Adoption Counselling in Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC

Photo of Caroline Spiers, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Caroline Spiers
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Heidelberg, VIC 3084  (Online Only)
ACA (Australian Counsellors Assoc) and BACP (British Association Counsellors and Psychotherapists) accredited. I believe in truly listening and helping to guide people according to their individual history with an emphasis on non-judgement, building strengths and empathic responding. I have worked for 20+ years with people affected by a wide range of issues, trauma and mental health challenges with specific experience supporting people affected by adoption (I have lived experience as an adoptee and continue to work with adoptees), anxiety, depression, couples counselling, schizophrenia, addiction and trauma.
ACA (Australian Counsellors Assoc) and BACP (British Association Counsellors and Psychotherapists) accredited. I believe in truly listening and helping to guide people according to their individual history with an emphasis on non-judgement, building strengths and empathic responding. I have worked for 20+ years with people affected by a wide range of issues, trauma and mental health challenges with specific experience supporting people affected by adoption (I have lived experience as an adoptee and continue to work with adoptees), anxiety, depression, couples counselling, schizophrenia, addiction and trauma.
(03) 7003 2855 View (03) 7003 2855
Photo of Rishi Sharma - Indus Therapy Consulting, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rishi Sharma - Indus Therapy Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Balwyn, VIC 3103
AASW accredited Social Worker with experience working in foster care, parent support, substance use, adoption, family violence, forensics and mental health.
Finding yourself doing head miles, feeling hopeless or overwhelmed by recent changes in life? Ever feel that you are carrying the burden of the world on your shoulders since COVID came around? Do you no longer find joy in the things you used to enjoy or are unable to remember what life used to be like before COVID came around?Have you tried therapy before and didn’t feel understood? If you are a person of colour and struggle to find therapists who understand your culture, I hope to provide you with better service. Give us a call or leave an enquiry on the website and we will walk you through your journey to a better life.
AASW accredited Social Worker with experience working in foster care, parent support, substance use, adoption, family violence, forensics and mental health.
Finding yourself doing head miles, feeling hopeless or overwhelmed by recent changes in life? Ever feel that you are carrying the burden of the world on your shoulders since COVID came around? Do you no longer find joy in the things you used to enjoy or are unable to remember what life used to be like before COVID came around?Have you tried therapy before and didn’t feel understood? If you are a person of colour and struggle to find therapists who understand your culture, I hope to provide you with better service. Give us a call or leave an enquiry on the website and we will walk you through your journey to a better life.
(03) 4159 4409 View (03) 4159 4409
Photo of Renee Hughes, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Seddon, VIC 3011
I have significant experience working in both health & mental health settings, premature infants, IVF, adoption, parent infant mental health programs, child protection, family violence & within the family court as a court expert.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Parent Infant Mental Health clinician and Family Report Writer with over 20 years experience working in the field. I work mostly with adults experiencing mental health issues and provide a safe space for people to work through their difficulties. My goal is to help people to understand themselves on a deeper level and have better functioning relationships and a happier life! I also write private reports for the Family Court (62G & Child Impact Reports) and can support and coach individuals going through this process.
I have significant experience working in both health & mental health settings, premature infants, IVF, adoption, parent infant mental health programs, child protection, family violence & within the family court as a court expert.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Parent Infant Mental Health clinician and Family Report Writer with over 20 years experience working in the field. I work mostly with adults experiencing mental health issues and provide a safe space for people to work through their difficulties. My goal is to help people to understand themselves on a deeper level and have better functioning relationships and a happier life! I also write private reports for the Family Court (62G & Child Impact Reports) and can support and coach individuals going through this process.
(03) 8595 4462 View (03) 8595 4462
Photo of Cheyne R Bull, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Cheyne R Bull
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brunswick, VIC 3056
I am a registered Psychologist who is passionate about creating safe and transformative therapeutic spaces where people will feel deeply heard and respected, and where together, we will work to facilitate healing, growth and purpose, always based on your individual needs, barriers, aspirations and experiences. My work is grounded in anti-oppressive principles, recognising that individual wellbeing is shaped by the society we live in, our own personal circumstances, and the intersecting identities with which we walk through the world.
I am a registered Psychologist who is passionate about creating safe and transformative therapeutic spaces where people will feel deeply heard and respected, and where together, we will work to facilitate healing, growth and purpose, always based on your individual needs, barriers, aspirations and experiences. My work is grounded in anti-oppressive principles, recognising that individual wellbeing is shaped by the society we live in, our own personal circumstances, and the intersecting identities with which we walk through the world.
(03) 9118 9090 View (03) 9118 9090
Photo of Lucy McCarthy, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Lucy McCarthy
