Family Psychologists and Therapists in Mount Martha

Photo of Meg James, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Meg James
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Online Only
Do you often find yourself putting everyone else first, while struggling to know what you need? Perhaps you're stuck in cycles of anxiety, stress, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm. You care deeply about the people around you and often find yourself anticipating their needs, managing their emotions, or working hard to keep the peace. Yet despite all that effort, you may feel unseen, unheard, or disconnected from yourself.
Do you often find yourself putting everyone else first, while struggling to know what you need? Perhaps you're stuck in cycles of anxiety, stress, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm. You care deeply about the people around you and often find yourself anticipating their needs, managing their emotions, or working hard to keep the peace. Yet despite all that effort, you may feel unseen, unheard, or disconnected from yourself.
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Photo of Melanie Hunter, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Melanie Hunter
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work with women and teen girls from 14 years and over. My space is non-clinical on purpose, Authenticity and working alongside my clients is very important to me. I get to know your story, your patterns and the impacts they're having on your current life. I help to build awareness around them and give you tangible, evidence backed tools that are personalised to your lifestyle. I see women with anxiety, burnout, depression, women who are in life transitions, eating disorders, neurodivergence and high performing women some of whom want to up level and others who are tired of perfectionism.
I work with women and teen girls from 14 years and over. My space is non-clinical on purpose, Authenticity and working alongside my clients is very important to me. I get to know your story, your patterns and the impacts they're having on your current life. I help to build awareness around them and give you tangible, evidence backed tools that are personalised to your lifestyle. I see women with anxiety, burnout, depression, women who are in life transitions, eating disorders, neurodivergence and high performing women some of whom want to up level and others who are tired of perfectionism.
(03) 5926 1804 View (03) 5926 1804
Photo of Chaille Bos, Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Chaille Bos
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I’ve spent most of the last decade living and working overseas away from friends and family, this taught me that there is nothing better than having a person who is your home and who will support you no matter what.
My counselling interests are in substance use, Autism and ADHD, but ultimately in helping all have a better feeling life. I offer Gottman and Emotion Focused Relationship Counselling, helping couples create a deep connection that feels loving and secure, where both partners have the skills, knowledge, and motivation to look after themselves and each other.
I’ve spent most of the last decade living and working overseas away from friends and family, this taught me that there is nothing better than having a person who is your home and who will support you no matter what.
My counselling interests are in substance use, Autism and ADHD, but ultimately in helping all have a better feeling life. I offer Gottman and Emotion Focused Relationship Counselling, helping couples create a deep connection that feels loving and secure, where both partners have the skills, knowledge, and motivation to look after themselves and each other.
(03) 5907 1314 View (03) 5907 1314
Photo of Kym Anderton, Counsellor, PACFA
Kym Anderton
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
The essence of my therapy is in building solid, safe relationships collaboratively with my clients, catering to the unique needs of each person in a non-judgmental way. Rather than tell someone what they need, I prefer a merging of minds to make meaningful and sustainable differences. Together we explore resources to overcome adversity and suffering whilst learning to accept and adapt to the complicated facets of life where required. My therapeutic approach is also rooted in a deep exploration of early life experiences, with a focus on understanding and facilitating the healing of trauma or patterned behaviour.
The essence of my therapy is in building solid, safe relationships collaboratively with my clients, catering to the unique needs of each person in a non-judgmental way. Rather than tell someone what they need, I prefer a merging of minds to make meaningful and sustainable differences. Together we explore resources to overcome adversity and suffering whilst learning to accept and adapt to the complicated facets of life where required. My therapeutic approach is also rooted in a deep exploration of early life experiences, with a focus on understanding and facilitating the healing of trauma or patterned behaviour.
(03) 5910 3030 View (03) 5910 3030
Photo of Jacqui Snooks, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Jacqui Snooks
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
As a dedicated therapist, I empower individuals to navigate the complexities of intimacy and self-worth. Specialising in attachment issues, I help clients unpack how anxious and avoidant attachment may be impacting their current connections and internal dialogue. My approach blends empathy with insights to dismantle the roots of low self-esteem. By understanding your unique attachment style, we work together to transform insecurity into resilience and conflict into closeness. Whether you’re feeling "too much" in relationships or struggling to find your voice, I provide a safe space to cultivate lasting security and self-worth.
