Somatic Psychologists and Therapists in Footscray, VIC

Photo of Cindy Melksham, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Cindy Melksham
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Footscray, VIC 3011
My work supports people experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, and confidence challenges, integrating counselling with somatic techniques to support deeper and lasting change.
Clients often come to me feeling stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelmed by past experiences. Many struggle with performance anxiety, social anxiety, or confidence issues that affect school, work, relationships, or public speaking. I work with people who are ready to go beyond talk therapy to overcome their challenges and create opportunities. Using a trauma-informed, brain-body approach, including techniques such as Brainspotting and EFT tapping, I help teens and adults regulate their nervous system, process underlying experiences, and build lasting confidence so they can move forward with greater ease.
My work supports people experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, and confidence challenges, integrating counselling with somatic techniques to support deeper and lasting change.
Clients often come to me feeling stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelmed by past experiences. Many struggle with performance anxiety, social anxiety, or confidence issues that affect school, work, relationships, or public speaking. I work with people who are ready to go beyond talk therapy to overcome their challenges and create opportunities. Using a trauma-informed, brain-body approach, including techniques such as Brainspotting and EFT tapping, I help teens and adults regulate their nervous system, process underlying experiences, and build lasting confidence so they can move forward with greater ease.
0448 512 199 View 0448 512 199
Photo of Mish Kumar-Jonson, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Mish Kumar-Jonson
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Footscray, VIC 3011
I love using somatic therapies such as EMDR and trauma informed yoga to reconnect your mind and body in a way that brings healing.
I love supporting BIPOC, neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ folks to navigate through a range of traumas and distress such as intergenerational, personal or community traumas. People are often curious about how their body might hold onto emotions, feelings, memories or experiences and how these manifest in everyday interactions both internally and externally which I support them to explore. Folks who are a great fit for me are attempting to bring healing and understanding to difficult moments in their life in a way that allows space for peace and calm in both the body and mind
I love using somatic therapies such as EMDR and trauma informed yoga to reconnect your mind and body in a way that brings healing.
I love supporting BIPOC, neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ folks to navigate through a range of traumas and distress such as intergenerational, personal or community traumas. People are often curious about how their body might hold onto emotions, feelings, memories or experiences and how these manifest in everyday interactions both internally and externally which I support them to explore. Folks who are a great fit for me are attempting to bring healing and understanding to difficult moments in their life in a way that allows space for peace and calm in both the body and mind
(03) 8592 7434 View (03) 8592 7434
Photo of Sophie Manente, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Sophie Manente
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Footscray, VIC 3011
I work with my clients in a human, down to earth way. I see us as two people working together to find what will help make things better for you. We'll look at more than just your symptoms; we'll look at your life experiences, your relationships, your family & ancestral history, social & environmental systems around you, and how your body is responding to all of this. I tend to work deeply and do more than just teach you strategies. I am interested in supporting you to get to the root cause of things, because I believe that is where we find liberation and self-compassion.
I work with my clients in a human, down to earth way. I see us as two people working together to find what will help make things better for you. We'll look at more than just your symptoms; we'll look at your life experiences, your relationships, your family & ancestral history, social & environmental systems around you, and how your body is responding to all of this. I tend to work deeply and do more than just teach you strategies. I am interested in supporting you to get to the root cause of things, because I believe that is where we find liberation and self-compassion.
(03) 4505 2412 View (03) 4505 2412
Photo of Samantha Fredericks, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Samantha Fredericks
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Footscray, VIC 3011
I am a general psychologist with an MBA and have diverse experience in clinical and business settings. I work one-on-one with adults and adolescents with anxiety and panic disorders, depression, overwhelm, attention deficits, trauma, PTSD and complex presentations. I believe that we experience psychological distress when there’s a disconnect between where we find ourselves in our lives and relationships right now, what has happened to us in the past, and what we worry may happen in the future.
I am a general psychologist with an MBA and have diverse experience in clinical and business settings. I work one-on-one with adults and adolescents with anxiety and panic disorders, depression, overwhelm, attention deficits, trauma, PTSD and complex presentations. I believe that we experience psychological distress when there’s a disconnect between where we find ourselves in our lives and relationships right now, what has happened to us in the past, and what we worry may happen in the future.
(03) 7020 2710 View (03) 7020 2710
Photo of Awombda Codd, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Awombda Codd
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Footscray, VIC 3011
Balancing challenge and support Awombda incorporates somatic experiencing, art therapy, DBT, strengths based approach and mindfulness into her practice
Awombda is a Gestalt relational psychotherapist who is passionate about change, choice and allowing space to grow. She has worked in the community sector for over 25 years in mental health, homelessness and drug and alcohol. Awombda has extensive experience working with anxiety and depression, PTSD, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties and substance use issues. Awombda has specialist expertise working with the LGBTIQ community. In addition to her practice Awombda has taught in the Graduate Art therapy program at Miecat and is currently on faculty at Gestalt Therapy Australia.