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor I have experience working with many common issues and concerns (such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, work stress) as well as serious mental health difficulties (such as Depression, Anxiety, Self Harm and Suicidal Ideation). My particular areas of expertise are in the treatment of Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling. I have spent the past 15 years developing specialist knowledge and skills in connecting with clients who have found it difficult to connect with a therapist in the past to get the assistance they need.
As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor I have experience working with many common issues and concerns (such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, work stress) as well as serious mental health difficulties (such as Depression, Anxiety, Self Harm and Suicidal Ideation). My particular areas of expertise are in the treatment of Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling. I have spent the past 15 years developing specialist knowledge and skills in connecting with clients who have found it difficult to connect with a therapist in the past to get the assistance they need.
(03) 7500 5855 View (03) 7500 5855
Photo of Toula Filiadis, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Toula Filiadis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Highett, VIC 3190
For 20 years, Toula has had the opportunity of working with people who have maintained a commitment to their wellbeing by addressing challenging issues in their lives. Toula has had extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, adults and families across a range of settings including public mental health, school setting, Relationships Australia and private practice. Toula maintains a wholistic approach and believes that individuals and families are the experts of their own lives and values their contribution in counselling.
For 20 years, Toula has had the opportunity of working with people who have maintained a commitment to their wellbeing by addressing challenging issues in their lives. Toula has had extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, adults and families across a range of settings including public mental health, school setting, Relationships Australia and private practice. Toula maintains a wholistic approach and believes that individuals and families are the experts of their own lives and values their contribution in counselling.
(03) 6146 1713 View (03) 6146 1713
Photo of Sandra Ifrah, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Sandra Ifrah
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Sandra Ifrah is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing issues related to mental health. She is an experienced Psychologist with a family-focused approach where the client is provided with a safe, supportive and nurturing environment during sessions, and the family unit is very much a part of the journey to change.
Sandra Ifrah is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing issues related to mental health. She is an experienced Psychologist with a family-focused approach where the client is provided with a safe, supportive and nurturing environment during sessions, and the family unit is very much a part of the journey to change.
(03) 6144 6011 View (03) 6144 6011
Photo of Andrea Larkins - Andrea Larkins Psychology, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Andrea Larkins Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Brunswick, VIC 3056
I am a Counselling Psychologist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to adults of all ages from a diverse range of backgrounds. I am highly experienced in helping people with a wide range of emotional and interpersonal difficulties. I have a particular interest in helping people to develop a better understanding of themselves and of the barriers holding them back from greater fulfilment in life. In addition I help people to develop a better understanding of their difficulties in their relationships with others and to improve their relationship with themselves. To find out more: www.andrealarkinspsychology.com.au
I am a Counselling Psychologist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to adults of all ages from a diverse range of backgrounds. I am highly experienced in helping people with a wide range of emotional and interpersonal difficulties. I have a particular interest in helping people to develop a better understanding of themselves and of the barriers holding them back from greater fulfilment in life. In addition I help people to develop a better understanding of their difficulties in their relationships with others and to improve their relationship with themselves. To find out more: www.andrealarkinspsychology.com.au
(03) 9111 2688 View (03) 9111 2688
Photo of Veronica Ojeda Psychotherapist Life Coach, MPsych
Veronica Ojeda Psychotherapist Life Coach
MPsych
Verified Verified
Bonbeach, VIC 3196
For me is very important treat the person as an integral approach , looking after the inner world of the patients and how is the way can affect to their bodies, treating the psychosomatic illness. I try that the person be able to accomplish their projects, achieve their goals for physically and mentally wellness in the long term. For that I use all my knowledge and different learning techniques for more than 10 years of working with people in a confidentiallity ,respectful and trustful manners. My target is that the person achieve though the psychotherapy to be FREE, INDEPENDENT AND AUTONOMOUS.
For me is very important treat the person as an integral approach , looking after the inner world of the patients and how is the way can affect to their bodies, treating the psychosomatic illness. I try that the person be able to accomplish their projects, achieve their goals for physically and mentally wellness in the long term. For that I use all my knowledge and different learning techniques for more than 10 years of working with people in a confidentiallity ,respectful and trustful manners. My target is that the person achieve though the psychotherapy to be FREE, INDEPENDENT AND AUTONOMOUS.
(02) 4504 0125 View (02) 4504 0125
Photo of Sandra Pucci, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
Sandra Pucci
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Camberwell, VIC 3124
Sandra is an experienced bilingual clinical psychologist who sees different people from all walks of life, as circumstances bring many of us to therapy at different points or phases in life and for a variety of reasons. Sandra’s therapy setting provides a caring, not judgemental, supportive space where people can feel safe to express themselves and their inner feelings and where the person can have the experience to feel held in an accepting, respectful and empathetic way. This catharsis provides the individual with a freedom to unburden, relax and try to find a new stable foundation for a more fulfilling future and experiences.