As a dedicated therapist, I empower individuals to navigate the complexities of intimacy and self-worth. Specialising in attachment issues, I help clients unpack how anxious and avoidant attachment may be impacting their current connections and internal dialogue. My approach blends empathy with insights to dismantle the roots of low self-esteem. By understanding your unique attachment style, we work together to transform insecurity into resilience and conflict into closeness. Whether you’re feeling "too much" in relationships or struggling to find your voice, I provide a safe space to cultivate lasting security and self-worth.
(08) 9126 9430 View (08) 9126 9430
Photo of Tammie Shirley - Mornington Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Mornington Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
Anyone who is ready to take the first step to feel better, live better, have better relationships and feel joy again, get in contact. My varied education and life experience allows me a depth of understanding of the complexities my clients face and tangible ways to move forward towards a positive life. Things can get better. Life can be joyful. No matter what you are facing or how you are feeling, we can take steps towards a much brighter future. Reconnect with yourself and learn to live your truest, most beautiful life.
Anyone who is ready to take the first step to feel better, live better, have better relationships and feel joy again, get in contact. My varied education and life experience allows me a depth of understanding of the complexities my clients face and tangible ways to move forward towards a positive life. Things can get better. Life can be joyful. No matter what you are facing or how you are feeling, we can take steps towards a much brighter future. Reconnect with yourself and learn to live your truest, most beautiful life.
(03) 5910 1996 View (03) 5910 1996
Photo of Madeline Black, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Madeline Black
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
With experience across a range of settings including schools, aged care, in-home family therapy, neurodivergent settings and forensic mental health supporting young people involved with the justice system.
I provide a safe, inclusive space for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on helping you strengthen relationships and shape the future you want.
With experience across a range of settings including schools, aged care, in-home family therapy, neurodivergent settings and forensic mental health supporting young people involved with the justice system.
I provide a safe, inclusive space for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on helping you strengthen relationships and shape the future you want.
(03) 5906 9484 View (03) 5906 9484
Photo of Maja Schulenburg - Mind & Heart Matters Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Mind & Heart Matters Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
As a registered psychologist, I support individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional difficulties, as well as those navigating life transitions and complex relationships. Clients often seek my help when they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, and I provide a safe, respectful space to explore these challenges at a manageable pace.
As a registered psychologist, I support individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional difficulties, as well as those navigating life transitions and complex relationships. Clients often seek my help when they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, and I provide a safe, respectful space to explore these challenges at a manageable pace.
(03) 5909 9305 View (03) 5909 9305
Photo of Irene Ferri, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Irene Ferri
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I draw from different approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, IFS (Internal family systems), creative work and solution-focused approach.
I am a humanistic and relational counsellor. My focus is to meet the needs of each unique client. I form strong collaborative bonds with clients and understand the influence their past experiences and relationships have on their current lives. I'm successful in resolving issues through positive reinforcement and constructive counselling. Some of the issues I work with: relationship issues, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relocation, impact of abuse and trauma, grief and bereavement.
I draw from different approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, IFS (Internal family systems), creative work and solution-focused approach.
I am a humanistic and relational counsellor. My focus is to meet the needs of each unique client. I form strong collaborative bonds with clients and understand the influence their past experiences and relationships have on their current lives. I'm successful in resolving issues through positive reinforcement and constructive counselling. Some of the issues I work with: relationship issues, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relocation, impact of abuse and trauma, grief and bereavement.
(03) 5905 9759 View (03) 5905 9759
Photo of Adam D Borge - Waterfront Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Waterfront Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I love helping people to find their inner peace, to understand themselves enabling them to live a happy life and have happy relationships. I especially love helping men to become emotionally intelligent, to become better communicators, fathers and partners. I am experienced in couples counselling assisting my clients to see their situation through more enlightening and empowering perspectives; training couples and singles how to express vulnerability – i.e. feelings, needs and wants – in a constructive and authentic way; offering practical and down to earth advice.
I love helping people to find their inner peace, to understand themselves enabling them to live a happy life and have happy relationships. I especially love helping men to become emotionally intelligent, to become better communicators, fathers and partners. I am experienced in couples counselling assisting my clients to see their situation through more enlightening and empowering perspectives; training couples and singles how to express vulnerability – i.e. feelings, needs and wants – in a constructive and authentic way; offering practical and down to earth advice.
