Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Psychologists and Therapists in Knoxfield, VIC

Jess Ruschen
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Knoxfield, VIC 3180
I have a strengths based approach to therapy that is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and mindfulness-based interventions.
As a licensed professional counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am passionate about empowering people to prosper in life. I pride myself on building secure, comfortable connections with my clients, as I have seen over and over that a strong therapeutic relationship is the precursor to lasting growth. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a supportive, empathetic and non-judgmental setting.
I have a strengths based approach to therapy that is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and mindfulness-based interventions.
As a licensed professional counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am passionate about empowering people to prosper in life. I pride myself on building secure, comfortable connections with my clients, as I have seen over and over that a strong therapeutic relationship is the precursor to lasting growth. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a supportive, empathetic and non-judgmental setting.
(03) 8203 5015 View (03) 8203 5015
Chloe Giacomello Nicholas
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Knoxfield, VIC 3180
I use therapies like ACT to align actions with values, CBT for practical tools, and MBCT to enhance mindfulness.
No current waitlist - As your psychologist, my goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I believe that every person’s journey is unique, and I am committed to walking alongside you as we navigate life’s challenges together. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, working through trauma, or adjusting to life’s transitions, I’ll tailor my approach to meet your individual needs and goals.
I use therapies like ACT to align actions with values, CBT for practical tools, and MBCT to enhance mindfulness.
No current waitlist - As your psychologist, my goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I believe that every person’s journey is unique, and I am committed to walking alongside you as we navigate life’s challenges together. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, working through trauma, or adjusting to life’s transitions, I’ll tailor my approach to meet your individual needs and goals.
(03) 8203 5795 View (03) 8203 5795
Simone Hall
Counsellor, ACA-L2
2 Endorsed
Knoxfield, VIC 3180
As a counsellor my role is to create a safe space for you to explore the issues that you are dealing with in your life, to find understanding, peace and resolution. If you are experiencing frustration, anxiety, depression or trauma from the challenges of everyday life, loss, bereavement, the end of relationships, or abuse, I am comfortable sitting with you and quietly exploring the emotions and thoughts which arise. I intentionally keep my fees affordable, so that cost isn't a barrier for people to access help.
As a counsellor my role is to create a safe space for you to explore the issues that you are dealing with in your life, to find understanding, peace and resolution. If you are experiencing frustration, anxiety, depression or trauma from the challenges of everyday life, loss, bereavement, the end of relationships, or abuse, I am comfortable sitting with you and quietly exploring the emotions and thoughts which arise. I intentionally keep my fees affordable, so that cost isn't a barrier for people to access help.
(03) 5907 3917 View (03) 5907 3917
Peak Psychology Australia
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Nicole has experience delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Motivation Interviewing and Reminiscence Therapy.
Nicole is a warm and compassionate therapist who is dedicated to empowering clients to gain insight into their behaviour to improve their mental health and wellbeing. She is a very practical psychologist who customises her treatment to the individual client. Nicole has experience working with adolescents, young adults and older adults experiencing a range of social and emotional challenges, complex trauma and mental health difficulties. Her clinical area of interest includes mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma related issues and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Nicole has experience delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Motivation Interviewing and Reminiscence Therapy.
Nicole is a warm and compassionate therapist who is dedicated to empowering clients to gain insight into their behaviour to improve their mental health and wellbeing. She is a very practical psychologist who customises her treatment to the individual client. Nicole has experience working with adolescents, young adults and older adults experiencing a range of social and emotional challenges, complex trauma and mental health difficulties. Her clinical area of interest includes mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma related issues and post-traumatic stress disorder.
(03) 5905 7147 View (03) 5905 7147
Caroline Winzenried
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
I draw upon a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual's circumstances, including narrative therapy, interpersonal therapy, and ACT.
If you're struggling with shame, anxiety, or existential concerns related to your religious background (whether you have left your religious community or are still happily a part of it), I'm here to help you move forward. Religion plays a huge role shaping our understanding of ourselves, our values, and the world around us. It can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding journey to open these ideas up for examination. My goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive space to explore, deconstruct, and create new understandings that feel true to who you are.
I draw upon a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual's circumstances, including narrative therapy, interpersonal therapy, and ACT.
