Attachment-based Psychologists and Therapists in Elsternwick, VIC

Photo of Bek La, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Bek La
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Elsternwick, VIC 3185
I lean primarily on somatic, attachment-based, and parts-focused approaches — working with not just your thoughts and feelings, but your body and nervous system too.
I help individuals who are navigating relationship difficulties, difficulties with self-confidence, and repeating patterns that feel challenging to shift. Therapy with me is a space to explore the complexity with curiosity and compassion, so you can make sense of what’s emerging, what’s not working, and move toward changes that feel more meaningful, relationships that feel more connected, and a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are or want to be. Often, patterns live not just in the mind, but also in the body, which is why I integrate somatic, attachment and parts-work approaches to therapy.
I lean primarily on somatic, attachment-based, and parts-focused approaches — working with not just your thoughts and feelings, but your body and nervous system too.
I help individuals who are navigating relationship difficulties, difficulties with self-confidence, and repeating patterns that feel challenging to shift. Therapy with me is a space to explore the complexity with curiosity and compassion, so you can make sense of what’s emerging, what’s not working, and move toward changes that feel more meaningful, relationships that feel more connected, and a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are or want to be. Often, patterns live not just in the mind, but also in the body, which is why I integrate somatic, attachment and parts-work approaches to therapy.
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Photo of Elizabeth Anile, Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L2
Elizabeth Anile
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L2
Elsternwick, VIC 3185
I work with individuals who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelm and are ready to explore what’s beneath the surface. They may face unresolved trauma, emotional struggles, or relationship challenges. They seek a safe, supportive space to gain clarity and untangle their feelings. Their goal is to feel balanced, connected to their true self, and empowered to navigate life with confidence. They’re motivated by a desire for growth and a deeper sense of peace, authenticity, and fulfillment.
I work with individuals who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelm and are ready to explore what’s beneath the surface. They may face unresolved trauma, emotional struggles, or relationship challenges. They seek a safe, supportive space to gain clarity and untangle their feelings. Their goal is to feel balanced, connected to their true self, and empowered to navigate life with confidence. They’re motivated by a desire for growth and a deeper sense of peace, authenticity, and fulfillment.
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Photo of Asher Lederman, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Asher Lederman
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Elsternwick, VIC 3185
I offer a space where you can grow through the troubles you face, whether within yourself, or in your relationships. This involves paying attention to what’s happening emotionally and making sense of patterns that might not have been clear before. I help clients understand their blocks, and find a new way forward. I support adult (18+) clients across a range of concerns - Anxiety, depression or hopelessness, grief following loss, relationship problems, substance use concerns (inc. referral to detox/rehab services where needed), behavioural addictions (e.g. gambling, shopping), post-traumatic stress (from childhood or a later time).
I offer a space where you can grow through the troubles you face, whether within yourself, or in your relationships. This involves paying attention to what’s happening emotionally and making sense of patterns that might not have been clear before. I help clients understand their blocks, and find a new way forward. I support adult (18+) clients across a range of concerns - Anxiety, depression or hopelessness, grief following loss, relationship problems, substance use concerns (inc. referral to detox/rehab services where needed), behavioural addictions (e.g. gambling, shopping), post-traumatic stress (from childhood or a later time).
0494 615 337 View 0494 615 337
Photo of Tracey R - Tracey - Your Inner Light, Counsellor, MC, ACA-L4
Tracey - Your Inner Light
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L4
Elsternwick, VIC 3185
Hi! I'm a Holistic Counsellor, Sound Healing Practitioner and Nutrition, Health & Wellness Coach. I work with women and specialise in mind-body holistic wellbeing. My approach blends Psychology, Spirituality and Wellness with a social justice and systems lens. My gentle and relaxed approach assists you to understand the root cause of personal challenges through increasing awareness, compassion, connection and prioritising stress management & self-care.
