Attachment-based Psychologists and Therapists in Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
I help adults who feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns and find themselves asking, “Why does this keep happening?” They may struggle with closeness, boundaries, conflict, or feeling unseen in their relationships. Often, these challenges are rooted in attachment wounds that continue to shape how they connect today. Together, we uncover what’s underneath, so they can respond with clarity, build healthier relationships, and feel more secure in how they relate to others.
I help adults who feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns and find themselves asking, “Why does this keep happening?” They may struggle with closeness, boundaries, conflict, or feeling unseen in their relationships. Often, these challenges are rooted in attachment wounds that continue to shape how they connect today. Together, we uncover what’s underneath, so they can respond with clarity, build healthier relationships, and feel more secure in how they relate to others.
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.
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.
Please Contact Me Via Email Not Phone
Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm a trans non-binary and multiple neurodivergent Supervisor, Creative/Experiential Therapist and Counsellor with a lived experience of chronic illness. I have white Anglophone privilege and settler privilege. I experience marginalisation due to living in cisgenderist, binary, neurotypical-centred society. I am very passionate about disability rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. I am vegan and love animals. My core values; connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, community, liberation and autonomy
Please Contact Me Via Email Not Phone
Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm a trans non-binary and multiple neurodivergent Supervisor, Creative/Experiential Therapist and Counsellor with a lived experience of chronic illness. I have white Anglophone privilege and settler privilege. I experience marginalisation due to living in cisgenderist, binary, neurotypical-centred society. I am very passionate about disability rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. I am vegan and love animals. My core values; connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, community, liberation and autonomy
Individually tailored sessions to help each person improve their mental health. Flexible, supportive help to grow and change for the better. Kim has worked within the NDIS framework with complex clients and utilises a variety of techniques to give you strategies and insight towards improved mental health. With an interest in trauma, Kim utilises EMDR as well as a variety of frameworks.. As well as rooms and online options, Kim will walk and talk and in some circumstances, travel to clients.
Individually tailored sessions to help each person improve their mental health. Flexible, supportive help to grow and change for the better. Kim has worked within the NDIS framework with complex clients and utilises a variety of techniques to give you strategies and insight towards improved mental health. With an interest in trauma, Kim utilises EMDR as well as a variety of frameworks.. As well as rooms and online options, Kim will walk and talk and in some circumstances, travel to clients.
Your well-being is my priority and I am dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences without judgement. I understand that seeking counselling is a deeply personal decision and I respect and honour the trust you place in me by providing compassionate support tailored to your personal needs. I primarily support adult women navigating life’s challenges, and also work with adolescents (12+) through to older adults.
Your well-being is my priority and I am dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences without judgement. I understand that seeking counselling is a deeply personal decision and I respect and honour the trust you place in me by providing compassionate support tailored to your personal needs. I primarily support adult women navigating life’s challenges, and also work with adolescents (12+) through to older adults.
Rebecca is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working in multiple public mental health services and private clinics to support vulnerable young people and their families presenting with complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Rebecca was recently working as a Senior Psychologist at Alfred Health Child and Youth Mental Health Service before opening up her own independent practice in East Brighton. Rebecca provides therapy to children, young people and adults as well as provides clinical supervision to Psychologists.
Rebecca is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working in multiple public mental health services and private clinics to support vulnerable young people and their families presenting with complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Rebecca was recently working as a Senior Psychologist at Alfred Health Child and Youth Mental Health Service before opening up her own independent practice in East Brighton. Rebecca provides therapy to children, young people and adults as well as provides clinical supervision to Psychologists.
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse affirming (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse affirming (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
If you're an adolescent or woman feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in unresolved past experiences, you're not alone. You might be exhausted by the internal chaos, constantly battling big emotions, or struggling to silence that critical inner voice. You want to feel grounded, confident, and free from the pasts' grip. You yearn to understand your emotions better, to stop feeling like 'too much', or 'not enough', and to genuinely feel at peace within yourself, finally embracing all the parts that you, you.
If you're an adolescent or woman feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in unresolved past experiences, you're not alone. You might be exhausted by the internal chaos, constantly battling big emotions, or struggling to silence that critical inner voice. You want to feel grounded, confident, and free from the pasts' grip. You yearn to understand your emotions better, to stop feeling like 'too much', or 'not enough', and to genuinely feel at peace within yourself, finally embracing all the parts that you, you.
Sexual or relationship concerns can be difficult to talk about and may negatively impact our emotional well-being and mental health. Often people tell me they have not felt comfortable discussing sexuality with other therapists and seek me out to explore issues of concern without judgement. As an accredited psychosexual therapist and mental health social worker I have worked for nearly 30 years supporting people to improve their sexual and interpersonal relationships, manage depression, anxiety, low self esteem, body image issues, sexual pleasure post trauma, grief, loss, communication difficulties and other concerns.
