Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Kensington, VIC

Photo of Silvia Violante Cumpa, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Silvia Violante Cumpa
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Kensington, VIC 3031
I utilise therapeutic modalities such as ACT, CBT, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy.
Welcome! My name is Silvia and I use she/her pronouns. I'm a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist in private practice in Melbourne's inner north-west. I am able to provide sessions in English and Spanish. I have a strong interest in providing a reflective and safe space where people can learn to manage difficult thoughts and feelings through sustainable skills and wellbeing practices. I enjoy working in a way that you have some direction and practical strategies that also allows you to go at your own pace.
I utilise therapeutic modalities such as ACT, CBT, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy.
Welcome! My name is Silvia and I use she/her pronouns. I'm a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist in private practice in Melbourne's inner north-west. I am able to provide sessions in English and Spanish. I have a strong interest in providing a reflective and safe space where people can learn to manage difficult thoughts and feelings through sustainable skills and wellbeing practices. I enjoy working in a way that you have some direction and practical strategies that also allows you to go at your own pace.
0451 554 556 View 0451 554 556
Photo of Kubra Koksal, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kubra Koksal
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kensington, VIC 3031
Kubra is a dedicated and passionate Clinical Psychologist with experience working in different public mental health settings, including inpatient, residential and community mental health services as well as specialised services in Perinatal Mental Health and Gynae-oncology. Outside of private practice, Kubra also works in a public hospital where she provides mental health support to people who are experiencing complex medical conditions.
Kubra is a dedicated and passionate Clinical Psychologist with experience working in different public mental health settings, including inpatient, residential and community mental health services as well as specialised services in Perinatal Mental Health and Gynae-oncology. Outside of private practice, Kubra also works in a public hospital where she provides mental health support to people who are experiencing complex medical conditions.
(03) 9376 1958 View (03) 9376 1958
Photo of Joon Choi - Macaulay Psychology Group, Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Macaulay Psychology Group
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kensington, VIC 3031
I provide a supportive, down-to-earth space while drawing on evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and EMDR.
My ideal client is someone navigating challenges such as anxiety, low mood, chronic pain, or life transitions, who feels stuck but is motivated to make change. They want clarity, coping strategies, and a sense of control over their life. Their goals may include improving relationships, building confidence, managing stress, or living more in line with their values. They seek a supportive, collaborative space to understand themselves better, develop practical tools, and create lasting change so they can move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
I provide a supportive, down-to-earth space while drawing on evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and EMDR.
My ideal client is someone navigating challenges such as anxiety, low mood, chronic pain, or life transitions, who feels stuck but is motivated to make change. They want clarity, coping strategies, and a sense of control over their life. Their goals may include improving relationships, building confidence, managing stress, or living more in line with their values. They seek a supportive, collaborative space to understand themselves better, develop practical tools, and create lasting change so they can move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
0410 415 793 View 0410 415 793
Photo of Melanie McInneny, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Melanie McInneny
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kensington, VIC 3031
To help clients achieve the change they are seeking, I use a range of treatment modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, exposure therapy, CBT-E (Eating Disorders) and MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults).
Hi! My name is Mel and I am a Clinical Psychologist with 12 years of experience. I enjoy working with individuals 13+ years presenting with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood difficulties, emotional difficulties, low self esteem, adjustment and life stressors, OCD, Phobias, burnout, work stress, trauma, PTSD and body image. I believe that we all have strengths that we draw upon and help us function in the world and it's our job to help you identify what these are and how to utilise them.
To help clients achieve the change they are seeking, I use a range of treatment modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, exposure therapy, CBT-E (Eating Disorders) and MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults).
Hi! My name is Mel and I am a Clinical Psychologist with 12 years of experience. I enjoy working with individuals 13+ years presenting with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood difficulties, emotional difficulties, low self esteem, adjustment and life stressors, OCD, Phobias, burnout, work stress, trauma, PTSD and body image. I believe that we all have strengths that we draw upon and help us function in the world and it's our job to help you identify what these are and how to utilise them.
(03) 8104 9955 View (03) 8104 9955
Photo of Laura Parker, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Laura Parker
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I use a range of modalities, CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches to support growth, wellbeing, and everyday challenges.
I provide neuroaffirming, evidence-based support for children and adolescents aged 8-17 through assessments and therapy. I work with clients navigating stress, anxiety, grief, school challenges, ADHD, autism, and specific learning disorders. I also offer educational support to schools and can provide assessments across the lifespan. My approach focuses on understanding strengths and supporting practical strategies to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
