Women's Issues Psychologists and Therapists in Essendon, VIC

Photo of Jo Lockart - Kind Heart Counselling , Social Worker, MA, AASW
Kind Heart Counselling
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Essendon, VIC 3040
I offer safe, compassionate and holistic support for women (16+) Australia wide.If you carry the impact of trauma—from sexual assault, childhood abuse, discrimination, interpersonal violence, coercive control or medical misogyny—I’m here to support you slowly and gently. I have 15+ years of training and expertise in complex childhood trauma and trauma caused by domestic, institutional or sexual abuse. You’ll find my approach is grounded in care, collaboration and a deep respect for you and your life experience. I’ll meet you where you are, at your pace, and help you move toward a life with more peace, clarity and meaning.
I offer safe, compassionate and holistic support for women (16+) Australia wide.If you carry the impact of trauma—from sexual assault, childhood abuse, discrimination, interpersonal violence, coercive control or medical misogyny—I’m here to support you slowly and gently. I have 15+ years of training and expertise in complex childhood trauma and trauma caused by domestic, institutional or sexual abuse. You’ll find my approach is grounded in care, collaboration and a deep respect for you and your life experience. I’ll meet you where you are, at your pace, and help you move toward a life with more peace, clarity and meaning.
(03) 9068 6218 View (03) 9068 6218
Photo of Angela Simpson, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Health Psych.
Angela Simpson
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Health Psych.
Online Only
Angela is a health psychologist who is passionate about providing high quality, evidence-based treatment. She supports clients who experience a range of issues including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, and substance use issues. Additionally, Angela has an interest in women's health including issues relating to pregnancy and menopause.
Angela is a health psychologist who is passionate about providing high quality, evidence-based treatment. She supports clients who experience a range of issues including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, and substance use issues. Additionally, Angela has an interest in women's health including issues relating to pregnancy and menopause.
(03) 8338 4007 View (03) 8338 4007
Photo of Livia Cremona-Bellizia, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Livia Cremona-Bellizia
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Livia is a warm and compassionate clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's mental health challenges. She has a special interest in supporting adults during the perinatal period, as well as those dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Through a collaborative approach, Livia works with clients to clarify their motivations and goals, ensuring that therapy remains focused, meaningful, and aligned with their personal growth.
Livia is a warm and compassionate clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's mental health challenges. She has a special interest in supporting adults during the perinatal period, as well as those dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Through a collaborative approach, Livia works with clients to clarify their motivations and goals, ensuring that therapy remains focused, meaningful, and aligned with their personal growth.
(03) 9069 9744 View (03) 9069 9744
Photo of Katalina Montaigue, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Katalina Montaigue
Psychotherapist, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life might look full, and on paper it might even look good, but something feels missing. You may feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or caught in patterns that keep repeating. Often, the women I work with are capable, self-aware and used to holding everything together. But they’re asking, in one way or another, “Who am I?” and “how do I want to be in the world?” They’re looking for a space to explore what is actually true for them, and to reconnect with the parts of themselves that have gone quiet beneath years of adapting, coping and surviving.
Life might look full, and on paper it might even look good, but something feels missing. You may feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or caught in patterns that keep repeating. Often, the women I work with are capable, self-aware and used to holding everything together. But they’re asking, in one way or another, “Who am I?” and “how do I want to be in the world?” They’re looking for a space to explore what is actually true for them, and to reconnect with the parts of themselves that have gone quiet beneath years of adapting, coping and surviving.
0490 468 397 View 0490 468 397
Photo of Monique Alafaci, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Monique Alafaci
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Essendon, VIC 3040
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and I get it. You're not alone if you're feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect. My approach is gentle, warm, and focused on meeting you where you are. I love working with people who are new to therapy and want to explore themselves in a way that feels personal and real. Together, we’ll create a safe space to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a way that makes sense to you, not based on a one-size-fits-all approach. I’m here to walk it with you, at your pace.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and I get it. You're not alone if you're feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect. My approach is gentle, warm, and focused on meeting you where you are. I love working with people who are new to therapy and want to explore themselves in a way that feels personal and real. Together, we’ll create a safe space to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a way that makes sense to you, not based on a one-size-fits-all approach. I’m here to walk it with you, at your pace.
0468 401 822 View 0468 401 822
Photo of Aylin Shilling, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Aylin Shilling
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Essendon, VIC 3040
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or struggling with low mood, relationships, self-esteem, or difficult emotions. Perhaps you're a perfectionist or high achiever who appears to have things together, while internally feeling self-critical or never quite good enough. You may also notice patterns that keep repeating, despite your best efforts to change them. Aylin's approach is down-to-earth, collaborative, and non-pathologising, offering practical strategies for what you're experiencing now while also exploring what may be going on beneath the surface. Medicare rebates are available with a valid GP MHTP.
