Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Psychologists and Therapists in Malvern East, VIC
Welcome to Internal Sunshine, where we embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, valuing every facet of who you are – your mind, body, soul, and social connections. Here, we understand that your spiritual beliefs, values, and sense of purpose are integral parts of your journey. Our therapy is grounded in anti-racism, affirming principles, and deep respect for your experiences and resilience. We're also committed to a neuroaffirming practice in therapy, which means we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals process and engage with the world.
Welcome to Internal Sunshine, where we embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, valuing every facet of who you are – your mind, body, soul, and social connections. Here, we understand that your spiritual beliefs, values, and sense of purpose are integral parts of your journey. Our therapy is grounded in anti-racism, affirming principles, and deep respect for your experiences and resilience. We're also committed to a neuroaffirming practice in therapy, which means we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals process and engage with the world.
I am passionate about supporting clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of a collaborative therapeutic alliance—working together to build insight, develop strategies, and create lasting change. My areas of expertise include anxiety disorders (such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety), mood disorders (including depression), and neurodivergence, with a particular focus on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
I am passionate about supporting clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of a collaborative therapeutic alliance—working together to build insight, develop strategies, and create lasting change. My areas of expertise include anxiety disorders (such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety), mood disorders (including depression), and neurodivergence, with a particular focus on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Rebekah predominantly utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and incorporates other evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) encompassing Attachment Theory, Mindfulness and the Gottman Method working with couples.
NOW accepting new clients! Rebekah has a special interest in working with couples experiencing relationship issues using the Gottman Method. Rebekah also works adolescents and adults experiencing emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, social isolation, stress and more. Rebekah views the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey between therapist and client. She possesses an empathetic, warm, and compassionate style. Creating a strong connection to build trust and rapport, enabling the client to comfortably share and develop throughout the counselling journey is of significant focus.
Rebekah predominantly utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and incorporates other evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) encompassing Attachment Theory, Mindfulness and the Gottman Method working with couples.
NOW accepting new clients! Rebekah has a special interest in working with couples experiencing relationship issues using the Gottman Method. Rebekah also works adolescents and adults experiencing emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, social isolation, stress and more. Rebekah views the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey between therapist and client. She possesses an empathetic, warm, and compassionate style. Creating a strong connection to build trust and rapport, enabling the client to comfortably share and develop throughout the counselling journey is of significant focus.
Seeking support is a courageous and meaningful step toward healing and personal growth. As a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience, I provide a compassionate, respectful, and confidential space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, diagnoses of ADHD or Autism, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to understand your unique story and support you in finding clarity, resilience, and renewed strength. You don’t have to do this alone—together, we can work toward the changes that matter most to you. I offer evidence-based psychological support.
Seeking support is a courageous and meaningful step toward healing and personal growth. As a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience, I provide a compassionate, respectful, and confidential space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, diagnoses of ADHD or Autism, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to understand your unique story and support you in finding clarity, resilience, and renewed strength. You don’t have to do this alone—together, we can work toward the changes that matter most to you. I offer evidence-based psychological support.
Navigating life’s transitions, relationships, and personal challenges can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. I specialise in working with adolescents young adults in their 20s and 30s who are navigating relationship challenges, eating disorders, family trauma, mood disorders, and the ripple effects of complex family dynamics or sustained trauma. Together, we’ll create a space where your story is valued, your experiences are understood, and your goals take center stage.
Navigating life’s transitions, relationships, and personal challenges can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. I specialise in working with adolescents young adults in their 20s and 30s who are navigating relationship challenges, eating disorders, family trauma, mood disorders, and the ripple effects of complex family dynamics or sustained trauma. Together, we’ll create a space where your story is valued, your experiences are understood, and your goals take center stage.
I work from a strength and values-based approach, providing a supportive environment to explore and challenge thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
My practice is person-centred and humanistic, drawing on a variety of psychological modalities. I believe the most effective therapy is flexible, shaped by what you're facing.