(08) 9126 9257 View (08) 9126 9257
Photo of Brooke Harris, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Brooke Harris
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Providing counseling for adults', children and their families, training and supervision.
Brooke is passionate about providing assessment and therapy that is evidence based, ethical, flexible, informative and personalised to the individual’s needs. She uses a trauma informed and culturally inclusive lens drawing on her training and expertise in Psychological Assessment, Trauma Focused Cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) ,Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Narrative Therapy, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Creative Art therapy.
Providing counseling for adults', children and their families, training and supervision.
Brooke is passionate about providing assessment and therapy that is evidence based, ethical, flexible, informative and personalised to the individual’s needs. She uses a trauma informed and culturally inclusive lens drawing on her training and expertise in Psychological Assessment, Trauma Focused Cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) ,Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Narrative Therapy, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Creative Art therapy.
(03) 5905 7095 View (03) 5905 7095
Photo of Eryka Rhodes - Looking Forward Counselling & Hypnotherapy, Counsellor, PACFA
Looking Forward Counselling & Hypnotherapy
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I employ an evidence-based, multi-faceted approach, working with you to create the next chapter. A qualified, registered Clinical Counsellor, based in the Mornington Peninsula, supporting couples, and adults. Helping you navigate the path to find your purpose, reframe concerns and look forward to an improved relationship with yourself and others. Passionate about empowering you to develop a set of tools to help you become your own coach. Supporting a wide range of concerns including: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Self-esteem, Relational dynamics, Confidence, Grief, Conflict, Anger, Eating Disorder behaviour management
I employ an evidence-based, multi-faceted approach, working with you to create the next chapter. A qualified, registered Clinical Counsellor, based in the Mornington Peninsula, supporting couples, and adults. Helping you navigate the path to find your purpose, reframe concerns and look forward to an improved relationship with yourself and others. Passionate about empowering you to develop a set of tools to help you become your own coach. Supporting a wide range of concerns including: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Self-esteem, Relational dynamics, Confidence, Grief, Conflict, Anger, Eating Disorder behaviour management
(03) 5910 1684 View (03) 5910 1684
Photo of Jane Halliwell - Jubilee Counselling, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Jubilee Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Helping women move from overwhelm and shutdown to calm, clarity, and confidence. Feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or like you’ve lost yourself? At Jubilee Counselling in Chelsea Heights…I support women experiencing anxiety, emotional neglect, and trauma responses to feel safe, understood, and gently reconnect with who they are. You may find yourself overthinking, going into “freeze,” or struggling to express your feelings. In a calm, supportive space, we work at your pace to build confidence, emotional clarity, and a stronger sense of self.
Helping women move from overwhelm and shutdown to calm, clarity, and confidence. Feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or like you’ve lost yourself? At Jubilee Counselling in Chelsea Heights…I support women experiencing anxiety, emotional neglect, and trauma responses to feel safe, understood, and gently reconnect with who they are. You may find yourself overthinking, going into “freeze,” or struggling to express your feelings. In a calm, supportive space, we work at your pace to build confidence, emotional clarity, and a stronger sense of self.
(03) 8771 5909 View (03) 8771 5909
Photo of Emily Bickerton, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Emily Bickerton
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
She offers support to those who are currently on Community Corrections Orders and their families.
Emily is a Clinical Psychologist who uses a No Bullshit Therapy (NBT) approach with clients. This means that she believes in a straightforward, honest approach to therapy. Emily is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where her clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings.
She offers support to those who are currently on Community Corrections Orders and their families.
Emily is a Clinical Psychologist who uses a No Bullshit Therapy (NBT) approach with clients. This means that she believes in a straightforward, honest approach to therapy. Emily is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where her clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings.
(03) 7003 2713 View (03) 7003 2713
Photo of Deborah Ruth Howarth, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Deborah Ruth Howarth
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
You may be navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, family estrangement, relationship or friendship breakdowns, bullying, or major life transitions like divorce.
My work is trauma-informed and grounded in schema, psychodynamic, attachment, and developmental approaches, helping you understand patterns, reconnect with your needs, and move toward more secure, fulfilling ways of relating to yourself and others. I offer depth-oriented, evidence-based approaches that go beyond surface-level coping.
You may be navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, family estrangement, relationship or friendship breakdowns, bullying, or major life transitions like divorce.