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or struggling with low mood, relationships, self-esteem, or difficult emotions. Perhaps you're a perfectionist or high achiever who appears to have things together, while internally feeling self-critical or never quite good enough. You may also notice patterns that keep repeating, despite your best efforts to change them. Aylin's approach is down-to-earth, collaborative, and non-pathologising, offering practical strategies for what you're experiencing now while also exploring what may be going on beneath the surface. Medicare rebates are available with a valid GP MHTP.
0427 793 347 View 0427 793 347
Photo of Sherena Ng, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Sherena Ng
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Essendon, VIC 3040
Sherena is a general psychologist providing evidence-based assessment and therapy across a broad range of presentations. She works within a collaborative, client-centred and trauma-informed framework, drawing on CBT, ACT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy and Schema Therapy to support adolescents and adults. Sherena has strong skills in formulation, treatment planning, psychological assessment and risk management, and is known for her calm, empathic communication and ability to build strong therapeutic rapport. She values ethical, culturally responsive practice and works effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Sherena is a general psychologist providing evidence-based assessment and therapy across a broad range of presentations. She works within a collaborative, client-centred and trauma-informed framework, drawing on CBT, ACT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy and Schema Therapy to support adolescents and adults. Sherena has strong skills in formulation, treatment planning, psychological assessment and risk management, and is known for her calm, empathic communication and ability to build strong therapeutic rapport. She values ethical, culturally responsive practice and works effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
(03) 9000 0903 View (03) 9000 0903
Photo of Samantha Lehmann - The Connection Room, Counsellor, ACA-L1
The Connection Room
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Essendon, VIC 3040
I work with individuals and couples who want to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. People often seek counselling when they're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating relationship difficulties, experiencing grief or loss, facing life transitions, or noticing patterns that no longer serve them. Whatever has brought you here, my aim is to provide a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you feel genuinely heard, understood and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change at your own pace.
I work with individuals and couples who want to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. People often seek counselling when they're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating relationship difficulties, experiencing grief or loss, facing life transitions, or noticing patterns that no longer serve them. Whatever has brought you here, my aim is to provide a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you feel genuinely heard, understood and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change at your own pace.
0400 907 526 View 0400 907 526
Photo of Rania Ahmed, Counsellor, PACFA
Rania Ahmed
Counsellor, PACFA
Essendon, VIC 3040
To make sense of the world we live in can be very hard. Join me in trying the untangle knots and opened locked doors to our truth and finding a more productive perspective on our stories.
To make sense of the world we live in can be very hard. Join me in trying the untangle knots and opened locked doors to our truth and finding a more productive perspective on our stories.
(03) 7303 3139 x048148 View (03) 7303 3139 x048148
Photo of Daniela De Fazio - Launch Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA Endorsed
Launch Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA Endorsed
Essendon, VIC 3040
Our philosophy is pretty simple. We believe in you. We want you to be the best version of yourself and we can join you on that journey. Our team at Launch Psychology, Dr. Daniela De Fazio, Dr. Brooke Davis, Dr. Kirrily Rogers and Dr. Ann Sloan, have a practical approach to understanding the psychology of where you are and where you'd like to go. Our focus is on using psychology and neuropsychology frameworks to help you develop the skills and habits to respond flexibly to whatever life deals you.
Our philosophy is pretty simple. We believe in you. We want you to be the best version of yourself and we can join you on that journey. Our team at Launch Psychology, Dr. Daniela De Fazio, Dr. Brooke Davis, Dr. Kirrily Rogers and Dr. Ann Sloan, have a practical approach to understanding the psychology of where you are and where you'd like to go. Our focus is on using psychology and neuropsychology frameworks to help you develop the skills and habits to respond flexibly to whatever life deals you.
(03) 9007 2860 View (03) 9007 2860
Photo of Vanessa Staub - Vanessa Staub Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Vanessa Staub Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Essendon, VIC 3040
I am a Psychologist with over 20 Years experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. I help my clients develop a holistic mind-body approach to improve their mental heath & develop the tools they need to cope with all of life’s challenges. I take the time to listen & get to know you, to hear your story & what has lead you to access counselling. I work collaboratively with you to help you understand your symptoms, their causes & maintaining factors, & develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. I also continue to support you with a recovery and relapse prevention plan once you are feeling well.
I am a Psychologist with over 20 Years experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. I help my clients develop a holistic mind-body approach to improve their mental heath & develop the tools they need to cope with all of life’s challenges. I take the time to listen & get to know you, to hear your story & what has lead you to access counselling. I work collaboratively with you to help you understand your symptoms, their causes & maintaining factors, & develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. I also continue to support you with a recovery and relapse prevention plan once you are feeling well.