Sandra is an experienced bilingual clinical psychologist who sees different people from all walks of life, as circumstances bring many of us to therapy at different points or phases in life and for a variety of reasons. Sandra’s therapy setting provides a caring, not judgemental, supportive space where people can feel safe to express themselves and their inner feelings and where the person can have the experience to feel held in an accepting, respectful and empathetic way. This catharsis provides the individual with a freedom to unburden, relax and try to find a new stable foundation for a more fulfilling future and experiences.
(03) 8797 5353 View (03) 8797 5353
Photo of Clarissa Martinez, MC, ACA-L4, Counsellor
Clarissa Martinez
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Brighton, VIC 3186
Hello you may have arrived here in search of support and clarity or to understand some issues that may have had a profound impact within your life. If you are looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move into a new direction in your life I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I predominantly work one on one with adults at my practice located in Brighton, www.ruclaptyltd.com. The services I provide is an integrative mixture of Kinesiology, Counselling and Neurofeedback therapy.
Hello you may have arrived here in search of support and clarity or to understand some issues that may have had a profound impact within your life. If you are looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move into a new direction in your life I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I predominantly work one on one with adults at my practice located in Brighton, www.ruclaptyltd.com. The services I provide is an integrative mixture of Kinesiology, Counselling and Neurofeedback therapy.
(03) 7003 2286 View (03) 7003 2286
Photo of Antonina Quinlan @ Child Play Therapy, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Antonina Quinlan @ Child Play Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Caulfield, VIC 3162
Being a passionate advocate for non-directive Child-Centred Play Therapy, an approach which is backed by neuroscience and is strictly evidence based, I specialise in working therapeutically with families of children of 2-10 years old to support their child towards their full potential. I recognise the importance of facilitating parents with their involvement in the child's therapy by helping them to become therapeutic agents for their children. I have a special interest integrating this in therapy with children on the Autism Spectrum and with other developmental issues.
Being a passionate advocate for non-directive Child-Centred Play Therapy, an approach which is backed by neuroscience and is strictly evidence based, I specialise in working therapeutically with families of children of 2-10 years old to support their child towards their full potential. I recognise the importance of facilitating parents with their involvement in the child's therapy by helping them to become therapeutic agents for their children. I have a special interest integrating this in therapy with children on the Autism Spectrum and with other developmental issues.
0498 177 243 View 0498 177 243
Photo of Ceara Nelson, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Ceara Nelson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Donvale, VIC 3111
I provide personalised evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy in a warm, collaborative and compassionate environment. I firmly believe that everyone has different goals for therapy and I tailor my approach to individual needs and preferences. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns such as anxiety and anxiety related disorders, depression, trauma, emotion regulation issues, relationship issues, grief and life transitions. I am experienced working with specific issues and mood disturbances that occur in the context of ASD and ADHD.
I provide personalised evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy in a warm, collaborative and compassionate environment. I firmly believe that everyone has different goals for therapy and I tailor my approach to individual needs and preferences. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns such as anxiety and anxiety related disorders, depression, trauma, emotion regulation issues, relationship issues, grief and life transitions. I am experienced working with specific issues and mood disturbances that occur in the context of ASD and ADHD.
(03) 7500 5332 View (03) 7500 5332
Photo of Corinne Mescher, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Corinne Mescher
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
I am an experienced psychologist who is interested in working therapeutically with adolescents and adults. I have extensive experience in working with clients from all walks of life and presenting with a wide range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, fears and phobias, parenting challenges, school refusal and autism/ADHD. I can also provide ADHD assessments.
I am an experienced psychologist who is interested in working therapeutically with adolescents and adults. I have extensive experience in working with clients from all walks of life and presenting with a wide range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, fears and phobias, parenting challenges, school refusal and autism/ADHD. I can also provide ADHD assessments.
(03) 9118 9089 View (03) 9118 9089
Photo of Rachel Kleinman, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Rachel Kleinman
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Brunswick, VIC 3056
You may feel overwhelmed by life struggles, painful losses or relationship issues. I work with you to acknowledge difficult and complex emotions and experiences, such as anger, anxiety, guilt and shame. Often people feel alone in the midst of losses and transitions - families, friends and communities aren't always able to provide solace and support. Sometimes a loss or change may feel unbearable. Being seen and heard by another person can create powerful potential for healing and change. I can also work with you on long-term family dynamics and relationship patterns that sometimes add to feelings of isolation.