I use a range of modalities, CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches to support growth, wellbeing, and everyday challenges.
I provide neuroaffirming, evidence-based support for children and adolescents aged 8-17 through assessments and therapy. I work with clients navigating stress, anxiety, grief, school challenges, ADHD, autism, and specific learning disorders. I also offer educational support to schools and can provide assessments across the lifespan. My approach focuses on understanding strengths and supporting practical strategies to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
0493 396 893 View 0493 396 893
Photo of Kim Dang McDonald - Mind & Heart Grief Counselling, Occupational Therapist
Mind & Heart Grief Counselling
Occupational Therapist
Serves Area
Hello, I’m Kim Dang McDonald, an AHPRA-registered mental health occupational therapist. I support young people (12+) and adults experiencing grief and loss—whether through the death of a loved one or major life changes. I offer a gentle, compassionate space to help you feel understood and supported as you or your young person adjust to life after loss.
Hello, I’m Kim Dang McDonald, an AHPRA-registered mental health occupational therapist. I support young people (12+) and adults experiencing grief and loss—whether through the death of a loved one or major life changes. I offer a gentle, compassionate space to help you feel understood and supported as you or your young person adjust to life after loss.
0493 411 574 View 0493 411 574
Photo of Mona Taouk, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Mona Taouk
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I tailor my therapeutic approach to clients’ needs and draw from various evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and trauma-focused therapies.
I am passionate about supporting clients to understand early attachment patterns in adult relationships and process emotional experiences to gain agency of their choices and relationships. I have a special interest in working with trauma and across cultural settings and bring varied experience in this area.
I tailor my therapeutic approach to clients’ needs and draw from various evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and trauma-focused therapies.
I am passionate about supporting clients to understand early attachment patterns in adult relationships and process emotional experiences to gain agency of their choices and relationships. I have a special interest in working with trauma and across cultural settings and bring varied experience in this area.
(03) 7003 2739 View (03) 7003 2739
Photo of Mary Ta, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Mary Ta
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I mainly use ACT, EMDR, and CBT in my work.
I'm an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who's passionate about working with you in an engaging, collaborative, and compassionate way. Using evidence-based practices, I support individuals (aged 10 years and above) for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues - among other issues listed below.
I mainly use ACT, EMDR, and CBT in my work.
I'm an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who's passionate about working with you in an engaging, collaborative, and compassionate way. Using evidence-based practices, I support individuals (aged 10 years and above) for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues - among other issues listed below.
(03) 8566 7768 View (03) 8566 7768
Photo of Kim Singline, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Kim Singline
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I draw on EMDR, CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and somatic approaches.
I am a registered psychologist with experience in both therapeutic and corporate psychology. I provide empathetic, warm and holistic support to clients who are navigating life challenges, such as anxiety, low mood, managing chronic health conditions or pain, relationship problems, low self-esteem or self-worth, or managing transitions. Clients I work with often find themselves overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. I collaborate with them to re-establish a connection with themselves, identify their desires and needs, and together, we chart a course towards achieving those goals, and take it step by step.
I draw on EMDR, CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and somatic approaches.
I am a registered psychologist with experience in both therapeutic and corporate psychology. I provide empathetic, warm and holistic support to clients who are navigating life challenges, such as anxiety, low mood, managing chronic health conditions or pain, relationship problems, low self-esteem or self-worth, or managing transitions. Clients I work with often find themselves overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. I collaborate with them to re-establish a connection with themselves, identify their desires and needs, and together, we chart a course towards achieving those goals, and take it step by step.
(03) 7003 2531 View (03) 7003 2531
Photo of Sheshia Arellano - Transformative Therapy for Women, Counsellor, PACFA
Transformative Therapy for Women
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Transformative Therapy is a special sanctuary for women. This is a safe, trusting, and inclusive space for you to share your concerns, challenges or complex situations in confidence. Past experiences can impact our thoughts, our actions, and all our relationships. It can feel lonely in your world as you try to navigate through the confusion & challenges. As a counselling psychotherapist, I work closely beside you as we explore what it means to be you in your experience. I assist you through deep empathy in accessing your strengths & skills to begin transforming your life into one which is meaningful and fulfilling to you.
Transformative Therapy is a special sanctuary for women. This is a safe, trusting, and inclusive space for you to share your concerns, challenges or complex situations in confidence. Past experiences can impact our thoughts, our actions, and all our relationships. It can feel lonely in your world as you try to navigate through the confusion & challenges. As a counselling psychotherapist, I work closely beside you as we explore what it means to be you in your experience. I assist you through deep empathy in accessing your strengths & skills to begin transforming your life into one which is meaningful and fulfilling to you.
(03) 8686 8319 View (03) 8686 8319