(03) 8338 1083 View (03) 8338 1083
Photo of Bethany Phelan, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Bethany Phelan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
Many of the people I work with have spent years caring for others. They are often the reliable one, the helper, the problem-solver, or the person everyone turns to for support. From the outside, they may appear capable, independent and successful, yet internally feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, uncertain of what they need, or exhausted from carrying so much for so long. I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves, heal from difficult experiences, navigate life's challenges, strengthen relationships, and develop greater self-trust, confidence and clarity about who they are and what they need.
Many of the people I work with have spent years caring for others. They are often the reliable one, the helper, the problem-solver, or the person everyone turns to for support. From the outside, they may appear capable, independent and successful, yet internally feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, uncertain of what they need, or exhausted from carrying so much for so long. I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves, heal from difficult experiences, navigate life's challenges, strengthen relationships, and develop greater self-trust, confidence and clarity about who they are and what they need.
(03) 7003 2117 View (03) 7003 2117
Photo of Shianne Vuk - Just Feel Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Just Feel Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Essendon, VIC 3040
At Just Feel Psychology, we understand that life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or stuck. We provide a safe, supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults to explore their experiences and make sense of what’s happening. Many of the people we work with are managing anxiety, emotional ups and downs, burnout, relationship challenges, or navigating neurodivergence such as ADHD or autism. Parents and families also come to us for support with behavioural concerns, developmental differences, or the everyday stresses of family life.
At Just Feel Psychology, we understand that life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or stuck. We provide a safe, supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults to explore their experiences and make sense of what’s happening. Many of the people we work with are managing anxiety, emotional ups and downs, burnout, relationship challenges, or navigating neurodivergence such as ADHD or autism. Parents and families also come to us for support with behavioural concerns, developmental differences, or the everyday stresses of family life.
0402 333 059 View 0402 333 059
Photo of Kelsey Crosling
Kelsey Crosling
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Mental Health Occupational Therapist offering support for adults experiencing a range of mental health challenges, with a special interest in working with parents during pregnancy, postpartum, and across the parenting journey. I am currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health and have experience working across public and private mental health services, as well as alongside NDIS participants.
I am a Mental Health Occupational Therapist offering support for adults experiencing a range of mental health challenges, with a special interest in working with parents during pregnancy, postpartum, and across the parenting journey. I am currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health and have experience working across public and private mental health services, as well as alongside NDIS participants.
0487 677 954 View 0487 677 954
Photo of Kate Zammit, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Kate Zammit
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Essendon, VIC 3040
My approach can be summarised as warm yet direct. I do not focus on analysing problems or managing symptoms, rather I work hard to uncover and address the deeper issues that are at the core of your difficulties. This includes uncovering those patterns that operate largely outside of conscious awareness. I work this way because I believe that lasting change is difficult without first understanding the patterns that are shaping our experience.
My approach can be summarised as warm yet direct. I do not focus on analysing problems or managing symptoms, rather I work hard to uncover and address the deeper issues that are at the core of your difficulties. This includes uncovering those patterns that operate largely outside of conscious awareness. I work this way because I believe that lasting change is difficult without first understanding the patterns that are shaping our experience.
0494 631 041 View 0494 631 041
Photo of Jessica Jepson - Secure Connections Relationship Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Secure Connections Relationship Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you feel stuck in the same argument on repeat, slowly drifting apart, or trying to rebuild after a betrayal? Or you're an individual who finds relationships harder than they should be — anxious, guarded, or unsure why closeness feels so difficult. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to figure it out alone. My clients are people who are done just surviving their relationships and ready to actually understand them. I'll meet you with warmth, honesty, and evidence-based support tailored to what you actually need.
Do you feel stuck in the same argument on repeat, slowly drifting apart, or trying to rebuild after a betrayal? Or you're an individual who finds relationships harder than they should be — anxious, guarded, or unsure why closeness feels so difficult. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to figure it out alone. My clients are people who are done just surviving their relationships and ready to actually understand them. I'll meet you with warmth, honesty, and evidence-based support tailored to what you actually need.
(03) 8338 1069 View (03) 8338 1069
Photo of Dr Vesna Newman-Morris, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Vesna Newman-Morris
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Dr Vesna Newman-Morris is a senior clinical psychologist with further training in psychoanalysis. She has an established private practice and has worked in specialist public mental health services, community health services, and the university sector. She works with people with diverse backgrounds and a broad variety of issues. Her clinical and research expertise includes the impact of complex developmental trauma on personality function and mental health, including early childhood trauma and abuse, responses to traumatic events, and intergenerational risk and protective factors in attachment relationships.