You may feel overwhelmed by life struggles, painful losses or relationship issues. I work with you to acknowledge difficult and complex emotions and experiences, such as anger, anxiety, guilt and shame. Often people feel alone in the midst of losses and transitions - families, friends and communities aren't always able to provide solace and support. Sometimes a loss or change may feel unbearable. Being seen and heard by another person can create powerful potential for healing and change. I can also work with you on long-term family dynamics and relationship patterns that sometimes add to feelings of isolation.
(03) 8338 1110 View (03) 8338 1110
Photo of Anne Mills, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Anne Mills
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ivanhoe, VIC 3079
Anne's passion lies in helping people make positive meaningful change in their life. Working and supporting individuals from diverse communities has shaped my interest in helping people with life experiences or interpersonal issues that lead to emotional pain, distress or confusion. These issues could stem from trauma, personality patterns, anxiety, depression, difficulty with emotional regulation or experiencing loss and grief.
Anne's passion lies in helping people make positive meaningful change in their life. Working and supporting individuals from diverse communities has shaped my interest in helping people with life experiences or interpersonal issues that lead to emotional pain, distress or confusion. These issues could stem from trauma, personality patterns, anxiety, depression, difficulty with emotional regulation or experiencing loss and grief.
(03) 7003 2285 View (03) 7003 2285
Photo of Morgána Walker, Psychologist
Morgána Walker
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northcote, VIC 3070
As a generalist psychologist with many years experience, I am pleased to be able to open my books again after a long and difficult few years of the COVID pandemic. My practice is once again hoping to support individuals, groups and families to improve their mental health and achieve their best lives. I myself have extensive experience in private practice, educational and clinical facilities and can facilitate this growth. I am solution-focused, client-centred, practitioner committed to achieving best practice outcomes for each individual.
As a generalist psychologist with many years experience, I am pleased to be able to open my books again after a long and difficult few years of the COVID pandemic. My practice is once again hoping to support individuals, groups and families to improve their mental health and achieve their best lives. I myself have extensive experience in private practice, educational and clinical facilities and can facilitate this growth. I am solution-focused, client-centred, practitioner committed to achieving best practice outcomes for each individual.
(03) 9118 9084 View (03) 9118 9084
Photo of Anna Maxwell, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Anna Maxwell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Newport, VIC 3015
Anna is a registered psychologist and is passionate about helping adults and older adolescents to improve their happiness and wellbeing. Anna has experience working with parents and has facilitated early parenting and attachment-based group programs including Circle of Security and Keeping Your Child in Mind. Anna is committed to building strong, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with her clients. She believes in taking a gentle, person-centred approach so that each client feels heard and understood. Anna supports clients in developing their own insight, self-understanding, and self-compassion.
Anna is a registered psychologist and is passionate about helping adults and older adolescents to improve their happiness and wellbeing. Anna has experience working with parents and has facilitated early parenting and attachment-based group programs including Circle of Security and Keeping Your Child in Mind. Anna is committed to building strong, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with her clients. She believes in taking a gentle, person-centred approach so that each client feels heard and understood. Anna supports clients in developing their own insight, self-understanding, and self-compassion.
(03) 9000 0866 View (03) 9000 0866
Photo of Sarah Elliott, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
Specialising in high risk children, adolescents and young adults. Self harm, suicidality, complex trauma, relational trauma. Clinical family assessment and therapy. Anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorder, parenting challenges, online issues, separated families. Covid related anxiety.
Specialising in high risk children, adolescents and young adults. Self harm, suicidality, complex trauma, relational trauma. Clinical family assessment and therapy. Anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorder, parenting challenges, online issues, separated families. Covid related anxiety.
(03) 8771 4151 View (03) 8771 4151
Photo of Tori Brand - Brand Counselling Services, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Brand Counselling Services
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
I believe that loving one’s self is a prerequisite to loving others: our relationships with others are all mirrors of our relationship with ourselves. As a counsellor with over 15 years of experience, I understand that life can be challenging sometimes, and we can lose our way in it. I treat my clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional support, giving them the space and confidence that they need to walk through the pains of their growth and once again find their love for their true self.
I believe that loving one’s self is a prerequisite to loving others: our relationships with others are all mirrors of our relationship with ourselves. As a counsellor with over 15 years of experience, I understand that life can be challenging sometimes, and we can lose our way in it. I treat my clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional support, giving them the space and confidence that they need to walk through the pains of their growth and once again find their love for their true self.
(03) 7500 5808 View (03) 7500 5808

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Adoption Counsellors

Does my adopted child need therapy?

Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioural or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.

When should adoptive parents seek therapy?

Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioural, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.

Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?

Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.

What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?

A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.