I work from a strength and values-based approach, providing a supportive environment to explore and challenge thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
My practice is person-centred and humanistic, drawing on a variety of psychological modalities. I believe the most effective therapy is flexible, shaped by what you're facing.
Life can feel heavy at times — anxiety, relationship stress, self-criticism, and major life transitions can leave you feeling stuck or unsure where to turn. I offer a warm, grounded space where you can understand what you're going through, reconnect with yourself, and find a way forward.
I support adults navigating:
Anxiety and stress Relationship and attachment patterns
Low self-esteem
Life transitions (motherhood, career changes, identity shifts)
Emotional overwhelm
My approach is particularly helpful for people who are highly self-aware yet still find themselves repeating old patterns feeling disconnected or unsure how to change
Life can feel heavy at times — anxiety, relationship stress, self-criticism, and major life transitions can leave you feeling stuck or unsure where to turn. I offer a warm, grounded space where you can understand what you're going through, reconnect with yourself, and find a way forward.
I support adults navigating:
Anxiety and stress Relationship and attachment patterns
Low self-esteem
Life transitions (motherhood, career changes, identity shifts)
Emotional overwhelm
My approach is particularly helpful for people who are highly self-aware yet still find themselves repeating old patterns feeling disconnected or unsure how to change
I aim to create a safe and comfortable space where you can slow down, feel heard and understood, and explore what matters most to you. My approach is collaborative and flexible and I work with you to shape therapy in a way that genuinely fits your goals and needs. Drawing from a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I tailor sessions to what feels most supportive and effective for your circumstances. I bring a strengths-based, values-focused perspective to therapy, guided by warmth, curiosity, and a genuine sense of partnership.
I aim to create a safe and comfortable space where you can slow down, feel heard and understood, and explore what matters most to you. My approach is collaborative and flexible and I work with you to shape therapy in a way that genuinely fits your goals and needs. Drawing from a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I tailor sessions to what feels most supportive and effective for your circumstances. I bring a strengths-based, values-focused perspective to therapy, guided by warmth, curiosity, and a genuine sense of partnership.
Within this space, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Internal Family Systems and Schema Therapy to support clients in making sense of their difficulties, building self-awareness, and considering changes that feel manageable and aligned with their values.
I hold the view that each person already has an inherent capacity for growth, healing, and to move towards a life that feels more aligned with who they are. My role is to guide them in recognising, accessing, and strengthening those inner resources necessary for change. If this sounds like something that would work for you, please reach out.
Within this space, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Internal Family Systems and Schema Therapy to support clients in making sense of their difficulties, building self-awareness, and considering changes that feel manageable and aligned with their values.
I hold the view that each person already has an inherent capacity for growth, healing, and to move towards a life that feels more aligned with who they are. My role is to guide them in recognising, accessing, and strengthening those inner resources necessary for change. If this sounds like something that would work for you, please reach out.
Many clients come seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, or challenges with drug and alcohol reliance. They want to feel heard, regain control, and build resilience to live more empowered and fulfilling lives. They need a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
Many clients come seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, or challenges with drug and alcohol reliance. They want to feel heard, regain control, and build resilience to live more empowered and fulfilling lives. They need a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
I have been trained in CBT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT/mindfulness & clinical hypnosis.
I offer treatment for anxiety disorders (panic disorder, illness anxiety, generalised anxiety, social phobia), mood disorders, special interest in peri/menopausal anxiety & depression, perinatal conditions, somatic disorders, OCD, eating & body image issues, grief & loss/bereavement, relational/interpersonal problems, sleep concerns, life transitions.
I have been trained in CBT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT/mindfulness & clinical hypnosis.
I offer treatment for anxiety disorders (panic disorder, illness anxiety, generalised anxiety, social phobia), mood disorders, special interest in peri/menopausal anxiety & depression, perinatal conditions, somatic disorders, OCD, eating & body image issues, grief & loss/bereavement, relational/interpersonal problems, sleep concerns, life transitions.