Dr Vesna Newman-Morris is a senior clinical psychologist with further training in psychoanalysis. She has an established private practice and has worked in specialist public mental health services, community health services, and the university sector. She works with people with diverse backgrounds and a broad variety of issues. Her clinical and research expertise includes the impact of complex developmental trauma on personality function and mental health, including early childhood trauma and abuse, responses to traumatic events, and intergenerational risk and protective factors in attachment relationships.
(03) 8797 5601 View (03) 8797 5601
Photo of Ashtyn Vella, Social Worker, AASW
Ashtyn Vella
Social Worker, AASW
Online Only
Ashtyn holds a specific focus in working with individuals who have or are experiencing family violence, anxiety, depression and trauma. Ashtyn holds a strong understanding for the complexities that come with such experiences and the importance of holding space for individuals during session allowing clients to take counselling at their own pace. Professionally, Ashtyn has held employment within the community health sector holding roles such as Counselling Team Leader and Family Violence Lead, Integrated Family Servies Program, Melbourne Magistrates Court, Centre for Sexual Assault (CASA House) and private practice.
Ashtyn holds a specific focus in working with individuals who have or are experiencing family violence, anxiety, depression and trauma. Ashtyn holds a strong understanding for the complexities that come with such experiences and the importance of holding space for individuals during session allowing clients to take counselling at their own pace. Professionally, Ashtyn has held employment within the community health sector holding roles such as Counselling Team Leader and Family Violence Lead, Integrated Family Servies Program, Melbourne Magistrates Court, Centre for Sexual Assault (CASA House) and private practice.
(03) 7302 2919 View (03) 7302 2919
Photo of Maria Andreadis, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Maria Andreadis
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Mary is a psychologist experienced in treating several mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and relationship difficulties. She has a particular interest in how early life experiences and trauma contribute to current patterns; relationship issues and supporting people in personal growth and meaning. Mary’s ethos is grounded in the understanding that our inner world is deeply connected to our everyday lives. By exploring this connection, we can take meaningful steps toward lasting change. She offers a warm, compassionate, and honest space to build insight and support meaningful change.
Mary is a psychologist experienced in treating several mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and relationship difficulties. She has a particular interest in how early life experiences and trauma contribute to current patterns; relationship issues and supporting people in personal growth and meaning. Mary’s ethos is grounded in the understanding that our inner world is deeply connected to our everyday lives. By exploring this connection, we can take meaningful steps toward lasting change. She offers a warm, compassionate, and honest space to build insight and support meaningful change.
(03) 8338 4336 View (03) 8338 4336
Photo of Anna Ricciardello, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Anna Ricciardello
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Anna supports individuals of all ages to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and confidence. With nearly 20 years of experience, she draws on evidence-based approaches (CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, mindfulness and trauma-informed frameworks) to create meaningful, lasting change. She works with anxiety, mood challenges, trauma and life transitions. She supports neurodivergent clients with a tailored, strengths-based approach to build self-understanding and create sustainable strategies for wellbeing.
Anna supports individuals of all ages to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and confidence. With nearly 20 years of experience, she draws on evidence-based approaches (CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, mindfulness and trauma-informed frameworks) to create meaningful, lasting change. She works with anxiety, mood challenges, trauma and life transitions. She supports neurodivergent clients with a tailored, strengths-based approach to build self-understanding and create sustainable strategies for wellbeing.
0410 643 076 View 0410 643 076
Women's Issues Therapists
How do you encourage a woman to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing therapy as a tool for improving their life. Offering specific examples of how an individual may be suffering, and what effects it has on them, should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to devise a game plan—breaking the process down into parts, such as finding a therapist, making appointments, and looking into insurance coverage.

How can women prepare for therapy?
Women can prepare for therapy by being willing to talk about their past experiences and their private thoughts. Before a session, an individual may want to reflect on how they’ve felt since the last session and what’s happened in their lives. Between sessions, it can be useful to write down notes about their reaction to a given event or how they felt at a particular time.

How long does therapy for women’s issues often last?
As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual and the challenges they face. Therapy types like Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Prolonged exposure therapy (PET), and Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. In some cases, such as for women with eating disorders, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realised.

How can women overcome stigma around specific challenges in order to seek therapy?
Women dealing with domestic abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, and any other number of troubles may feel a stigma around seeking help. It’s important to remember that these issues are not uncommon and there is no shame in getting help for them. Therapy is confidential, and women can talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Seeking therapy can be a courageous and liberating act, and an important step toward healing and recovery.