Domestic Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Saint Kilda East, VIC

Meir Kluwgant
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Saint Kilda East, VIC 3183
The challenges associated with mental health are so real and prevalent in society. In fact more than one in five Australians will be impacted by some form of mental illness or condition in their lifetime. Grief, loss and trauma informed counselling, in addition to support for relationship conflict, and generalised anxiety and depression, form the mainstay of his practice. Meir is also a member of the ACA College of Supervisors and an accredited Counselling Supervisor providing support and supervision to counsellors and psychotherapists who work in all fields of mental health.
The challenges associated with mental health are so real and prevalent in society. In fact more than one in five Australians will be impacted by some form of mental illness or condition in their lifetime. Grief, loss and trauma informed counselling, in addition to support for relationship conflict, and generalised anxiety and depression, form the mainstay of his practice. Meir is also a member of the ACA College of Supervisors and an accredited Counselling Supervisor providing support and supervision to counsellors and psychotherapists who work in all fields of mental health.
(03) 7003 2276 View (03) 7003 2276
Dr Christine Deftereos
Social Worker, PhD, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Saint Kilda East, VIC 3183
I am a Lacanian Psychoanalyst, Accredited Metal Health Social Work and Psychotherapist who hold specialized accreditations in working with Complex Trauma, Acute Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and a range of mental health presentations. I am committed to providing best practice trauma informed care in a confidential, sensitive and validating therapeutic space, with an emphasis on ‘learning to live with our stories.’ My primary ethical commitment is to provide a safe non-judgmental space for ‘bearing witness,’ for truth telling,’ and in sharing your ‘lived experiences’ via free association. I am also an EMDR Practitioner.
I am a Lacanian Psychoanalyst, Accredited Metal Health Social Work and Psychotherapist who hold specialized accreditations in working with Complex Trauma, Acute Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and a range of mental health presentations. I am committed to providing best practice trauma informed care in a confidential, sensitive and validating therapeutic space, with an emphasis on ‘learning to live with our stories.’ My primary ethical commitment is to provide a safe non-judgmental space for ‘bearing witness,’ for truth telling,’ and in sharing your ‘lived experiences’ via free association. I am also an EMDR Practitioner.
(03) 7003 2924 View (03) 7003 2924
Ronnie Adamowicz
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Are you feeling stuck, like something important is missing from your life, but you can't quite put your finger on it? Do you find it challenging to have your emotional needs met in relationships? Are you trapped in repetitive patterns, struggling to define healthy boundaries? There is a reason behind these struggles, and together, we will uncover what is holding you back, providing you with the clarity and confidence needed to turn things around. I specialize in somatic therapy, an approach that dives deep into the core of unresolved trauma within the body, facilitating rapid healing.
Are you feeling stuck, like something important is missing from your life, but you can't quite put your finger on it? Do you find it challenging to have your emotional needs met in relationships? Are you trapped in repetitive patterns, struggling to define healthy boundaries? There is a reason behind these struggles, and together, we will uncover what is holding you back, providing you with the clarity and confidence needed to turn things around. I specialize in somatic therapy, an approach that dives deep into the core of unresolved trauma within the body, facilitating rapid healing.
(03) 7037 6993 View (03) 7037 6993
Sandra Ifrah
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Sandra Ifrah is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns. She adopts a family-focused approach, providing clients with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, while actively involving the family unit in the journey toward positive change. Sandra also works closely with separated families, offering therapeutic support to navigate complex dynamics, and provides professional reports for court-related purposes to assist in family law matters.
Sandra Ifrah is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns. She adopts a family-focused approach, providing clients with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, while actively involving the family unit in the journey toward positive change. Sandra also works closely with separated families, offering therapeutic support to navigate complex dynamics, and provides professional reports for court-related purposes to assist in family law matters.
(03) 6144 6011 View (03) 6144 6011
Christina Kioulafas
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like there are always challenges that stop you from a balanced life? Or maybe you are struggling with the same patterns and trauma that just won't go away? Modern life can be so complicated, there is so much happening in the world it can be hard to find our own place in it. People are struggling in this global climate. Counselling can help you to connect to yourself. So often we think about connection to others, but how can we do that when we feel a sense of unrest and disconnection to our true self?