I draw on evidence‑based approaches such as Gottman therapy, schema therapy for couples, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and schema therapy to help clients understand patterns, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I support people with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief, and stress. My work is grounded in a person‑centred approach that prioritises a strong therapeutic relationship and uses evidence‑based methods to enhance wellbeing.
I draw on evidence‑based approaches such as Gottman therapy, schema therapy for couples, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and schema therapy to help clients understand patterns, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I support people with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief, and stress. My work is grounded in a person‑centred approach that prioritises a strong therapeutic relationship and uses evidence‑based methods to enhance wellbeing.
My main approach is EMDR (an evidence-based trauma treatment), but I use other treatments such as ACT, CBT and DBT when needed.
I am a clinical psychologist with over twenty years' experience. My particular area of interest is trauma and much of my practise is with first responders and others with workplace trauma.I also work with people who have experienced childhood trauma. I am registered to provide services through VACU to Ambulance Victoria staff, through Bluehub to Victoria Police, and through Open Arms to military personnel.
I also see individuals on Worksafe and through Medicare.
My main approach is EMDR (an evidence-based trauma treatment), but I use other treatments such as ACT, CBT and DBT when needed.
I am a clinical psychologist with over twenty years' experience. My particular area of interest is trauma and much of my practise is with first responders and others with workplace trauma.I also work with people who have experienced childhood trauma. I am registered to provide services through VACU to Ambulance Victoria staff, through Bluehub to Victoria Police, and through Open Arms to military personnel.
I also see individuals on Worksafe and through Medicare.
You’ve always been the one who holds it all together: for your children, your partner, your family.
Now you’re quietly falling apart. Perhaps you’re coping with the pain of estrangement, the aftermath of a controlling or emotionally abusive relationship, or the exhaustion of trying to keep everyone else afloat while ignoring your own needs. On the outside, you seem capable; inside, you feel anxious, alone, or disconnected. The old strategies like perfectionism, people-pleasing and staying silent aren’t working anymore.
You’ve always been the one who holds it all together: for your children, your partner, your family.
Now you’re quietly falling apart. Perhaps you’re coping with the pain of estrangement, the aftermath of a controlling or emotionally abusive relationship, or the exhaustion of trying to keep everyone else afloat while ignoring your own needs. On the outside, you seem capable; inside, you feel anxious, alone, or disconnected. The old strategies like perfectionism, people-pleasing and staying silent aren’t working anymore.
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions run deep or your world has shifted in ways you didn’t expect. I support women and individuals navigating grief, trauma, birth loss, identity changes, behavioural challenges, and emotional overwhelm. My approach integrates art therapy, somatic awareness, and transpersonal counselling to gently explore what is held beneath the surface. Working from Murrumbeena, and supporting clients across Carnegie, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, and Bentleigh, I offer a grounded, safe space to reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and strength.
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions run deep or your world has shifted in ways you didn’t expect. I support women and individuals navigating grief, trauma, birth loss, identity changes, behavioural challenges, and emotional overwhelm. My approach integrates art therapy, somatic awareness, and transpersonal counselling to gently explore what is held beneath the surface. Working from Murrumbeena, and supporting clients across Carnegie, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, and Bentleigh, I offer a grounded, safe space to reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and strength.
Stephanie brings her own values of warmth, compassion, authenticity, flexibility and acceptance to the therapeutic space and the therapeutic alliance.
Stephanie endeavours to carefully attune to clients, providing a safe, individualised, non-judgemental, empathetic space for therapeutic work. She works in either a brief, long term, structured or eclectic manner drawing upon evidenced based treatment modalities while adapting approaches for individual needs.
Stephanie brings her own values of warmth, compassion, authenticity, flexibility and acceptance to the therapeutic space and the therapeutic alliance.