Balancing challenge and support Awombda incorporates somatic experiencing, art therapy, DBT, strengths based approach and mindfulness into her practice
Awombda is a Gestalt relational psychotherapist who is passionate about change, choice and allowing space to grow. She has worked in the community sector for over 25 years in mental health, homelessness and drug and alcohol. Awombda has extensive experience working with anxiety and depression, PTSD, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties and substance use issues. Awombda has specialist expertise working with the LGBTIQ community. In addition to her practice Awombda has taught in the Graduate Art therapy program at Miecat and is currently on faculty at Gestalt Therapy Australia.
(03) 8797 5391 View (03) 8797 5391
Photo of Alison Morris, Occupational Therapist
Alison Morris
Occupational Therapist
Footscray, VIC 3011
I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches but have a special interest in using somatic / sensory-based approaches alongside traditional talk therapies to support the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
I have extensive experience in supporting young people, adults and families with a wide range of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, PMDD, biopolar disorder, trauma, life transitions, and work-life balance. This includes individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and people who identify as gender diverse or neurodivergent.
I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches but have a special interest in using somatic / sensory-based approaches alongside traditional talk therapies to support the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
I have extensive experience in supporting young people, adults and families with a wide range of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, PMDD, biopolar disorder, trauma, life transitions, and work-life balance. This includes individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and people who identify as gender diverse or neurodivergent.
(03) 8338 1491 View (03) 8338 1491
Photo of Daniel Di Pietro, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Daniel Di Pietro
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Footscray, VIC 3011
Daniel is a sexologist and psychotherapist who enjoys working empathically and collaboratively with individuals and partnerships of all cultural, gender, and sexual identities to provide support for their sexological needs. He specialises in working with sexological presentations around male sexual health, sexual and gender identity, intimacy, pleasure, desire discrepancy, kink and fetish-related behaviours, sexual functioning and relational challenges. Taking a non-judgmental and holistic approach, he assists his clients by providing tools to access their potential in overcoming the difficulties faced in their lives.
Daniel is a sexologist and psychotherapist who enjoys working empathically and collaboratively with individuals and partnerships of all cultural, gender, and sexual identities to provide support for their sexological needs. He specialises in working with sexological presentations around male sexual health, sexual and gender identity, intimacy, pleasure, desire discrepancy, kink and fetish-related behaviours, sexual functioning and relational challenges. Taking a non-judgmental and holistic approach, he assists his clients by providing tools to access their potential in overcoming the difficulties faced in their lives.
(03) 7003 2160 View (03) 7003 2160
Photo of Dr Arran Rose, Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
Dr Arran Rose
Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
Online Only
I am a clinical and forensic psychologist and supervisor who is dedicated to providing the best possible support to my clients across a range of settings. I provide both couples counselling and individual therapy and work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, substance use issues, grief and relationship issues, as well as with people who are neurodivergent. I take a collaborative and evidence based approach with my clients to ensure we acheive the best possible outcomes.
I am a clinical and forensic psychologist and supervisor who is dedicated to providing the best possible support to my clients across a range of settings. I provide both couples counselling and individual therapy and work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, substance use issues, grief and relationship issues, as well as with people who are neurodivergent. I take a collaborative and evidence based approach with my clients to ensure we acheive the best possible outcomes.
(03) 9344 1573 View (03) 9344 1573
Photo of Jess Mackenzie, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Jess Mackenzie
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Serves Area
Jess offers individual counselling, couples counselling and supervision. She is welcoming and friendly and recognises the importance of building a therapeutic relationship to which people can bring problems and issues without judgement. Jess understands that we all experience uncomfortable and unhelpful behaviours and feelings. With support and some gently challenging, these behaviours and feelings can start to shift.
Jess offers individual counselling, couples counselling and supervision. She is welcoming and friendly and recognises the importance of building a therapeutic relationship to which people can bring problems and issues without judgement. Jess understands that we all experience uncomfortable and unhelpful behaviours and feelings. With support and some gently challenging, these behaviours and feelings can start to shift.
(03) 8372 0590 View (03) 8372 0590
Photo of Monique Toohey, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Monique Toohey
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I have been providing psychological services & counselling to adults for nearly 3 decades. I am also a Gottman informed couple's therapist. Clients who love working with me are often growth and values-oriented, because I am strength and strategy focussed. I am very passionate about my work and have 28 years of experience working to enhance social, emotional and relationship wellbeing with people from an array of cultural and religious backgrounds.