Photo of Lidija Trpcevska - Bright Psych, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Bright Psych
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Bright Psych provides a comprehensive psychological service for adolescents and adults.
Bright Psych provides a comprehensive psychological service for adolescents and adults.
(03) 9068 6415 View (03) 9068 6415
Photo of Clarissa Wijaya, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Clarissa Wijaya
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As someone who had a lived experience of anxiety and depression, I understand that little things can easily overwhelm you. Simple things can feel difficult to do and expend massive nervous energy and effort. Which in turn, makes you feel drained and exhausted. Sometimes to feel better and in control, or even to overcome, you need a listening ear, someone to guide and empower you to make decisions, or encouragement to push through. Other times, you might need interventions for your mental health issues, I can certainly help you with that.
As someone who had a lived experience of anxiety and depression, I understand that little things can easily overwhelm you. Simple things can feel difficult to do and expend massive nervous energy and effort. Which in turn, makes you feel drained and exhausted. Sometimes to feel better and in control, or even to overcome, you need a listening ear, someone to guide and empower you to make decisions, or encouragement to push through. Other times, you might need interventions for your mental health issues, I can certainly help you with that.
(03) 8592 7055 View (03) 8592 7055
Photo of Sean Menere, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Sean Menere
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you think things could be better, you're probably right. It's hard to ignore that voice inside us that's looking for the right person to help us take the first steps. For those working through challenges, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, stress and anger management, relationship difficulties/divorce, major life transitions, trauma, abuse, grief and loss, illness and major injury, it helps to have someone who not only understands your situation, but has both the personal experience with what it takes to get to a place where 'better' is an option, combined with the professional expertise to get you there.
If you think things could be better, you're probably right. It's hard to ignore that voice inside us that's looking for the right person to help us take the first steps. For those working through challenges, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, stress and anger management, relationship difficulties/divorce, major life transitions, trauma, abuse, grief and loss, illness and major injury, it helps to have someone who not only understands your situation, but has both the personal experience with what it takes to get to a place where 'better' is an option, combined with the professional expertise to get you there.
(03) 9034 9085 View (03) 9034 9085
Photo of Amy Maughan, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Amy Maughan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
New Clients Welcome! I believe passionately in being flexible, tailoring sessions, supporting personal development, growth, and insight with evidence based practices. My work is informed by mindfulness, attachment theory, schema therapy, family systems theory, and science. High achievers can appear to be fine on the outside but harbour problems on the inside that they know are impacting their personal lives. Therapy is a safe space to address subtle, chronic, and even complex mental health concerns. Many clients can recognise patterns in their mental health.
New Clients Welcome! I believe passionately in being flexible, tailoring sessions, supporting personal development, growth, and insight with evidence based practices. My work is informed by mindfulness, attachment theory, schema therapy, family systems theory, and science. High achievers can appear to be fine on the outside but harbour problems on the inside that they know are impacting their personal lives. Therapy is a safe space to address subtle, chronic, and even complex mental health concerns. Many clients can recognise patterns in their mental health.
0481 832 091 View 0481 832 091
Photo of Vanessa Del Valle - Vanessa Del Valle from Wellness & Co., Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Vanessa Del Valle from Wellness & Co.
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Imagine feeling overwhelmed, lonely, unsupported, burdened by grief or mental health issues. These challenges can leave you feeling lost and stuck in your current circumstances. The goal is to find hope, purpose, and a healthier life. Vanessa Del Valle at Wellness & Co. understands these struggles and provides the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
Imagine feeling overwhelmed, lonely, unsupported, burdened by grief or mental health issues. These challenges can leave you feeling lost and stuck in your current circumstances. The goal is to find hope, purpose, and a healthier life. Vanessa Del Valle at Wellness & Co. understands these struggles and provides the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
(03) 7003 2935 View (03) 7003 2935
Photo of Rebekah Izzard - Northern Clinical Psychology , Psychologist, PsyBA General
Northern Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
My aim is to support individuals to go beyond just coping and survival. Using an integration of evidence-based, trauma-informed, diversity-affirming therapies, I work with clients to move deeper into the vulnerabilities, fears, and pain that sit underneath the surface. My special areas of interests are twofold; I work with neurodivergent adults (ADHD and/or autistic), and clients in the perinatal phase of life, including pregnancy, fertility struggles, pregnancy loss/termination, birth trauma, postnatal mental health and adjustment, parenting, as well as grief and loss. I also work with clients going through the IVF process.
My aim is to support individuals to go beyond just coping and survival. Using an integration of evidence-based, trauma-informed, diversity-affirming therapies, I work with clients to move deeper into the vulnerabilities, fears, and pain that sit underneath the surface. My special areas of interests are twofold; I work with neurodivergent adults (ADHD and/or autistic), and clients in the perinatal phase of life, including pregnancy, fertility struggles, pregnancy loss/termination, birth trauma, postnatal mental health and adjustment, parenting, as well as grief and loss. I also work with clients going through the IVF process.