Hi! I'm a Holistic Counsellor, Sound Healing Practitioner and Nutrition, Health & Wellness Coach. I work with women and specialise in mind-body holistic wellbeing. My approach blends Psychology, Spirituality and Wellness with a social justice and systems lens. My gentle and relaxed approach assists you to understand the root cause of personal challenges through increasing awareness, compassion, connection and prioritising stress management & self-care.
(03) 7003 2423 View (03) 7003 2423
Photo of Isaac Nathan, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Isaac Nathan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Elsternwick, VIC 3185
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 Kay-Sheree Spurling, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kay-Sheree Spurling
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Elsternwick, VIC 3185
I am currently seeing clients in Melbourne and rural Victoria from all walks of life. I love being a psychologist because I am a curious person who enjoys learning about people, while helping them get to know themselves, their strengths and challenges. I try to make therapy safe, effective, enjoyable, emotional and may even get laugh in. I offer affordable sessions online for people in rural Victoria and have experience working with client's in the Mallee and Alpine regions. I also have client's from all over Melbourne, north and south of the river. I am able to travel to see some client's with appropriate NDIS funding.
I am currently seeing clients in Melbourne and rural Victoria from all walks of life. I love being a psychologist because I am a curious person who enjoys learning about people, while helping them get to know themselves, their strengths and challenges. I try to make therapy safe, effective, enjoyable, emotional and may even get laugh in. I offer affordable sessions online for people in rural Victoria and have experience working with client's in the Mallee and Alpine regions. I also have client's from all over Melbourne, north and south of the river. I am able to travel to see some client's with appropriate NDIS funding.
0478 367 515 View 0478 367 515
Photo of Lisa Schafer, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Lisa Schafer
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Lisa - a psychologist who works with women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, chronically stressed, or lost in their careers and life. You may be experiencing burnout, a relationship trauma, struggling with low confidence and self-doubt, or navigating a career transition. You are seeking clarity, balance, wanting to feel more grounded, empowered and in control. You value a safe space to explore things that worry you and would like to learn how to reduce your anxiety, build resilience and improve your wellbeing. My work draws on Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and narrative coaching.
Hi, I'm Lisa - a psychologist who works with women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, chronically stressed, or lost in their careers and life. You may be experiencing burnout, a relationship trauma, struggling with low confidence and self-doubt, or navigating a career transition. You are seeking clarity, balance, wanting to feel more grounded, empowered and in control. You value a safe space to explore things that worry you and would like to learn how to reduce your anxiety, build resilience and improve your wellbeing. My work draws on Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and narrative coaching.
(03) 9820 5577 View (03) 9820 5577
Photo of Renee Kharsas, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Renee Kharsas
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work best with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating challenges related to trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, parenting, relationships, work stress, or major life transitions. My ideal client is open to exploring their thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behaviour and is motivated to create meaningful, lasting change. Whether the issues are long standing or more recent, I support clients in identifying practical strategies and deeper insights that lead to growth. I genuinely love my work and for as long as I can remember, been interested in people’s stories and how they think, feel and behave.
I work best with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating challenges related to trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, parenting, relationships, work stress, or major life transitions. My ideal client is open to exploring their thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behaviour and is motivated to create meaningful, lasting change. Whether the issues are long standing or more recent, I support clients in identifying practical strategies and deeper insights that lead to growth. I genuinely love my work and for as long as I can remember, been interested in people’s stories and how they think, feel and behave.
(02) 4504 0162 View (02) 4504 0162
Photo of Julian Andrew Thompson, Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
Julian Andrew Thompson
Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I feel passionate about helping people make meaningful, sustainable, and healthy changes in their lives. I aim to work respectfully and collaboratively with people so that clients build their own independence and develop ways to manage life stressors more effectively, in addition to their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A comfortable, empathetic and supportive therapeutic relationship is also very important in my approach, and research shows that this is essential in best outcomes for clients. I generally work on a wide range of mental health and life issues and the approaches I work with are all evidence-based interventions.