Sexual or relationship concerns can be difficult to talk about and may negatively impact our emotional well-being and mental health. Often people tell me they have not felt comfortable discussing sexuality with other therapists and seek me out to explore issues of concern without judgement. As an accredited psychosexual therapist and mental health social worker I have worked for nearly 30 years supporting people to improve their sexual and interpersonal relationships, manage depression, anxiety, low self esteem, body image issues, sexual pleasure post trauma, grief, loss, communication difficulties and other concerns.
Kate O'Brien - EMDR and Trauma Psychologist
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Gardenvale, VIC 3185
Healing doesn’t have to be hard - or done alone.
At Embrace Trauma Therapy, I believe therapy is not about fixing you, but about getting to know yourself more fully and discovering new ways of coping. My approach honours your life experiences and the ways your mind and body have adapted to survive.
I work collaboratively, with you at the centre of the process as the expert in your own experience. I aim to walk alongside you as a supportive guide, offering care, knowledge, and strategies for grounding and nervous system regulation along the way.
Healing doesn’t have to be hard - or done alone.
At Embrace Trauma Therapy, I believe therapy is not about fixing you, but about getting to know yourself more fully and discovering new ways of coping. My approach honours your life experiences and the ways your mind and body have adapted to survive.
I work collaboratively, with you at the centre of the process as the expert in your own experience. I aim to walk alongside you as a supportive guide, offering care, knowledge, and strategies for grounding and nervous system regulation along the way.
I am a psychologist who works with children, youth and adults. I work collaboratively with families and individuals to support and facilitate change. I bring a person focused, strengths-based and empathetic approach to the therapeutic relationship.
I am a psychologist who works with children, youth and adults. I work collaboratively with families and individuals to support and facilitate change. I bring a person focused, strengths-based and empathetic approach to the therapeutic relationship.
You might be feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to bridge the gap between you and your partner—or even within yourself. My clients often seek support for communication issues, intimacy struggles, life transitions, infidelity, or neurodiverse dynamics. You may be longing for more clarity, connection, or emotional safety. Whether you come individually or as a couple, I help you explore your inner world, understand patterns, and move toward more authentic, compassionate relationships—with others and yourself.
You might be feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to bridge the gap between you and your partner—or even within yourself. My clients often seek support for communication issues, intimacy struggles, life transitions, infidelity, or neurodiverse dynamics. You may be longing for more clarity, connection, or emotional safety. Whether you come individually or as a couple, I help you explore your inner world, understand patterns, and move toward more authentic, compassionate relationships—with others and yourself.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but at the heart of therapy is connection - and that’s what I try my best to prioritise in our sessions. I believe therapy shouldn’t feel clinical or detached; it should feel like a conversation with someone who truly sees you. I work specifically with young adults aged 18 - 35, and I have a special interest in working with trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, young adults who are experiencing family and relationship difficulties, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people who are experiencing identity struggles or those just feeling "stuck".
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but at the heart of therapy is connection - and that’s what I try my best to prioritise in our sessions. I believe therapy shouldn’t feel clinical or detached; it should feel like a conversation with someone who truly sees you. I work specifically with young adults aged 18 - 35, and I have a special interest in working with trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, young adults who are experiencing family and relationship difficulties, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people who are experiencing identity struggles or those just feeling "stuck".
Hi! I'm a psychotherapist dedicated to helping people to achieve lasting change and growth. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and supportive, providing a space for you to explore and experience whatever has been unmanageable alone. Whether you're feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, dealing with grief or loss, wanting to make positive changes, or discover your strengths, I will work collaboratively with you. I take an integrative approach, and care about every facet of your wellbeing. Nothing is irrelevant, and nothing is too silly or strange to express.
Hi! I'm a psychotherapist dedicated to helping people to achieve lasting change and growth. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and supportive, providing a space for you to explore and experience whatever has been unmanageable alone. Whether you're feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, dealing with grief or loss, wanting to make positive changes, or discover your strengths, I will work collaboratively with you. I take an integrative approach, and care about every facet of your wellbeing. Nothing is irrelevant, and nothing is too silly or strange to express.
At different stages in our lives we are thrown many curved balls. How do we cope when they come our way? Sometimes we might feel completely unable to find a way through. We may become overwhelmed and so distressed we cannot think and get stuck in negative patterns. Our sleeping, drinking and eating patterns may start to change. Our family relationships may become more difficult. We might be angry, more conflictual or want to withdraw and hide. At times like this it can help to have someone non-judgmental, compassionate and completely impartial to support us find a way through and help us develop some essential survival skills.