If you're struggling with shame, anxiety, or existential concerns related to your religious background (whether you have left your religious community or are still happily a part of it), I'm here to help you move forward. Religion plays a huge role shaping our understanding of ourselves, our values, and the world around us. It can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding journey to open these ideas up for examination. My goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive space to explore, deconstruct, and create new understandings that feel true to who you are.
(03) 8203 5069 View (03) 8203 5069
Solace Mind (Psychology) - Dania Ahmad
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Online Only
I draw on evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, DBT-informed strategies and trauma-informed care, tailoring therapy to your unique needs.
Hello and welcome. I'm Dania, a fully registered General Psychologist and founder of Solace Mind Psychology. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Aston University (UK), a Master of Counselling from Monash University, and I'm currently completing a Master of Clinical Psychology at Federation University to obtain endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. I work with clients aged 5 to 89, offer Australia-wide telehealth, ADHD assessments, and compassionate, evidence-based care in a warm, culturally inclusive environment.
I draw on evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, DBT-informed strategies and trauma-informed care, tailoring therapy to your unique needs.
Hello and welcome. I'm Dania, a fully registered General Psychologist and founder of Solace Mind Psychology. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Aston University (UK), a Master of Counselling from Monash University, and I'm currently completing a Master of Clinical Psychology at Federation University to obtain endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. I work with clients aged 5 to 89, offer Australia-wide telehealth, ADHD assessments, and compassionate, evidence-based care in a warm, culturally inclusive environment.
(03) 8771 4986 View (03) 8771 4986
Nicole Skermer
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
I enjoy working with adults 18+ experiencing Depression, Anxiety and Stress. You may feel like you are just surviving rather than thriving. I can help you understand where things are getting stuck for you, why those patterns might keep happening, and strategies to help you get more out of life.
I enjoy working with adults 18+ experiencing Depression, Anxiety and Stress. You may feel like you are just surviving rather than thriving. I can help you understand where things are getting stuck for you, why those patterns might keep happening, and strategies to help you get more out of life.
(03) 8203 5997 View (03) 8203 5997
Rowena Harris Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I use CBT and ACT ( Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and Hypnotherapy
I provide counselling support and guidance for adults experiencing mental health challenges, and those who have been diagnosed and newly diagnosed, with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Regarding ADHD, the impacts can be huge, upsetting and challenging in both personal and work life, with planning, organising, goal setting and focussing. Thus, gaining knowledge and understanding brings about awareness of how neurodivergent brains work and the need for both emotional and practical support being very important. It is all about how to work with your ADHD diagnosis and not against it.
I use CBT and ACT ( Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and Hypnotherapy
I provide counselling support and guidance for adults experiencing mental health challenges, and those who have been diagnosed and newly diagnosed, with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Regarding ADHD, the impacts can be huge, upsetting and challenging in both personal and work life, with planning, organising, goal setting and focussing. Thus, gaining knowledge and understanding brings about awareness of how neurodivergent brains work and the need for both emotional and practical support being very important. It is all about how to work with your ADHD diagnosis and not against it.
(03) 8203 5039 View (03) 8203 5039
Magdalen Ser
Social Worker, MSc, AMHSW
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Drawing on approaches including Deep Brain Reorienting (Level 3), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Interpersonal Therapy and Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback, I tailor therapy to the person rather than expecting the person to fit the therapy.
Have you spent years trying to understand yourself, yet still find yourself caught in the same emotional patterns or relationship difficulties? Perhaps you've gained valuable insight through previous therapy, yet something still feels stuck. When insight alone hasn't been been enough, it is often because the effects of trauma are reflected not only in how we think, but also in the protective ways our mind and nervous system have learned to respond.
Drawing on approaches including Deep Brain Reorienting (Level 3), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Interpersonal Therapy and Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback, I tailor therapy to the person rather than expecting the person to fit the therapy.
Have you spent years trying to understand yourself, yet still find yourself caught in the same emotional patterns or relationship difficulties? Perhaps you've gained valuable insight through previous therapy, yet something still feels stuck. When insight alone hasn't been been enough, it is often because the effects of trauma are reflected not only in how we think, but also in the protective ways our mind and nervous system have learned to respond.
(03) 9994 1795 View (03) 9994 1795
Autism Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Autism Counselling is a group of 6 experienced therapists who deliver specifically tailored sessions to suit children, teens, adults , couples and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families manage the specific challenges of ASD.