I have been providing psychological services & counselling to adults for nearly 3 decades. I am also a Gottman informed couple's therapist. Clients who love working with me are often growth and values-oriented, because I am strength and strategy focussed. I am very passionate about my work and have 28 years of experience working to enhance social, emotional and relationship wellbeing with people from an array of cultural and religious backgrounds.
(03) 9034 6163 View (03) 9034 6163
Photo of Isy Stoner - Somatic Psychotherapy Counselling with Isy Stoner, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Somatic Psychotherapy Counselling with Isy Stoner
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I integrate both talk-based and somatic therapy approaches so we can gain the wisdom of your body and how you feel, and also your understanding, reflection and awareness.
Isy supports client's in feeling more connected, safe and inspired. In therapy Isy will hold space for you, and accompany you to navigate finding more ease and contentment in the face of challenges, change and conflict. Isy aims to equip clients with embodied skills for wellbeing and resilience. Isy holds the intention that over time, client's might feel less need for regular individual therapy, and instead hopes to help them access a diverse network of support in their lives.
I integrate both talk-based and somatic therapy approaches so we can gain the wisdom of your body and how you feel, and also your understanding, reflection and awareness.
Isy supports client's in feeling more connected, safe and inspired. In therapy Isy will hold space for you, and accompany you to navigate finding more ease and contentment in the face of challenges, change and conflict. Isy aims to equip clients with embodied skills for wellbeing and resilience. Isy holds the intention that over time, client's might feel less need for regular individual therapy, and instead hopes to help them access a diverse network of support in their lives.
0433 532 932 View 0433 532 932
Photo of Nikki Black, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Nikki Black
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We might also explore breathwork and work with the parts of yourself that may be holding you back or Somatic based practices tailored to your needs.
Life can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling can help you navigate your way back to feeling better about life. I’m a compassionate counsellor with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I understand how overwhelming life’s challenges can be—whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, or any other personal issues. Taking that first step toward change is often the hardest, but with new strategies and support change is possible.
We might also explore breathwork and work with the parts of yourself that may be holding you back or Somatic based practices tailored to your needs.
Life can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling can help you navigate your way back to feeling better about life. I’m a compassionate counsellor with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I understand how overwhelming life’s challenges can be—whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, or any other personal issues. Taking that first step toward change is often the hardest, but with new strategies and support change is possible.
0461 467 981 View 0461 467 981
Photo of Eva Truong, Counsellor, PACFA
Eva Truong
Counsellor, PACFA
Online Only
My name is Eva Truong. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Life’s journey brings challenges, from ADHD and relationship struggles to grief, anxiety, depression, and aging-related concerns like dementia. In these moments, compassionate, person-centered therapy provides vital support. I offer a safe, strength-based space that empowers clients to build resilience and recovery. My goal is to foster healing, clarity, and hope through tailored therapeutic plans, helping clients navigate life’s complexities with confidence and inner peace.
My name is Eva Truong. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Life’s journey brings challenges, from ADHD and relationship struggles to grief, anxiety, depression, and aging-related concerns like dementia. In these moments, compassionate, person-centered therapy provides vital support. I offer a safe, strength-based space that empowers clients to build resilience and recovery. My goal is to foster healing, clarity, and hope through tailored therapeutic plans, helping clients navigate life’s complexities with confidence and inner peace.
(03) 7302 2563 View (03) 7302 2563
Photo of Makakhiwe N Masuku - Growing Small Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Growing Small Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach integrates somatic-based and internal family system practices, CBT tools, psychodynamic reflection, and expressive therapies.
Therapy with Growing Small Counselling is relational, respectful, and at your pace. Offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling experiences that honours where you’ve been and helps you explore where you’d like to go. Growing Small Counselling, works with individuals 18+, of all cultural and intersecting backgrounds.
My approach integrates somatic-based and internal family system practices, CBT tools, psychodynamic reflection, and expressive therapies.
Therapy with Growing Small Counselling is relational, respectful, and at your pace. Offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling experiences that honours where you’ve been and helps you explore where you’d like to go. Growing Small Counselling, works with individuals 18+, of all cultural and intersecting backgrounds.
(03) 7302 2184 View (03) 7302 2184
Photo of Tigist Kebede, MA
Tigist Kebede
Verified Verified
Serves Area
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 Amy Russell, Social Worker, AASW
Amy Russell
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Amy. I understand how exhausting it can feel to navigate a world not built with neurodivergent minds in mind. Masking, burnout, workplace challenges, grief, or the uncertainty of exploring Autism, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence can leave you feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or disconnected. I bring both lived experience, warmth and professional expertise to create a safe, affirming space. My approach is neuroaffirming, sensory-aware, and flexible, tailored to your needs, preferences, and pace. Together we can explore identity, build self-compassion, strengthen relationships, and develop practical strategies.