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like there are always challenges that stop you from a balanced life? Or maybe you are struggling with the same patterns and trauma that just won't go away? Modern life can be so complicated, there is so much happening in the world it can be hard to find our own place in it. People are struggling in this global climate. Counselling can help you to connect to yourself. So often we think about connection to others, but how can we do that when we feel a sense of unrest and disconnection to our true self?
(03) 7003 2090 View (03) 7003 2090
Dr. Nikolaos Kazantzis
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Dr. Kazantzis is a psychologist and board-approved supervisor registered with AHPRA under the clinical scope of practice. He has over 20 years of experience in psychology consulting within public health (inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, specialist cognitive behavior therapy clinics) and primary care contexts. Dr. Kazantzis is also a Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinician (BICBT-CC).
Dr. Kazantzis is a psychologist and board-approved supervisor registered with AHPRA under the clinical scope of practice. He has over 20 years of experience in psychology consulting within public health (inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, specialist cognitive behavior therapy clinics) and primary care contexts. Dr. Kazantzis is also a Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinician (BICBT-CC).
(03) 9826 0466 View (03) 9826 0466
Stronger Together Psychotherapy
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You may be feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, or depression, and finding it hard to fully engage in life. Unprocessed experiences can stay stuck in the nervous system, keeping you on edge or disconnected. I offer a safe, empathetic space where you are truly heard. Using evidence-based trauma therapy, including EMDR, I help you process the past, reduce distress, and create lasting change—so you can regain control, resilience, and live more fully, not just cope.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, or depression, and finding it hard to fully engage in life. Unprocessed experiences can stay stuck in the nervous system, keeping you on edge or disconnected. I offer a safe, empathetic space where you are truly heard. Using evidence-based trauma therapy, including EMDR, I help you process the past, reduce distress, and create lasting change—so you can regain control, resilience, and live more fully, not just cope.
0413 316 492 View 0413 316 492

More Therapists Nearby

SoulShine Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, complex trauma, relationship changes, family violence, stress, parenting challenges, and life transitions.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to carry everything on your own. Having a space where you feel heard and understood can make a meaningful difference. I’m Sri, an ACA Level 2 registered counsellor and founder of SoulShine Counselling. I offer a supportive space to explore what you are going through at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in respect, empathy, and collaboration. I provide counselling primarily in English, and can also offer sessions in Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Please reach out if you would like to explore counselling.
I support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, complex trauma, relationship changes, family violence, stress, parenting challenges, and life transitions.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to carry everything on your own. Having a space where you feel heard and understood can make a meaningful difference. I’m Sri, an ACA Level 2 registered counsellor and founder of SoulShine Counselling. I offer a supportive space to explore what you are going through at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in respect, empathy, and collaboration. I provide counselling primarily in English, and can also offer sessions in Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Please reach out if you would like to explore counselling.
(03) 8771 4425 View (03) 8771 4425
Kat O'Mara
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
McKinnon, VIC 3204
I work with adults recovering from trauma, family dysfunction, and domestic or emotional abuse.
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.
I work with adults recovering from trauma, family dysfunction, and domestic or emotional abuse.
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.
(03) 7500 5605 View (03) 7500 5605
Space Wellness (NSW) - Stef Morgan
Counsellor, ACA-L1
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you feel somewhat stuck? Perhaps overwhelm, physical pain or yearning for something different? Maybe you'd simply like to do better? Why not consider a coupling of counselling, clinical hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy? Unaware, you may be running outdated patterns which are at odds with the YOU of today, making it difficult to navigate and effect change. I use permissive Ericksonian hypnotherapy (particularly the Gordian Pillars) to uncover well-worn patterns of stuckness, then gently infuse the subconscious with alternate options. Safe, effective, gentle and life-changing.
Do you feel somewhat stuck? Perhaps overwhelm, physical pain or yearning for something different? Maybe you'd simply like to do better? Why not consider a coupling of counselling, clinical hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy? Unaware, you may be running outdated patterns which are at odds with the YOU of today, making it difficult to navigate and effect change. I use permissive Ericksonian hypnotherapy (particularly the Gordian Pillars) to uncover well-worn patterns of stuckness, then gently infuse the subconscious with alternate options. Safe, effective, gentle and life-changing.