Autism Counselling is a group of 6 experienced therapists who deliver specifically tailored sessions to suit children, teens, adults , couples and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families manage the specific challenges of ASD.
(03) 9071 0181 View (03) 9071 0181
Jessica Ciarma
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I tailor treatment based on everyone's unique needs and feedback, but also incorporate practical strategies from evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, Interpersonal Therapy and Schema Therapy.
If you're feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed about studies, work, new changes, or about everyday life, please reach out. I'm a clinical psychologist with a special interest in treating anxiety (e.g. social anxiety, generalised anxiety), depression, and eating disorders (binge eating, bulimia, body image concerns). I also support new parents through pregnancy and postpartum. I enjoy helping my clients reach their goals and working towards improving their overall health and wellbeing, in a safe, empathic, and validating way.
I tailor treatment based on everyone's unique needs and feedback, but also incorporate practical strategies from evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, Interpersonal Therapy and Schema Therapy.
If you're feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed about studies, work, new changes, or about everyday life, please reach out. I'm a clinical psychologist with a special interest in treating anxiety (e.g. social anxiety, generalised anxiety), depression, and eating disorders (binge eating, bulimia, body image concerns). I also support new parents through pregnancy and postpartum. I enjoy helping my clients reach their goals and working towards improving their overall health and wellbeing, in a safe, empathic, and validating way.
(03) 7500 5039 View (03) 7500 5039
Heidi Chia - Northpoint Counselling
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Hello, I'm Heidi. I am a compassionate and collaborative counsellor and EMDR trained therapist. I strive to create a warm, safe and accepting space where adults and adolscents feel supported to make sense of their experiences, reconnect with their inner strengths, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.
Hello, I'm Heidi. I am a compassionate and collaborative counsellor and EMDR trained therapist. I strive to create a warm, safe and accepting space where adults and adolscents feel supported to make sense of their experiences, reconnect with their inner strengths, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.
(03) 8771 5393 View (03) 8771 5393
Kristy-Lee Powell
Counsellor, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Drawing from CBT, ACT, and evidence-informed relationship therapies, sessions are collaborative, practical, and supportive—helping you build insight, coping skills, and lasting change at your own pace.
Kristy supports adults, men, and couples navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, and feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Many clients come wanting clearer communication, stronger emotional regulation, and more confidence in themselves and their relationships. At Knox Mindfulness, our team offers practical strategies, insight, and a supportive space to feel heard and understood—helping clients build resilience, strengthen connections, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
Drawing from CBT, ACT, and evidence-informed relationship therapies, sessions are collaborative, practical, and supportive—helping you build insight, coping skills, and lasting change at your own pace.
Kristy supports adults, men, and couples navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, and feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Many clients come wanting clearer communication, stronger emotional regulation, and more confidence in themselves and their relationships. At Knox Mindfulness, our team offers practical strategies, insight, and a supportive space to feel heard and understood—helping clients build resilience, strengthen connections, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
(03) 5909 9802 View (03) 5909 9802
Nous Counselling
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Online Only
Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, and sometimes we all need a little support to navigate the challenges affecting our mental and physical well-being, At Nous Counselling, I am committed to providing services with genuine care and understanding, recognizing that every client presents unique concerns. I believe in a collaborative approach, working together to create a personalized plan that fosters holistic health and personal growth. Specializing in therapy for individuals coping with medical or health conditions and pain management, as well as offering general counselling for anyone seeking support.
Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, and sometimes we all need a little support to navigate the challenges affecting our mental and physical well-being, At Nous Counselling, I am committed to providing services with genuine care and understanding, recognizing that every client presents unique concerns. I believe in a collaborative approach, working together to create a personalized plan that fosters holistic health and personal growth. Specializing in therapy for individuals coping with medical or health conditions and pain management, as well as offering general counselling for anyone seeking support.
(03) 8771 4626 View (03) 8771 4626
Transformative Therapy for Women
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
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
Trish Thomas
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Trish draws from evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR.
Trish is a warm, down-to-earth psychologist who works with adults, adolescents, and children to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-understanding. She believes therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and genuinely helpful — a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and understood without judgement. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to each individual. Trish works alongside clients to make sense of patterns, understand the impact of past experiences, and build skills that translate into everyday life.
Trish draws from evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR.
