Somatic Psychologists and Therapists in Mount Waverley, VIC

Photo of Samantha Paranavitana, MA
Samantha Paranavitana
Verified Verified
Mount Waverley, VIC 3149
I am a Core Process Psychotherapist incorporating mindfulness based strategies and trauma informed somatic strategies with a deeply relational, person centred focus.
Hi! I am Samantha, I am passionate about creating the space for people to discover their self belief,resillience, inner strength and improve their relationships. If you have been dealing with overwhelm,anxiety and depression for awhile you may have experienced a growing fear that change isnt possible for you. I understand. I am a Clinical Counsellor, Core Process psychotherapist,Craniosacral Therapist. NeuroAffective Touch graduate,I have a strong background in yoga and minfulness meditation. I use all of these skills and lived experience to guide you to rediscover the best version of you. Take the first step and reach out today!
I am a Core Process Psychotherapist incorporating mindfulness based strategies and trauma informed somatic strategies with a deeply relational, person centred focus.
Hi! I am Samantha, I am passionate about creating the space for people to discover their self belief,resillience, inner strength and improve their relationships. If you have been dealing with overwhelm,anxiety and depression for awhile you may have experienced a growing fear that change isnt possible for you. I understand. I am a Clinical Counsellor, Core Process psychotherapist,Craniosacral Therapist. NeuroAffective Touch graduate,I have a strong background in yoga and minfulness meditation. I use all of these skills and lived experience to guide you to rediscover the best version of you. Take the first step and reach out today!
(03) 7500 5865 View (03) 7500 5865
Photo of Lisa Jacques, Social Worker, AMHSW
Lisa Jacques
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Hi there, I'm Lisa from Mindful Psychotherapy. I am a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 27 years experience providing therapy to adults, young people, couples and families. I'm passionate about assisting people to work through life's challenges, improve their mental health and wellbeing, grow their self-compassion, live life by their most cherished values and build better relationships. I know it takes courage to come to therapy and I believe it is a privilege to walk alongside you for part of your journey. I am deeply committed to working respectfully and collaboratively with you on what is important to you.
Hi there, I'm Lisa from Mindful Psychotherapy. I am a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 27 years experience providing therapy to adults, young people, couples and families. I'm passionate about assisting people to work through life's challenges, improve their mental health and wellbeing, grow their self-compassion, live life by their most cherished values and build better relationships. I know it takes courage to come to therapy and I believe it is a privilege to walk alongside you for part of your journey. I am deeply committed to working respectfully and collaboratively with you on what is important to you.
(03) 7003 2649 View (03) 7003 2649
Photo of Magdalen Ser, Social Worker, MSc, AMHSW
Magdalen Ser
Social Worker, MSc, AMHSW
Serves Area
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.
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
Photo of Naomi Apai, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Naomi Apai
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Online Only
Many women reach a point where anxiety, stress, responsibilities and life transitions start to feel overwhelming. You might be holding everything together on the outside while feeling anxious, exhausted or unsure how to move forward. If you’re looking for a compassionate space to explore your thoughts and emotions, you’re in the right place. I work with women experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship challenges and major life transitions. Together we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface and begin to make sense of patterns that may be leaving you feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
Many women reach a point where anxiety, stress, responsibilities and life transitions start to feel overwhelming. You might be holding everything together on the outside while feeling anxious, exhausted or unsure how to move forward. If you’re looking for a compassionate space to explore your thoughts and emotions, you’re in the right place. I work with women experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship challenges and major life transitions. Together we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface and begin to make sense of patterns that may be leaving you feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
(02) 5017 3018 View (02) 5017 3018
Photo of Sarah Morsi - Wander & Wonder Counselling ( Animal assisted), Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Wander & Wonder Counselling ( Animal assisted)
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Serves Area
At Wander and Wonder Counselling, I work to support adults who are sober, trying to get sober, or rebuilding life after addiction. Many people find that even when substance use stops, old emotional patterns remain — my work focuses on gently understanding and changing those patterns to support long-term sobriety. I work with dual diagnosis, including addiction alongside anxiety, low mood, trauma, burnout, and life transitions. Sessions are paced, collaborative, and grounded in self-compassion. I also offer walk-and-talk sessions and animal-assisted therapy for clients who prefer a more natural, embodied approach.