At different stages in our lives we are thrown many curved balls. How do we cope when they come our way? Sometimes we might feel completely unable to find a way through. We may become overwhelmed and so distressed we cannot think and get stuck in negative patterns. Our sleeping, drinking and eating patterns may start to change. Our family relationships may become more difficult. We might be angry, more conflictual or want to withdraw and hide. At times like this it can help to have someone non-judgmental, compassionate and completely impartial to support us find a way through and help us develop some essential survival skills.
Hi, I'm Julie, and if you're struggling at the moment and in need of support, please do not hesitate to make an enquiry via email (I will reply within 24 hours). Appointments available within 1-3 weeks. After hours and Telehealth appointments available. Adults 18+ only. I do not work with Workcover, TAC, DVA or NDIS. You can see me privately or via a Treatment Plan from your GP. Whether it's anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addiction, trauma, self-esteem or grief, I would welcome the opportunity to build a safe, kind and supportive space with you to explore your experiences, feelings and challenges.
Hi, I'm Julie, and if you're struggling at the moment and in need of support, please do not hesitate to make an enquiry via email (I will reply within 24 hours). Appointments available within 1-3 weeks. After hours and Telehealth appointments available. Adults 18+ only. I do not work with Workcover, TAC, DVA or NDIS. You can see me privately or via a Treatment Plan from your GP. Whether it's anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addiction, trauma, self-esteem or grief, I would welcome the opportunity to build a safe, kind and supportive space with you to explore your experiences, feelings and challenges.
Louis is an integrative psychotherapist who offers ongoing individual psychotherapy to people of all kinds. They specialise in working with LGBTQIA+ people and their families, people in non-normative relationships, workers in the sex industry, and others whose experiences of marginalisation have affected their mental health and access to affirmative treatment. They are passionate about exploring the intersections of individual mental health and systemic forces, and helping clients to find congruent and meaningful ways of understanding their experiences and navigating the world.
Louis is an integrative psychotherapist who offers ongoing individual psychotherapy to people of all kinds. They specialise in working with LGBTQIA+ people and their families, people in non-normative relationships, workers in the sex industry, and others whose experiences of marginalisation have affected their mental health and access to affirmative treatment. They are passionate about exploring the intersections of individual mental health and systemic forces, and helping clients to find congruent and meaningful ways of understanding their experiences and navigating the world.
Anthony is a Youth, Family, Couples & EMDR Psychologist, and the Director of Systemic Psychology. Clinically, Anthony frequently works with young people, couples, families and individuals experiencing a range of mental health issues. Professionally, Anthony has worked in private practice, schools, local government, consulting and currently as a postgraduate lecturer at The University of Melbourne.
Anthony is a Youth, Family, Couples & EMDR Psychologist, and the Director of Systemic Psychology. Clinically, Anthony frequently works with young people, couples, families and individuals experiencing a range of mental health issues. Professionally, Anthony has worked in private practice, schools, local government, consulting and currently as a postgraduate lecturer at The University of Melbourne.
I primarily support women and LGBTQIA+ adults with anxiety, low mood, disconnection, avoidance, relationship challenges, and grief. I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent people and those experiencing difficult family dynamics, chronic illness or invisible loss. You might find yourself constantly worrying, struggling with difficult emotions, or feeling unsure how to move forward. Together we work to understand these patterns within the context of your life and the systems around you, building greater self-understanding and finding ways of living and relating that feel more sustainable and empowering.
I primarily support women and LGBTQIA+ adults with anxiety, low mood, disconnection, avoidance, relationship challenges, and grief. I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent people and those experiencing difficult family dynamics, chronic illness or invisible loss. You might find yourself constantly worrying, struggling with difficult emotions, or feeling unsure how to move forward. Together we work to understand these patterns within the context of your life and the systems around you, building greater self-understanding and finding ways of living and relating that feel more sustainable and empowering.
Hello! I'm an accredited psychotherapist with years of experience working with people seeking emotional and spiritual clarity. I hope to help you with your challenges. My clients report that I am warm, insightful, and gently funny. Where needed, we can also work together to heal from hurts and trauma from the past. Through my background in meditation and Zen inquiry we can also connect deeply to questions about who you are, and what it is to trust life authentically.
Hello! I'm an accredited psychotherapist with years of experience working with people seeking emotional and spiritual clarity. I hope to help you with your challenges. My clients report that I am warm, insightful, and gently funny. Where needed, we can also work together to heal from hurts and trauma from the past. Through my background in meditation and Zen inquiry we can also connect deeply to questions about who you are, and what it is to trust life authentically.
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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.