My work is trauma-informed and grounded in schema, psychodynamic, attachment, and developmental approaches, helping you understand patterns, reconnect with your needs, and move toward more secure, fulfilling ways of relating to yourself and others. I offer depth-oriented, evidence-based approaches that go beyond surface-level coping.
(03) 5909 9402 View (03) 5909 9402
Photo of Bess Grant - ArchStone Creative, Counsellor, ACA-L1
ArchStone Creative
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
I love working with teens and adults who are facing challenges in their lives that they may feel are insurmountable. They may be struggling with grief, identity, big transitions or general feelings of demotivation, depression and anxiety. They may be having problems communicating or setting boundaries in relationships and need someone to walk alongside them in finding ways to build healthier coping strategies, begin to notice the beauty in life or get their spark back.
I love working with teens and adults who are facing challenges in their lives that they may feel are insurmountable. They may be struggling with grief, identity, big transitions or general feelings of demotivation, depression and anxiety. They may be having problems communicating or setting boundaries in relationships and need someone to walk alongside them in finding ways to build healthier coping strategies, begin to notice the beauty in life or get their spark back.
(03) 5907 1103 View (03) 5907 1103
Photo of Lauren P Roberts, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Lauren P Roberts
Counsellor, ACA-L1
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals who feel something within them is asking to be heard—often showing up as anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, or disconnection. I support ADHD, autism, motherhood, trauma, and work with children (5+) and NDIS participants, including school-based sessions in primary and high school settings. My person-centred, evidence-informed approach creates space to explore what’s beneath the surface, build emotional capacity, and move toward clarity, regulation, and self-trust. If you’re feeling the weight of carrying it all alone, this is a space to slow down, be met fully, and begin finding your way forward.
I work with individuals who feel something within them is asking to be heard—often showing up as anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, or disconnection. I support ADHD, autism, motherhood, trauma, and work with children (5+) and NDIS participants, including school-based sessions in primary and high school settings. My person-centred, evidence-informed approach creates space to explore what’s beneath the surface, build emotional capacity, and move toward clarity, regulation, and self-trust. If you’re feeling the weight of carrying it all alone, this is a space to slow down, be met fully, and begin finding your way forward.
(03) 5907 5536 View (03) 5907 5536
Photo of Hannah Gordon, Social Worker, AMHSW
Hannah Gordon
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
I have worked with families and individuals facing all sorts of adversity, both in Australia and overseas.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. I practice from a strengths-based perspective within a trauma-informed framework. I use a person-centered approach, integrating various therapeutic modalities to tailor each counselling experience. I am known for creating a safe and welcoming therapeutic space.
I have worked with families and individuals facing all sorts of adversity, both in Australia and overseas.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. I practice from a strengths-based perspective within a trauma-informed framework. I use a person-centered approach, integrating various therapeutic modalities to tailor each counselling experience. I am known for creating a safe and welcoming therapeutic space.
(03) 5907 3217 View (03) 5907 3217
Photo of Priyanka Malhotra - Rewire Psychology , Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Rewire Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
For families, I work with child mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ARFID and provide neuro-affirming care and advocacy, support children through parental separation, and school challenges.
With experience at Alfred Health, Monash Health, and community services, I work across the lifespan with children, adults and families using evidence-based therapies like family therapy, CBT and neuro-affirming care. Additionally, I offer regular supervision for provisional psychologists, early career psychologists and allied health professionals.
For families, I work with child mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ARFID and provide neuro-affirming care and advocacy, support children through parental separation, and school challenges.
With experience at Alfred Health, Monash Health, and community services, I work across the lifespan with children, adults and families using evidence-based therapies like family therapy, CBT and neuro-affirming care. Additionally, I offer regular supervision for provisional psychologists, early career psychologists and allied health professionals.
(03) 5905 7130 View (03) 5905 7130
Photo of Melissa Jane Freedman, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Melissa Jane Freedman
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
When appropriate Melissa works closely works closely with parents, recognising this period of transition is often a challenging time for families.
A registered psychotherapist, Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Melissa uses a range of evidenced based approaches, tailoring the therapy to best suit the individual needs of her clients.
When appropriate Melissa works closely works closely with parents, recognising this period of transition is often a challenging time for families.
A registered psychotherapist, Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Melissa uses a range of evidenced based approaches, tailoring the therapy to best suit the individual needs of her clients.
(03) 9070 3508 View (03) 9070 3508
FAQ - About Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.