Trish is a warm, down-to-earth psychologist who works with adults, adolescents, and children to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-understanding. She believes therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and genuinely helpful — a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and understood without judgement. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to each individual. Trish works alongside clients to make sense of patterns, understand the impact of past experiences, and build skills that translate into everyday life.
(03) 8203 5959 View (03) 8203 5959
Timothy Swayn
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Men and boys need to look after their mental health as much as women and girls, yet we are far less likely to seek help. We often push on in silence. You might feel a pit of sadness that never goes away, or you might have worries that eat away at you. Perhaps your anger gets out of control and leads to regrettable decisions, or maybe you have forced yourself to wear a mask and to look okay while there is turmoil beneath the surface. After many years of working with males in mental health I know how to help guys move beyond that uncomfortable first step comfortably and on to the road towards improvement.
Men and boys need to look after their mental health as much as women and girls, yet we are far less likely to seek help. We often push on in silence. You might feel a pit of sadness that never goes away, or you might have worries that eat away at you. Perhaps your anger gets out of control and leads to regrettable decisions, or maybe you have forced yourself to wear a mask and to look okay while there is turmoil beneath the surface. After many years of working with males in mental health I know how to help guys move beyond that uncomfortable first step comfortably and on to the road towards improvement.
(03) 8203 5553 View (03) 8203 5553
Melanie Anderson
Counsellor, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I like to use a blend of ACT, Coaching, Humanistic, IFS informed and Somatic type approaches but will tailor my approach to what you need and works best for you.
I am a specialist Counsellor with 14+ years experience supporting women in community and therapeutic settings. Women are incredible connectors that give so much of themselves to workplaces, families and community. Sometimes this can result in feeling disconnected from themselves. Women also experience relationship breakdowns, parenting challenges, loss, abuse and traumatic experiences. These can really rock the foundation of who we are. I can help you make sense of what has happened and how to move forward with who you are becoming and what you want for your life.
I like to use a blend of ACT, Coaching, Humanistic, IFS informed and Somatic type approaches but will tailor my approach to what you need and works best for you.
I am a specialist Counsellor with 14+ years experience supporting women in community and therapeutic settings. Women are incredible connectors that give so much of themselves to workplaces, families and community. Sometimes this can result in feeling disconnected from themselves. Women also experience relationship breakdowns, parenting challenges, loss, abuse and traumatic experiences. These can really rock the foundation of who we are. I can help you make sense of what has happened and how to move forward with who you are becoming and what you want for your life.
(03) 5907 5884 View (03) 5907 5884
Chloe Rapson
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
I use a range of evidence-based interventions, including CBT, ACT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory and Somatics.
It's the start of the year but you're probably exhausted. You've been everyone's rock - the reliable friend, the family peace-keeper & the one who puts others first. But beneath that strength lies overwhelm, feeling invisible and exhaustion. You feel drained from carrying everyone's emotional burdens and find yourself saying "yes" when you desperately want to say "no." You experience anxiety, insomnia or physical symptoms from constantly prioritising others. Whether you're burnt out, questioning your relationship, navigating life transitions, struggling with ADHD overwhelm or just tired, it's time to put you first
I use a range of evidence-based interventions, including CBT, ACT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory and Somatics.
It's the start of the year but you're probably exhausted. You've been everyone's rock - the reliable friend, the family peace-keeper & the one who puts others first. But beneath that strength lies overwhelm, feeling invisible and exhaustion. You feel drained from carrying everyone's emotional burdens and find yourself saying "yes" when you desperately want to say "no." You experience anxiety, insomnia or physical symptoms from constantly prioritising others. Whether you're burnt out, questioning your relationship, navigating life transitions, struggling with ADHD overwhelm or just tired, it's time to put you first
(03) 8203 5151 View (03) 8203 5151
Elizabeth Gregory
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Currently not taking on any new clients for 2026. Liz is a Registered Psychologist who is currently completing her endorsement in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She devotes her focus to supporting and empowering clients during difficult times, helping them reach their full potential. She believes that the unique hardships and difficulties experienced by each individual contributes to their own personal growth and self-discovery.
Currently not taking on any new clients for 2026. Liz is a Registered Psychologist who is currently completing her endorsement in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She devotes her focus to supporting and empowering clients during difficult times, helping them reach their full potential. She believes that the unique hardships and difficulties experienced by each individual contributes to their own personal growth and self-discovery.
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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.