At Wander and Wonder Counselling, I work to support adults who are sober, trying to get sober, or rebuilding life after addiction. Many people find that even when substance use stops, old emotional patterns remain — my work focuses on gently understanding and changing those patterns to support long-term sobriety. I work with dual diagnosis, including addiction alongside anxiety, low mood, trauma, burnout, and life transitions. Sessions are paced, collaborative, and grounded in self-compassion. I also offer walk-and-talk sessions and animal-assisted therapy for clients who prefer a more natural, embodied approach.
0488 989 956 View 0488 989 956
Photo of Heidi Chia, Social Worker, AMHSW
Heidi Chia
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Hello, I'm Heidi. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist who enjoys working with adolescents and adults. I strive to create a warm, safe and accepting space where people 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 therapist who enjoys working with adolescents and adults. I strive to create a warm, safe and accepting space where people 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
Photo of Grace Penman, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Grace Penman
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Online Only
Grace’s approach weaves together EMDR, Narrative Therapy, ACT, and mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy, creating space to explore how emotions, stress, trauma, and cultural histories are held in the body.
Grace is a counsellor and psychotherapist who supports mixed-culture adults, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community as they navigate identity, belonging, and life transitions in a cross-cultural world. You might be carrying the weight of family expectations while longing to live in a way that feels true to you, or raising young families while managing relationships shaped by different cultural upbringings. Over time, this tension can show up as anxiety, guilt, confusion, or a sense of never being “enough”, along with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about where you truly belong as you work to find your own path.
Grace’s approach weaves together EMDR, Narrative Therapy, ACT, and mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy, creating space to explore how emotions, stress, trauma, and cultural histories are held in the body.
Grace is a counsellor and psychotherapist who supports mixed-culture adults, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community as they navigate identity, belonging, and life transitions in a cross-cultural world. You might be carrying the weight of family expectations while longing to live in a way that feels true to you, or raising young families while managing relationships shaped by different cultural upbringings. Over time, this tension can show up as anxiety, guilt, confusion, or a sense of never being “enough”, along with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about where you truly belong as you work to find your own path.
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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nikki Black, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Nikki Black
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Newport, VIC 3015
We might also explore breathwork and work with the parts of yourself that may be holding you back or Somatic based practices tailored to your needs.
Life can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling can help you navigate your way back to feeling better about life. I’m a compassionate counsellor with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I understand how overwhelming life’s challenges can be—whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, or any other personal issues. Taking that first step toward change is often the hardest, but with new strategies and support change is possible.
We might also explore breathwork and work with the parts of yourself that may be holding you back or Somatic based practices tailored to your needs.
Life can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling can help you navigate your way back to feeling better about life. I’m a compassionate counsellor with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I understand how overwhelming life’s challenges can be—whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, or any other personal issues. Taking that first step toward change is often the hardest, but with new strategies and support change is possible.
0461 467 981 View 0461 467 981
Photo of Luke Mahon, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Luke Mahon
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
I specialise in couples and relationship therapy, drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and somatic approaches to support deeper connection and lasting change.
I use a holistic approach to therapy. Drawing on my training in Somatic Psychotherapy and Gestalt Therapy, coupled with mindfulness practices, can help manage anxiety, depression, stress and relational issues. Extensive experience and training in addictions and childhood and adult trauma further supports my clinical work with couples and individuals.
I specialise in couples and relationship therapy, drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and somatic approaches to support deeper connection and lasting change.
I use a holistic approach to therapy. Drawing on my training in Somatic Psychotherapy and Gestalt Therapy, coupled with mindfulness practices, can help manage anxiety, depression, stress and relational issues. Extensive experience and training in addictions and childhood and adult trauma further supports my clinical work with couples and individuals.
(02) 8074 5828 View (02) 8074 5828
Photo of Lee Beaton, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Lee Beaton
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Thornbury, VIC 3071
You might be feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to bridge the gap between you and your partner—or even within yourself. My clients often seek support for communication issues, intimacy struggles, life transitions, infidelity, or neurodiverse dynamics. You may be longing for more clarity, connection, or emotional safety. Whether you come individually or as a couple, I help you explore your inner world, understand patterns, and move toward more authentic, compassionate relationships—with others and yourself.
You might be feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to bridge the gap between you and your partner—or even within yourself. My clients often seek support for communication issues, intimacy struggles, life transitions, infidelity, or neurodiverse dynamics. You may be longing for more clarity, connection, or emotional safety. Whether you come individually or as a couple, I help you explore your inner world, understand patterns, and move toward more authentic, compassionate relationships—with others and yourself.