(02) 5566 2525 View (02) 5566 2525
Enrei Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief or identity struggles? You don’t have to face it alone. I’m Audrey, the counsellor behind Enrei Counselling, providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support to adults across Australia. Together, we’ll create a safe, compassionate space to gently explore your emotions and attachment experiences. Through deepening emotional awareness, we’ll heal relational wounds, strengthen your connections, and build emotional resilience. You can expect greater emotional insight, healing from past hurts, practical tools for managing anxiety and grief, and support that honours your identity.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief or identity struggles? You don’t have to face it alone. I’m Audrey, the counsellor behind Enrei Counselling, providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support to adults across Australia. Together, we’ll create a safe, compassionate space to gently explore your emotions and attachment experiences. Through deepening emotional awareness, we’ll heal relational wounds, strengthen your connections, and build emotional resilience. You can expect greater emotional insight, healing from past hurts, practical tools for managing anxiety and grief, and support that honours your identity.
(02) 5133 6270 View (02) 5133 6270
Emma Baxter
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
South Melbourne, VIC 3205
• Understanding of emotional and physical abuse with coercive control • Explicit support for low or no contact decisions • Client paced, trauma informed care
I work with adults whose lives have been shaped by abusive family systems or controlling relationships. Many of the people I support grew up in environments where their needs were ignored, minimised, or punished, or they have found themselves in relationships marked by emotional harm, manipulation, or coercive control. My approach to counselling is trauma informed, compassionate, and grounded in respect for your autonomy. I believe healing comes from being supported to understand what has happened. Over time, these experiences can deeply impact self trust, boundaries, and the ability to feel safe in relationships
• Understanding of emotional and physical abuse with coercive control • Explicit support for low or no contact decisions • Client paced, trauma informed care
I work with adults whose lives have been shaped by abusive family systems or controlling relationships. Many of the people I support grew up in environments where their needs were ignored, minimised, or punished, or they have found themselves in relationships marked by emotional harm, manipulation, or coercive control. My approach to counselling is trauma informed, compassionate, and grounded in respect for your autonomy. I believe healing comes from being supported to understand what has happened. Over time, these experiences can deeply impact self trust, boundaries, and the ability to feel safe in relationships
0428 258 701 x61 View 0428 258 701 x61
Fiona Cheung
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Vermont, VIC 3133
No matter your age or where you are in life, there are times when things can feel overwhelming or uncertain. I offer both in-person and online counselling to support you through these challenges. In our sessions, I aim to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and explore what’s been going on for you at your own pace. Whether you are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or family challenges, I am here to walk alongside you with care and empathy.
No matter your age or where you are in life, there are times when things can feel overwhelming or uncertain. I offer both in-person and online counselling to support you through these challenges. In our sessions, I aim to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and explore what’s been going on for you at your own pace. Whether you are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or family challenges, I am here to walk alongside you with care and empathy.
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Patricia Lewis
Psychotherapist, PsychD, ACA-L4
Online Only
Are you broken-hearted? Find hope and healing as you learn to love yourself again. Has trauma visited your life? Reclaim your life from the effects of hurt and pain and rediscover your hopes and dreams for a hope-filled future.
Are you broken-hearted? Find hope and healing as you learn to love yourself again. Has trauma visited your life? Reclaim your life from the effects of hurt and pain and rediscover your hopes and dreams for a hope-filled future.
(02) 9100 0165 View (02) 9100 0165
Trudy Cahill
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Hampton Park, VIC 3976
I'm here to help you heal from trauma or abuse, support child development and parenting, strengthen relationships, guide ASD parenting, and walk with you through grief, bereavement or domestic violence recovery.
I help people experiencing emotional distress, trauma or grief, or striving to create a nurturing home amid complex family dynamics. You may feel overwhelmed, uncertain and longing for relief. You need to reduce distress, improve communication, build confidence, resilience and stronger relationships. You want practical strategies, gentle insights and compassionate guidance that honours your experience and empowers you to find balance, hope and meaning. We work at your pace. You may also be supporting loved ones with autism or ADHD; together we tailor routines and coping tools to reclaim wellbeing and connection.
I'm here to help you heal from trauma or abuse, support child development and parenting, strengthen relationships, guide ASD parenting, and walk with you through grief, bereavement or domestic violence recovery.
