Women's Issues Counselling in Kensington, VIC

Hello, I offer inclusive counselling for young people, adults, couples and families who are dealing with difficult transitions, relationship challenges and identity changes, or struggling with loss, grief and unresolved trauma. With professional and lived experience among a range of diverse communities, I understand that adjusting to these events can be complicated, and even more distressing without the right kind of emotional support. It can lead us to question our journey and undermine our ability to move forward in our lives. Together we can explore whatever is happening for you in a culturally safe and trauma-informed way.

I have a strong interest in cultivating culturally responsive and accessible practices in my work and in the wider mental health industry. I focus on cultivating strong therapeutic relationships with clients from different age groups, cultural and neurodivergent backgrounds through using collaborative intersectional frameworks and maintaining authenticity, empathy, and curiosity in the counselling space with a focus on CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy and more, using multiple modalities as and when needed by my clients. If this holistic approach aligns with you, please reach out and we can address any hesitations or questions you may have.

Typically, my clients have been to therapy many times before, but don't quite get to the bottom of their problems. They have tried the traditional methods of therapy that promote coping, but feel disheartened when they inevitably fall back into their old habits. Often they appear fine on the outside, but every day is a struggle. There is a big feeling of stuckness, or that 'something isn't right'. It's often hard to say exactly what is wrong. The words 'anxiety' and 'depression' don't seem to properly explain things. There may be a history of bad relationships, or struggling to accept love. Despite all this, they haven't given up.

I am a registered psychologist specialising in individual therapy for women facing various mental health challenges. With a particular interest in relational trauma, attachment issues, anxiety and addiction, I tap into clients' inner strengths to facilitate healing. My clients often present with goals to reconnect with themselves, develop skills in attunement, process and heal traumatic experiences, and dismantle unhelpful thoughts, habits and beliefs about themselves and the world. Addressing these processes are targeted to create meaning, enhance self-esteem, and ultimately improve quality of life.

I know how daunting it can be to ask for help when you are struggling, but therapy can also be a highly rewarding and empowering experience. I'm here to listen and to help you manage difficult feelings as we work towards your goals together. I work with a variety of clients, and focus on helping those who are struggling with major life transitions. Many of the clients I work with are pregnant, or in the postnatal period, or are dealing with the demands of early parenting. Others may have lost someone close, or are going through a divorce or experiencing family conflict. The good news is that therapy can help with these issues.

My passion lies in helping individuals identify their innate strengths as they strive to develop the resilience and skills that will support them in shaping their lives and making meaningful changes. My treatment approach strongly aligns with the ethos of Open Minds Studio, where I collaborate with clients to establish goals, uncover their strengths, and understand their care needs and values. I specialise in supporting a wide range of presentations including mood disorders, women’s health difficulties, adjustment challenges, and neurodivergence in both adults and children.

Angela is a health psychologist who is passionate about providing high quality, evidence-based treatment. She supports clients who experience a range of issues including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, and substance use issues. Additionally, Angela has an interest in women's health including issues relating to pregnancy and menopause.

My name is Apurva Nargundkar, I am the director and principal psychologist at Luminare Psychology. I am passionate about working with adults presenting with a range of issues, particularly with anxiety, LGBTQIA+/gender diversity, women's mental health, Culturally and Linguistically Diversity (CALD) issues, and intersectional experiences (i.e. those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community while navigating cultural or religious pressure). I offer a safe space for my clients to explore their issues without judgement.

I am a warm, empathic and open-minded Psychologist who has worked with clients from a variety of cultures, particularly in European and Middle Eastern cultures. My strength is my ability to engage with people in a non-judgemental manner, and to create a safe environment that will foster a collaborative and integrative relationship with my clients. I assists clients in identifying and exploring issues that are contributing to their presenting symptomatology.

Mirjam has a passion to help her clients overcome difficult obstacles as well as identifying strengths and finding unexpected sources of resilience to improve their overall quality of life. She has a gentle compassionate approach to her clients. Mirjam believes it is crucial to understand every client’s values and goals to help develop a therapeutic relationship as a safe base to explore their individual problems in a relaxed atmosphere.