(03) 6118 7199 View (03) 6118 7199
Photo of Lisa McGarva - Thinking Feeling Moving, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Thinking Feeling Moving
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Lisa trained as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist with CICS in the UK. She is a GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity) Therapist. She integrates her expertise as a Yoga Therapist, Educator, and EMDR Trauma Therapist to support individuals, couples, and polycules in achieving greater emotional, mental, physical, and sexual well-being. Pluralistic in her approach using a bio-psycho-social framework, while working somatically to help people feel safe in their bodies, gain a deeper understanding of their sexuality, explore how it fits within their relationships, and access pleasure. Australian, sex-positive & Queer.
Lisa trained as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist with CICS in the UK. She is a GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity) Therapist. She integrates her expertise as a Yoga Therapist, Educator, and EMDR Trauma Therapist to support individuals, couples, and polycules in achieving greater emotional, mental, physical, and sexual well-being. Pluralistic in her approach using a bio-psycho-social framework, while working somatically to help people feel safe in their bodies, gain a deeper understanding of their sexuality, explore how it fits within their relationships, and access pleasure. Australian, sex-positive & Queer.
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Photo of Danny David Lewis, Counsellor, ACA-L4
Danny David Lewis
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Cockatoo, VIC 3781
I help people connect with their unique abilities and use them to overcome barriers created by life circumstances. The effects of challenges in life can be overcome to create mental emotional and spiritual wellness.
I help people connect with their unique abilities and use them to overcome barriers created by life circumstances. The effects of challenges in life can be overcome to create mental emotional and spiritual wellness.
(03) 5909 9307 View (03) 5909 9307
Photo of Amy Howell, Social Worker, AMHSW
Amy Howell
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, EMDR therapist, and Mindfulness Teacher. I provide individual therapy, EMDR intensives, and group programs, supporting adults to explore the roots of your distress and build lives that feel more connected, spacious, and meaningful. I work with complex trauma, attachment wounding, emotional dysregulation, and the impacts of systemic and relational harm. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in social work values. I draw primarily from Schema Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness, DNMS, and nervous system-informed frameworks.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, EMDR therapist, and Mindfulness Teacher. I provide individual therapy, EMDR intensives, and group programs, supporting adults to explore the roots of your distress and build lives that feel more connected, spacious, and meaningful. I work with complex trauma, attachment wounding, emotional dysregulation, and the impacts of systemic and relational harm. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in social work values. I draw primarily from Schema Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness, DNMS, and nervous system-informed frameworks.
(03) 7003 2173 View (03) 7003 2173
Photo of Sophie Boord, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sophie Boord
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Frankston South, VIC 3199
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches.
As a psychotherapist I don’t push for change, but work with you to gain deeper understanding of yourself and your experience. I have found that in time, from this place of deep self-understanding and acceptance, change takes place naturally and spontaneously.
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches.
As a psychotherapist I don’t push for change, but work with you to gain deeper understanding of yourself and your experience. I have found that in time, from this place of deep self-understanding and acceptance, change takes place naturally and spontaneously.
(03) 6146 1663 View (03) 6146 1663
Photo of Olfa Hafsa - Grounded Mind Therapies, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Grounded Mind Therapies
Counsellor, ACA-L2
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
I support individuals who have come to a point in their life where things are “just not right”, whether it is a general feeling of dissatisfaction, loss of meaning, or a specific situation causing them significant distress (e.g. issues in relationships, health, workplace,…). Opening a safe space to share what is going on is a first step towards feeling better and moving forward. Sometimes, exploring past events and emotions brings an understanding that can appease and help to let go. When you are ready, I work with you to better understand your context, resources and obstacles, and help you build a more grounded and meaningful life.
I support individuals who have come to a point in their life where things are “just not right”, whether it is a general feeling of dissatisfaction, loss of meaning, or a specific situation causing them significant distress (e.g. issues in relationships, health, workplace,…). Opening a safe space to share what is going on is a first step towards feeling better and moving forward. Sometimes, exploring past events and emotions brings an understanding that can appease and help to let go. When you are ready, I work with you to better understand your context, resources and obstacles, and help you build a more grounded and meaningful life.
(07) 3179 6058 View (07) 3179 6058
Photo of Katie Feder, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Katie Feder
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
My practice takes a client-led approach, which means we can explore both talk-based therapy and somatic, body-focused practices, depending on what will support you most in each moment.
Reconnect with yourself and restore inner steadiness. Create a more balanced way of living—where your energy is steady, your needs matter, and life begins to feel more joyful again. Many women reach a point where the way they’ve been living is no longer sustainable—for their energy, wellbeing, or the life they’re ready to step into. I support women to unwind patterns of overgiving and self-abandonment shaped by trauma, conditioning, or difficult relationships—often leading to burnout. This work builds awareness, self-compassion, and a stronger internal foundation so you can relate to yourself in a way that feels safe and grounded.