(03) 8338 4169 View (03) 8338 4169
Photo of Ryan McKenzie, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Ryan McKenzie
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Ryan draws from several therapeutic frameworks to support his clients, including ACT, EMDR and psychodynamic perspectives.
Ryan is experienced in supporting individuals with a range of concerns including trauma and stressor-related problems, anxiety, OCD, depression, and relationship issues
Ryan draws from several therapeutic frameworks to support his clients, including ACT, EMDR and psychodynamic perspectives.
Ryan is experienced in supporting individuals with a range of concerns including trauma and stressor-related problems, anxiety, OCD, depression, and relationship issues
View
Photo of Jo Lockart - Kind Heart Counselling , Social Worker, MA, AASW
Kind Heart Counselling
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Serves Area
I have trained in Motivational Interviewing (to assist with change) and ACT (a cognitive behavioural therapy modality).
As a feminist, trauma-informed therapist, I offer safe, compassionate and non-pathologising support for women (16+).If you’re carrying the impact of trauma—whether from sexual assault, childhood abuse, bullying, interpersonal violence or medical misogyny—I’m here to support you gently and compassionately. My practice specialises in complex childhood trauma and trauma caused by domestic, institutional or sexual abuse. My approach is grounded in care, collaboration and 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 self-trust.
I have trained in Motivational Interviewing (to assist with change) and ACT (a cognitive behavioural therapy modality).
As a feminist, trauma-informed therapist, I offer safe, compassionate and non-pathologising support for women (16+).If you’re carrying the impact of trauma—whether from sexual assault, childhood abuse, bullying, interpersonal violence or medical misogyny—I’m here to support you gently and compassionately. My practice specialises in complex childhood trauma and trauma caused by domestic, institutional or sexual abuse. My approach is grounded in care, collaboration and 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 self-trust.
(03) 9068 6218 View (03) 9068 6218
Photo of Anthony John Aris, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Anthony John Aris
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
I can understand that for many taking those first steps to seek professional help it can be quite daunting. I am mindful of the need therefore to set people at ease from the outset. I accommodate what differing clients are looking for from a psychologist ranging from finding solutions and learning strategies to process-oriented approaches that provide the opportunity to safely explore, understand, and heal the emotional pain that often underlies psychological stress and problematic behaviour.
I can understand that for many taking those first steps to seek professional help it can be quite daunting. I am mindful of the need therefore to set people at ease from the outset. I accommodate what differing clients are looking for from a psychologist ranging from finding solutions and learning strategies to process-oriented approaches that provide the opportunity to safely explore, understand, and heal the emotional pain that often underlies psychological stress and problematic behaviour.
(03) 7003 2771 View (03) 7003 2771
Photo of Dr Sandra Nguyen, Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
Dr Sandra Nguyen
Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
Online Only
Life can be very tough and stressful and sometimes we need some professional help. I am committed to the care of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, the elderly and couples. I strongly believe in the importance of a well-matched client-therapist relationship. I counsel people with a range of problems which includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, personal skills development and self-esteem. I have experience in conducting assessments and preparing reports for the courts and migration issues. I am also fluent in Vietnamese. I offer Telehealth and face to face counselling.
Life can be very tough and stressful and sometimes we need some professional help. I am committed to the care of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, the elderly and couples. I strongly believe in the importance of a well-matched client-therapist relationship. I counsel people with a range of problems which includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, personal skills development and self-esteem. I have experience in conducting assessments and preparing reports for the courts and migration issues. I am also fluent in Vietnamese. I offer Telehealth and face to face counselling.
(03) 9034 6057 View (03) 9034 6057
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists

How does acceptance and commitment therapy work?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages a person to listen to their self-talk. A person’s inner dialog can be indicative of how they treat themselves. ACT also encourages self-compassion; this can lead to a better understanding of negative thought patterns and emotional states. This understanding can then lead the individual to needed behavior change.

What are the goals of acceptance and commitment therapy?

The goal of acceptance and commitment is to expand a person’s psychological flexibility, a trait that encourages an individual to live in the present moment and to accept all their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, even ones that are difficult such as sadness and anxiety. In ACT, this acceptance is congruent with the individual’s values and beliefs.

Does acceptance and commitment therapy work for depression?

Acceptance and commitment therapy is effective for depression because it allows the individual to view their discomfort and suffering differently. Depressive feelings about relationship heartaches, for example, are a part of life. A despondent person learns to let go of their struggles and instead view their painful thoughts and feelings with compassion. This will lead the individual toward positive change.

How long are people typically in acceptance and commitment therapy?

A typical acceptance and commitment therapy session is 50 minutes long with one session per week. Treatment for common problems such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties can last between eight weeks to four months. However, more severe cases may require more than one session a week and/or a longer time frame for treatment.