I feel passionate about helping people make meaningful, sustainable, and healthy changes in their lives. I aim to work respectfully and collaboratively with people so that clients build their own independence and develop ways to manage life stressors more effectively, in addition to their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A comfortable, empathetic and supportive therapeutic relationship is also very important in my approach, and research shows that this is essential in best outcomes for clients. I generally work on a wide range of mental health and life issues and the approaches I work with are all evidence-based interventions.
(03) 7003 2333 View (03) 7003 2333
Photo of Karen Woodbury, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Karen Woodbury
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work from a strength and values-based approach, providing a supportive environment to explore and challenge thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. My practice is person-centred and humanistic, drawing on a variety of psychological modalities. I believe the most effective therapy is flexible, shaped by what you're facing.
I work from a strength and values-based approach, providing a supportive environment to explore and challenge thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. My practice is person-centred and humanistic, drawing on a variety of psychological modalities. I believe the most effective therapy is flexible, shaped by what you're facing.
(03) 9964 3755 View (03) 9964 3755
Photo of Leila Mosavi, Counsellor, PACFA
Leila Mosavi
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
There is a very specific type of exhaustion that cannot be cured by sleep. It happens when you carry deep, invisible wounds that haven't been seen or believed, leaving you feeling isolated and cut off from your true self. If you are high-functioning but secretly feel like you are drowning, your nervous system might be overwhelmed. I am a depth counsellor working with emotional wounds, patterns, trauma, grief, identity shifts, and the “dark night of the soul". I currently have immediate availability for Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS participants. My practice space is calm and designed to support nervous system healing.
There is a very specific type of exhaustion that cannot be cured by sleep. It happens when you carry deep, invisible wounds that haven't been seen or believed, leaving you feeling isolated and cut off from your true self. If you are high-functioning but secretly feel like you are drowning, your nervous system might be overwhelmed. I am a depth counsellor working with emotional wounds, patterns, trauma, grief, identity shifts, and the “dark night of the soul". I currently have immediate availability for Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS participants. My practice space is calm and designed to support nervous system healing.
(03) 6160 7619 View (03) 6160 7619
Photo of Ella Graj, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Ella Graj
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
You may have found that talking about your struggles in therapy hasn’t led to the change you were hoping for. I use evidence-based methods that go deeper than conversation to shift patterns that keep you feeling stuck. Using EMDR as a primary framework, I integrate somatic, parts-work, and cognitive techniques tailored to your needs. I support people aged 18+ experiencing trauma, complex-ptsd, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic, relationship difficulties and dissociation, prioritising safety throughout the process. I am based in Glen Huntly/Glen Eira. If this approach resonates, reach out to see if we might be a good fit.
You may have found that talking about your struggles in therapy hasn’t led to the change you were hoping for. I use evidence-based methods that go deeper than conversation to shift patterns that keep you feeling stuck. Using EMDR as a primary framework, I integrate somatic, parts-work, and cognitive techniques tailored to your needs. I support people aged 18+ experiencing trauma, complex-ptsd, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic, relationship difficulties and dissociation, prioritising safety throughout the process. I am based in Glen Huntly/Glen Eira. If this approach resonates, reach out to see if we might be a good fit.
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Photo of Dr Shikha Gray, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Dr Shikha Gray
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work with adults & couples experiencing anxiety, trauma (PTSD & complex trauma), depression, relationship difficulties, intrusive thoughts and OCD. I approach therapy with a deep curiosity about how you see things in ways that noone else does. I provide a warm and reflective space for you to explore how early & pivotal moments in life have shaped you and your relationships. We may also look at practical ways you can bring about changes you hope for. My goal is to offer you a supportive space that helps you understand things more deeply, accept yourself more fully, and feel more capable of meeting life’s challenges.
I work with adults & couples experiencing anxiety, trauma (PTSD & complex trauma), depression, relationship difficulties, intrusive thoughts and OCD. I approach therapy with a deep curiosity about how you see things in ways that noone else does. I provide a warm and reflective space for you to explore how early & pivotal moments in life have shaped you and your relationships. We may also look at practical ways you can bring about changes you hope for. My goal is to offer you a supportive space that helps you understand things more deeply, accept yourself more fully, and feel more capable of meeting life’s challenges.