I help people experiencing emotional distress, trauma or grief, or striving to create a nurturing home amid complex family dynamics. You may feel overwhelmed, uncertain and longing for relief. You need to reduce distress, improve communication, build confidence, resilience and stronger relationships. You want practical strategies, gentle insights and compassionate guidance that honours your experience and empowers you to find balance, hope and meaning. We work at your pace. You may also be supporting loved ones with autism or ADHD; together we tailor routines and coping tools to reclaim wellbeing and connection.
(03) 8771 5552 View (03) 8771 5552
Dr Rashika Perera Gomez
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Bayswater, VIC 3153
Focus areas include stress, bullying, third culture issues, domestic abuse, separation, parenting, postpartum, and life transitions.
I’m Dr Rashika Perera Gomez, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Open Mind Psych. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a PhD from the University of Melbourne, and have been in private practice since 2010. With over 15 years’ experience and a research background, I offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals and couples. I’ve worked at the University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, and Foundation House. Sessions are available in Bayswater, Croydon (VIC), or via telehealth. Medicare, TAC, WorkCover, and Private clients accepted.
Focus areas include stress, bullying, third culture issues, domestic abuse, separation, parenting, postpartum, and life transitions.
I’m Dr Rashika Perera Gomez, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Open Mind Psych. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a PhD from the University of Melbourne, and have been in private practice since 2010. With over 15 years’ experience and a research background, I offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals and couples. I’ve worked at the University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, and Foundation House. Sessions are available in Bayswater, Croydon (VIC), or via telehealth. Medicare, TAC, WorkCover, and Private clients accepted.
(03) 8413 7375 View (03) 8413 7375
Sam Solly
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Psychologist who believes you are already whole. Therapy is an invitation to reconnect with your inner wisdom and the part of you that knows what is true. I work intuitively, drawing from EMDR, somatic therapies, mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and nature-based approaches. Together, we explore your patterns, build capacity for life’s challenges, and create space for greater connection, authenticity and ease.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who believes you are already whole. Therapy is an invitation to reconnect with your inner wisdom and the part of you that knows what is true. I work intuitively, drawing from EMDR, somatic therapies, mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and nature-based approaches. Together, we explore your patterns, build capacity for life’s challenges, and create space for greater connection, authenticity and ease.
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Flower of Life Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
All of us go through a range of emotions, thoughts, doubts, and hopes in life. In the complex and transient layers of people and events, we often find ourselves in a difficult situation where nothing much we do seems to help. Please remember you are not alone and that you are not your problem nor diagnosis.
All of us go through a range of emotions, thoughts, doubts, and hopes in life. In the complex and transient layers of people and events, we often find ourselves in a difficult situation where nothing much we do seems to help. Please remember you are not alone and that you are not your problem nor diagnosis.
(02) 9100 0164 View (02) 9100 0164
Mind Mosaics Psychology
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Mind Mosaics works with varied client presentations from general anxiety, depression to complex trauma providing them a safe and a non-judgmental space. Harpreet at Mind Mosaics offers counselling services to various age groups from teenage to elders and holds a research background in lifespan wellbeing. She practices a client centred Feedback Informed Treatment. Often clients respond well to treatment if they are psycho- educated, have goals clarity and holds a shared responsibility in the treatment.
Mind Mosaics works with varied client presentations from general anxiety, depression to complex trauma providing them a safe and a non-judgmental space. Harpreet at Mind Mosaics offers counselling services to various age groups from teenage to elders and holds a research background in lifespan wellbeing. She practices a client centred Feedback Informed Treatment. Often clients respond well to treatment if they are psycho- educated, have goals clarity and holds a shared responsibility in the treatment.
(03) 4416 2328 View (03) 4416 2328
I specialise in helping individuals, couples, and adolescents navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. Therapy with me is a collaborative journey to uncover the root causes of your concerns, equip you with practical tools, and foster meaningful, sustainable change. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel truly heard and supported. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, know that you're not alone—and change is possible.
I specialise in helping individuals, couples, and adolescents navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. Therapy with me is a collaborative journey to uncover the root causes of your concerns, equip you with practical tools, and foster meaningful, sustainable change. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel truly heard and supported. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, know that you're not alone—and change is possible.
(03) 8658 2174 View (03) 8658 2174
Domestic Abuse Therapists
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognise that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.

When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.

What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.

How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.