Hi, I’m Amy. I understand how exhausting it can feel to navigate a world not built with neurodivergent minds in mind. Masking, burnout, workplace challenges, grief, or the uncertainty of exploring Autism, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence can leave you feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or disconnected. I bring both lived experience, warmth and professional expertise to create a safe, affirming space. My approach is neuroaffirming, sensory-aware, and flexible, tailored to your needs, preferences, and pace. Together we can explore identity, build self-compassion, strengthen relationships, and develop practical strategies.
0437 437 432 View 0437 437 432
Photo of max p castle, Counsellor, ACA-L1
max p castle
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
I am influenced by narrative and somatic approaches to therapy, harm minimisation, and trauma-informed practice.
One of the miraculous things about being queer or trans is that our experiences do not fit in any box. Yet at times, we find ourselves isolated and uncertain, navigating our lives without a blueprint. Whether you are courageously working to heal troubled relationships with eating and food (including intersections with gender dysphoria or neurodivergence), navigating IVF, pregnancy or miscarriage as a queer person, working out non-normative relationship structures and transitions, or seeking to connect wiith what helps you to stay alive in this world, counselling with me is a safe and trusting space to reflect, heal and grow.
I am influenced by narrative and somatic approaches to therapy, harm minimisation, and trauma-informed practice.
One of the miraculous things about being queer or trans is that our experiences do not fit in any box. Yet at times, we find ourselves isolated and uncertain, navigating our lives without a blueprint. Whether you are courageously working to heal troubled relationships with eating and food (including intersections with gender dysphoria or neurodivergence), navigating IVF, pregnancy or miscarriage as a queer person, working out non-normative relationship structures and transitions, or seeking to connect wiith what helps you to stay alive in this world, counselling with me is a safe and trusting space to reflect, heal and grow.
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Photo of Arthur De Jesus, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Arthur De Jesus
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Thank you for viewing my profile! I'm a registered Clinical Psychologist who is committed to delivering personalised and effective psychological support with a compassionate and client-focused approach to therapy. My practice emphasises individual safety and empowerment within therapy sessions, practical interventions, and acknowledgment of each individual’s unique experiences. I primarily draw on attachment-based, trauma-informed, and cognitive-behavioural perspectives and use a holistic approach to therapy that incorporates thoughts, feelings, body/sensations, and behaviours towards positive outcomes.
Thank you for viewing my profile! I'm a registered Clinical Psychologist who is committed to delivering personalised and effective psychological support with a compassionate and client-focused approach to therapy. My practice emphasises individual safety and empowerment within therapy sessions, practical interventions, and acknowledgment of each individual’s unique experiences. I primarily draw on attachment-based, trauma-informed, and cognitive-behavioural perspectives and use a holistic approach to therapy that incorporates thoughts, feelings, body/sensations, and behaviours towards positive outcomes.
(03) 7003 2144 View (03) 7003 2144
Photo of Louise O'Dwyer, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Louise O'Dwyer
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I am a supportive, nurturing therapist helping people resolve anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, depression, the effects of trauma and many other difficulties and concerns. I love my work and I take great pleasure witnessing people strengthen their lives as they gain support and clarity. I am passionate about helping people deepen awareness, increase well-being and growth, and experience fulfilling lives.
I am a supportive, nurturing therapist helping people resolve anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, depression, the effects of trauma and many other difficulties and concerns. I love my work and I take great pleasure witnessing people strengthen their lives as they gain support and clarity. I am passionate about helping people deepen awareness, increase well-being and growth, and experience fulfilling lives.
(03) 9118 9082 View (03) 9118 9082
Photo of Chrissie Borg - Chrissie's Creative Therapies, Counsellor, MA, AThR
Chrissie's Creative Therapies
Counsellor, MA, AThR
Serves Area
We start individual or group arts therapy sessions, with a short guided meditation or self-regulation practices to settle into the space and bring your self into that present moment, as a way of creating space for our somatic, arts therapy session.
During sessions, we explore what is present for you through the use of various materials provided, which includes instruments, visual arts, dance and role play props, collaging, writing materials, clay, crafts, recyclable materials and more. We engage with these materials as part of the therapeutic relationship and arts therapy process.
We start individual or group arts therapy sessions, with a short guided meditation or self-regulation practices to settle into the space and bring your self into that present moment, as a way of creating space for our somatic, arts therapy session.
During sessions, we explore what is present for you through the use of various materials provided, which includes instruments, visual arts, dance and role play props, collaging, writing materials, clay, crafts, recyclable materials and more. We engage with these materials as part of the therapeutic relationship and arts therapy process.
(03) 9007 2072 View (03) 9007 2072

See more therapy options for Footscray

Somatic Therapists
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.