Stephanie endeavours to carefully attune to clients, providing a safe, individualised, non-judgemental, empathetic space for therapeutic work. She works in either a brief, long term, structured or eclectic manner drawing upon evidenced based treatment modalities while adapting approaches for individual needs.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with 18+ years across public/private mental health settings. You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or not quite like yourself lately. Maybe you're caught in patterns of people-pleasing or avoiding past joys. Perhaps you're tired of anxious thoughts on repeat or replaying past hurts. You want to feel more confident, lighter, clearer, trust your instincts & feel more like yourself again, to actually enjoy life rather than just getting by. With my warm, grounded & practical approach, I use EMDR & other methods to help you reconnect with your strength, gain clarity & move forward with genuine confidence.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with 18+ years across public/private mental health settings. You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or not quite like yourself lately. Maybe you're caught in patterns of people-pleasing or avoiding past joys. Perhaps you're tired of anxious thoughts on repeat or replaying past hurts. You want to feel more confident, lighter, clearer, trust your instincts & feel more like yourself again, to actually enjoy life rather than just getting by. With my warm, grounded & practical approach, I use EMDR & other methods to help you reconnect with your strength, gain clarity & move forward with genuine confidence.
Shame, anxiety, relationship difficulties are just some of the struggles that can leave you feeling caught in painful patterns that are difficult to change. You may also struggle with self-criticism, perfectionism, people pleasing, or the lasting impact of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and difficult life experiences. Despite years of trying to change, you may find yourself repeating the same patterns. My work helps you understand why these patterns developed with compassion rather than judgement. Together, we make sense of your experiences, build self-trust, and create lasting emotional and relational change.
Shame, anxiety, relationship difficulties are just some of the struggles that can leave you feeling caught in painful patterns that are difficult to change. You may also struggle with self-criticism, perfectionism, people pleasing, or the lasting impact of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and difficult life experiences. Despite years of trying to change, you may find yourself repeating the same patterns. My work helps you understand why these patterns developed with compassion rather than judgement. Together, we make sense of your experiences, build self-trust, and create lasting emotional and relational change.
My treatment approaches for individuals are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Client Centred Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy, with elements of Mindfulness and Gestalt Therapy.
I am a Clinical and Counselling psychologist with over 30 years experience working extensively with Individuals, Couples and Adolescents. My areas of expertise include: Relationships and Interpersonal Issues; Anxiety/Depression management; Conflict resolution and Mediation; Self-esteem and Assertiveness Training; Stress Management; Bullying - School and Workplace; Gender/ Sexuality Concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Adjusting to Transitions and Life Change; Grief and Loss ; Anger Management; and Parenting Skills.
My treatment approaches for individuals are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Client Centred Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy, with elements of Mindfulness and Gestalt Therapy.
I am a Clinical and Counselling psychologist with over 30 years experience working extensively with Individuals, Couples and Adolescents. My areas of expertise include: Relationships and Interpersonal Issues; Anxiety/Depression management; Conflict resolution and Mediation; Self-esteem and Assertiveness Training; Stress Management; Bullying - School and Workplace; Gender/ Sexuality Concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Adjusting to Transitions and Life Change; Grief and Loss ; Anger Management; and Parenting Skills.
I place an emphasis on a respectful relationship where thoughts and feelings are treated with sensitivity and honesty. I provide a supportive and relaxed environment, and believe that no thought or feeling deserves judgment in therapy. I enjoy helping people with anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, trauma, problems with assertiveness, anger, behavioural problems, and relationship issues. I hope to offer people an opportunity to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering, to build skills to regulate anxiety, to gain stability in relationships, and to heal and unlock potential.
I place an emphasis on a respectful relationship where thoughts and feelings are treated with sensitivity and honesty. I provide a supportive and relaxed environment, and believe that no thought or feeling deserves judgment in therapy. I enjoy helping people with anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, trauma, problems with assertiveness, anger, behavioural problems, and relationship issues. I hope to offer people an opportunity to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering, to build skills to regulate anxiety, to gain stability in relationships, and to heal and unlock potential.
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists Searches for Malvern East
- Ashburton
- Ashwood
- Burwood
- Carnegie
- Caulfield North
- Chadstone
- Glen Huntly
- Glen Iris
- Kooyong
- Malvern
- Murrumbeena
- Oakleigh
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.