My practice takes a client-led approach, which means we can explore both talk-based therapy and somatic, body-focused practices, depending on what will support you most in each moment.
Reconnect with yourself and restore inner steadiness. Create a more balanced way of living—where your energy is steady, your needs matter, and life begins to feel more joyful again. Many women reach a point where the way they’ve been living is no longer sustainable—for their energy, wellbeing, or the life they’re ready to step into. I support women to unwind patterns of overgiving and self-abandonment shaped by trauma, conditioning, or difficult relationships—often leading to burnout. This work builds awareness, self-compassion, and a stronger internal foundation so you can relate to yourself in a way that feels safe and grounded.
(02) 3820 5962 View (02) 3820 5962
Photo of Rachel Goh - Ethos Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Ethos Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
South Melbourne, VIC 3205
We are a team of Psychologists who are clinically endorsed, registered and provisionally registered professionals. We offer psychological counselling over a full range of mental health disorders and a variety of special focuses. We know that Psychology Practices are booked out for the next 6 months -1 year and waitlisted although we have expanded our professional team to meet the demand. We now have both Psychologists and Provisional Psychologists available for an immediate start.
We are a team of Psychologists who are clinically endorsed, registered and provisionally registered professionals. We offer psychological counselling over a full range of mental health disorders and a variety of special focuses. We know that Psychology Practices are booked out for the next 6 months -1 year and waitlisted although we have expanded our professional team to meet the demand. We now have both Psychologists and Provisional Psychologists available for an immediate start.
(03) 7003 2528 View (03) 7003 2528
Photo of Laura Solis, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Laura Solis
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Carlton, VIC 3053
I offer mindfulness and somatic
practices. I consider the different domains of life. The physical, psychological, social, cultural, philosophical, sexual and spiritual perspectives. Therapy offers an in depth exploration of your experience, allowing deeper understanding and insight. I see psychotherapy as a meaningful and creative process that can enrich your quality of life.
I offer mindfulness and somatic
practices. I consider the different domains of life. The physical, psychological, social, cultural, philosophical, sexual and spiritual perspectives. Therapy offers an in depth exploration of your experience, allowing deeper understanding and insight. I see psychotherapy as a meaningful and creative process that can enrich your quality of life.
(03) 7003 2501 View (03) 7003 2501
Photo of Niamh Connellan, Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Niamh Connellan
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Preston, VIC 3072
I provide specialised counselling support to people with diverse experiences, including neurodivergence, gender, race, sexuality, disability, and fatness. My work centres anti-oppressive practices and values. I prioritise lived experience values and draw on my own journey and the journeys of others in my work.
I provide specialised counselling support to people with diverse experiences, including neurodivergence, gender, race, sexuality, disability, and fatness. My work centres anti-oppressive practices and values. I prioritise lived experience values and draw on my own journey and the journeys of others in my work.
(03) 9626 9520 View (03) 9626 9520
Photo of Woody Balfour, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Woody Balfour
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Carlton North, VIC 3054
With a strong practice underpinned by neuroscience and somatic trauma therapy approaches, I work towards creating greater tolerance toward uncomfortable sensations that arise out of difficult experiences
As a therapist who has undergone a significant amount of personal therapeutic work , I understand the need for warmth, acceptance and a therapists strong capacity to sit with discomfort. This is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship where people can show up with aspects of themselves that are problematic and unhelpful without judgement or pressure to be anything other than themselves. I can relate to very human, uncomfortable and undesirable behaviors, feelings and beliefs about ourselves. Through consistent support, compassion and curiosity, awareness and choice emerge, and change becomes possible.
With a strong practice underpinned by neuroscience and somatic trauma therapy approaches, I work towards creating greater tolerance toward uncomfortable sensations that arise out of difficult experiences
As a therapist who has undergone a significant amount of personal therapeutic work , I understand the need for warmth, acceptance and a therapists strong capacity to sit with discomfort. This is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship where people can show up with aspects of themselves that are problematic and unhelpful without judgement or pressure to be anything other than themselves. I can relate to very human, uncomfortable and undesirable behaviors, feelings and beliefs about ourselves. Through consistent support, compassion and curiosity, awareness and choice emerge, and change becomes possible.
(03) 7003 2659 View (03) 7003 2659
Somatic Therapists
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.