(03) 7003 2197 View (03) 7003 2197
Photo of Jane Parkinson - Kind Connections Counselling , Counsellor, PACFA
Kind Connections Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
As a Registered Play Therapist & Supervisor (APTA) & PACFA Clinical Counsellor, Kind Connections supports children aged 3 - 10 years with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges & difficulties. With a passion for supporting adoptive, foster & kinship familes, my approach combines extensive experience as a trauma counsellor, Synergetic Play Therapy & EMDR, in a 'playful' way to support the child's healing process. As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I offer Supervision to Play Therapists via Telehealth, especially those working toward their registration.
As a Registered Play Therapist & Supervisor (APTA) & PACFA Clinical Counsellor, Kind Connections supports children aged 3 - 10 years with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges & difficulties. With a passion for supporting adoptive, foster & kinship familes, my approach combines extensive experience as a trauma counsellor, Synergetic Play Therapy & EMDR, in a 'playful' way to support the child's healing process. As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I offer Supervision to Play Therapists via Telehealth, especially those working toward their registration.
(03) 7003 2207 View (03) 7003 2207
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 Dr Maddy Fernando, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Maddy Fernando
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Maddy—a senior clinical psychologist helping children, young people, and adults create lives that feel steadier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With younger clients, I use playful, creative approaches to make therapy engaging; with adults, our work is reflective, practical, and empowering. I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
Hi, I’m Maddy—a senior clinical psychologist helping children, young people, and adults create lives that feel steadier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With younger clients, I use playful, creative approaches to make therapy engaging; with adults, our work is reflective, practical, and empowering. I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
0426 415 617 View 0426 415 617
Photo of Melissa Jane Moss, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Melissa Jane Moss
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Finding a therapist who can deeply attune to you and creatively integrate approaches that truly align with your needs can be really hard. It often takes energy from every part of your life- especially when you’re already running on empty. I want to reassure you that I understand, both professionally and personally, just how crucial this stage is. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to ensure this part of the process feels as welcoming and informative as possible. ​
Finding a therapist who can deeply attune to you and creatively integrate approaches that truly align with your needs can be really hard. It often takes energy from every part of your life- especially when you’re already running on empty. I want to reassure you that I understand, both professionally and personally, just how crucial this stage is. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to ensure this part of the process feels as welcoming and informative as possible. ​
(03) 7003 2037 View (03) 7003 2037
Photo of Lucianne Grixti, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Lucianne Grixti
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with people who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain, and who are seeking more than a quick fix. Often, they are thoughtful, sensitive, and curious about themselves and their relationships, with a sense that there is something deeper to be understood. They may be struggling with recurring patterns, emotional pain, or difficulties that feel hard to explain. In our work together, I offer a steady, reflective space to explore these experiences, supporting greater self-understanding and the possibility of meaningful, lasting change.
I work with people who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain, and who are seeking more than a quick fix. Often, they are thoughtful, sensitive, and curious about themselves and their relationships, with a sense that there is something deeper to be understood. They may be struggling with recurring patterns, emotional pain, or difficulties that feel hard to explain. In our work together, I offer a steady, reflective space to explore these experiences, supporting greater self-understanding and the possibility of meaningful, lasting change.
0434 142 295 View 0434 142 295
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 Sandra Ifrah, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Sandra Ifrah
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Sandra Ifrah is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns. She adopts a family-focused approach, providing clients with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, while actively involving the family unit in the journey toward positive change. Sandra also works closely with separated families, offering therapeutic support to navigate complex dynamics, and provides professional reports for court-related purposes to assist in family law matters.
Sandra Ifrah is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns. She adopts a family-focused approach, providing clients with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, while actively involving the family unit in the journey toward positive change. Sandra also works closely with separated families, offering therapeutic support to navigate complex dynamics, and provides professional reports for court-related purposes to assist in family law matters.
(03) 6144 6011 View (03) 6144 6011
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.