges, body image concerns, sleep issues, stress management, menopause, eating disorders and adjustment difficulties. Elizabeth tailors treatment to meet the needs of each individual according to their particular goals.
Elizabeth is a warm and caring Clinical Psychologist who creates a collaborative therapeutic partnership with clients to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. She adopts a strengths based and trauma informed framework to address a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, depression, panic, grief and loss, relationship challenges, body image concerns, sleep issues, stress management, menopause, eating disorders and adjustment difficulties. Elizabeth tailors treatment to meet the needs of each individual according to their particular goals.
0413 174 782 View 0413 174 782
Photo of Kim Storey, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Kim Storey
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
A professional clinical counsellor/psychotherapist with 15 years experience who will provide you with a caring and safe space to talk about what is troubling you. Counselling can help you to navigate through current or past issues; it may be a journey you need to take by yourself, or with your partner or family. Whatever stage you're at and whoever you're with, coming to counselling can be an experience of learning and discovery that will ultimately enrichen your relationships and the way you live your life.
A professional clinical counsellor/psychotherapist with 15 years experience who will provide you with a caring and safe space to talk about what is troubling you. Counselling can help you to navigate through current or past issues; it may be a journey you need to take by yourself, or with your partner or family. Whatever stage you're at and whoever you're with, coming to counselling can be an experience of learning and discovery that will ultimately enrichen your relationships and the way you live your life.
(03) 6146 3219 View (03) 6146 3219
Photo of Lisa Bloom, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Lisa Bloom
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist helping individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating and binge eating, and body image issues. I work with clients who are ready to overcome their inner critic and the habits that keep them stuck. I work with people who don't want to just focus on diet and weight (although this can be important at times), but also get to the root cause of their relationship with food and their body. Additionally, I support those trapped in patterns of unhelpful relationships, anxiety, self-criticism, perfectionism, and chronic unhappiness, guiding them toward a new, healthier path.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist helping individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating and binge eating, and body image issues. I work with clients who are ready to overcome their inner critic and the habits that keep them stuck. I work with people who don't want to just focus on diet and weight (although this can be important at times), but also get to the root cause of their relationship with food and their body. Additionally, I support those trapped in patterns of unhelpful relationships, anxiety, self-criticism, perfectionism, and chronic unhappiness, guiding them toward a new, healthier path.
(03) 7500 5433 View (03) 7500 5433
Photo of Julianne Read - Keystone Psychology, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Keystone Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Serves Area
At Keystone Psychology we believe that every child deserves to live a healthy and happy life. We are forensic psychologists and our expertise is in the assessment and treatment of children and young people who engage in a range of sensitive and complex behaviours including high risk behaviours that may, if left unaddressed, have negative impacts on their future. This includes behaviours that are disrespectful, inappropriate, problematic and or harmful; as well as physical/sexual violence. Our clients may have also experienced abuse and are seeking a personalised approach for therapy. We help our clients get back on track.
At Keystone Psychology we believe that every child deserves to live a healthy and happy life. We are forensic psychologists and our expertise is in the assessment and treatment of children and young people who engage in a range of sensitive and complex behaviours including high risk behaviours that may, if left unaddressed, have negative impacts on their future. This includes behaviours that are disrespectful, inappropriate, problematic and or harmful; as well as physical/sexual violence. Our clients may have also experienced abuse and are seeking a personalised approach for therapy. We help our clients get back on track.
(03) 8658 3864 View (03) 8658 3864
Photo of Alexandra Stone, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Alexandra Stone
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am clinical psychologist committed to creating a warm, respectful, and inclusive therapeutic environment. I focus my practice on fostering a non-judgmental and accepting space where clients feel free to express themselves authentically. I draw on a range of therapeutic techniques and modalities, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and therapeutic goals of each client.
I am clinical psychologist committed to creating a warm, respectful, and inclusive therapeutic environment. I focus my practice on fostering a non-judgmental and accepting space where clients feel free to express themselves authentically. I draw on a range of therapeutic techniques and modalities, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and therapeutic goals of each client.
0450 093 588 View 0450 093 588
Photo of Amy Somers, Counsellor, PACFA
Amy Somers
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You've come here because you're suffering in some way. It is my honour to be able to offer a therapy space for people who want to face the pain in their lives, and see what might be on the other side. Many people come at times of change or transition: relationships, life stages, careers, dark nights of the soul, or plunges into the deep end. Or, people come feeling stuck after years of coping with trauma and addiction. In sessions, I support you to identify the conflicts, emotions, memories, and relationship struggles that repeat and we find ways to experience these differently.
You've come here because you're suffering in some way. It is my honour to be able to offer a therapy space for people who want to face the pain in their lives, and see what might be on the other side. Many people come at times of change or transition: relationships, life stages, careers, dark nights of the soul, or plunges into the deep end. Or, people come feeling stuck after years of coping with trauma and addiction. In sessions, I support you to identify the conflicts, emotions, memories, and relationship struggles that repeat and we find ways to experience these differently.
(08) 7744 7536 View (08) 7744 7536
Photo of Vivienne Interrigi, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Vivienne Interrigi
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am passionate about working with clients who are wanting to find that different path in life. As a family therapist, I have worked with families to focus on parenting, family dynamics, finding different ways or building relationships with each other. I enjoy working with couples who are wanting to explore the potentials of their relationship and to work out where their next steps are. As an ACA Clinical Supervisor, I run individual and group supervision for counsellors - to find a safe space to have a growth mindset to continually learn how to build up their therapeutic skills.
I am passionate about working with clients who are wanting to find that different path in life. As a family therapist, I have worked with families to focus on parenting, family dynamics, finding different ways or building relationships with each other. I enjoy working with couples who are wanting to explore the potentials of their relationship and to work out where their next steps are. As an ACA Clinical Supervisor, I run individual and group supervision for counsellors - to find a safe space to have a growth mindset to continually learn how to build up their therapeutic skills.
(03) 7500 5338 View (03) 7500 5338
Attachment-based Therapists
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.

What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.

How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.

Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.