Female Counselling in Thornbury, VIC

Photo of Jen . - A Meaningful Chat, PACFA, Counsellor
A Meaningful Chat
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071  (Online Only)
You are here because you feel like you (or someone you know) may need therapy and are reading through profiles of strangers, scrolling through their videos and photos. It's a pretty common part of being on the internet nowadays, along with scrolling through memes and videos of food and cats. You may be looking for connection. Someone who speaks to you and may get you and your life story. I know what’s like, because I’ve been on that side of the screen going through that same process. Today may not be the day you choose to call or email, but you are scoping what’s there and most of it may sound pretty similar profile to profile.
You are here because you feel like you (or someone you know) may need therapy and are reading through profiles of strangers, scrolling through their videos and photos. It's a pretty common part of being on the internet nowadays, along with scrolling through memes and videos of food and cats. You may be looking for connection. Someone who speaks to you and may get you and your life story. I know what’s like, because I’ve been on that side of the screen going through that same process. Today may not be the day you choose to call or email, but you are scoping what’s there and most of it may sound pretty similar profile to profile.
(02) 4504 0175 View (02) 4504 0175
Photo of Gillian Fernandes, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Gillian Fernandes
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am Gillian, I am a couples and relationship counsellor. I work with relationships, supporting each person to feel understood, held, and connected. I specialise in working with people who want to cut through the noise to really connect with their partner/s. The grind of daily life or a big issue can cause ruptures in the relationship. I work with folks to have important, sometimes painful and often vulnerable, conversations to re-establish connection. When there is ambiguity, I specialise in helping people find clarity on a way to move forward, together, or apart.
I am Gillian, I am a couples and relationship counsellor. I work with relationships, supporting each person to feel understood, held, and connected. I specialise in working with people who want to cut through the noise to really connect with their partner/s. The grind of daily life or a big issue can cause ruptures in the relationship. I work with folks to have important, sometimes painful and often vulnerable, conversations to re-establish connection. When there is ambiguity, I specialise in helping people find clarity on a way to move forward, together, or apart.
(03) 8338 4369 View (03) 8338 4369
Photo of Linda Ruff - WovenIn Counselling, ACA-L1, Counsellor
WovenIn Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
In my experience, people don’t always come to therapy because there’s a problem they want to fix. More often, people seek out counselling because something just doesn’t feel right, something has shifted in their lives and they want help in navigating that change. I create sacred space to hear your story so that you can hear it too. A safe space to breathe between the chapters. We are all weavers of stories and I will walk alongside you as you continue to craft yours.
In my experience, people don’t always come to therapy because there’s a problem they want to fix. More often, people seek out counselling because something just doesn’t feel right, something has shifted in their lives and they want help in navigating that change. I create sacred space to hear your story so that you can hear it too. A safe space to breathe between the chapters. We are all weavers of stories and I will walk alongside you as you continue to craft yours.
View
Photo of Rachel Lee - Plum Ripples
Plum Ripples
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071  (Online Only)
The supremacy dream has left us frozen, fragmented and disconnected from ourselves, others, and our ecosystem. Working through our body allows us to touch our vital force of life and come closer to our true desires and dreams. When we feel a sense of safety and belonging within ourselves, we enter into deeper intimacy with our wider webs of love - to our kin, the earth and the cosmos. In a world where the dominant narrative is to hustle more to accomplish your dreams, as your somatic coach, I am here to help your nervous system work less hard so you can relax into your Being and trust your inner inklings for what’s next.
The supremacy dream has left us frozen, fragmented and disconnected from ourselves, others, and our ecosystem. Working through our body allows us to touch our vital force of life and come closer to our true desires and dreams. When we feel a sense of safety and belonging within ourselves, we enter into deeper intimacy with our wider webs of love - to our kin, the earth and the cosmos. In a world where the dominant narrative is to hustle more to accomplish your dreams, as your somatic coach, I am here to help your nervous system work less hard so you can relax into your Being and trust your inner inklings for what’s next.
(03) 8338 4601 View (03) 8338 4601
Photo of Mechelen Maria D'Souza, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Mechelen Maria D'Souza
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Mechelen is a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about supporting people with a range of presenting concerns. Mechelen has experience supporting clients who have experienced trauma, grief, loneliness, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, conflict, personality disorders, and relationship conflicts. Mech has a special interest in improving communication with her clients and empowering them to manage a variety of stressors that may emerge across their lives. Mech employs a variety of therapeutic approaches that are tailored to each individual client, ensuring that her clients remain the experts of their own lives.
Mechelen is a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about supporting people with a range of presenting concerns. Mechelen has experience supporting clients who have experienced trauma, grief, loneliness, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, conflict, personality disorders, and relationship conflicts. Mech has a special interest in improving communication with her clients and empowering them to manage a variety of stressors that may emerge across their lives. Mech employs a variety of therapeutic approaches that are tailored to each individual client, ensuring that her clients remain the experts of their own lives.
(02) 9100 0660 View (02) 9100 0660
Photo of Ru Connolly, ACA-L2, Psychotherapist
Ru Connolly
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
My name is Ru, and I am an Integrative Psychotherapist. I work in Thornbury, as well as online. I seek to create a space which allows the client to explore their own minds, and to be able to better understand how they wish to show up in the world. I believe psychotherapy is a powerful modality, which can assist people to work through distressing events and experiences, but also can be utilised as a tool for self-actualisation and insight. I tailor my approach according to the needs of each client and focus on a collaborative approach.
My name is Ru, and I am an Integrative Psychotherapist. I work in Thornbury, as well as online. I seek to create a space which allows the client to explore their own minds, and to be able to better understand how they wish to show up in the world. I believe psychotherapy is a powerful modality, which can assist people to work through distressing events and experiences, but also can be utilised as a tool for self-actualisation and insight. I tailor my approach according to the needs of each client and focus on a collaborative approach.
View
Photo of Alexandra Heynatz, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Heynatz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
(03) 8338 4265 View (03) 8338 4265
Photo of Maria Brates, MA, AThR, Counsellor
Maria Brates
Counsellor, MA, AThR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Hi, I’m Maria. I am an Art Therapist and Counsellor with over 14 years of experience. I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and emotional well-being. I offer a trauma-informed, non-judgmental, inclusive, and warm space for you to be yourself and discuss any topic you like. Guided by your needs, I support you in understanding and addressing areas that require change.
Hi, I’m Maria. I am an Art Therapist and Counsellor with over 14 years of experience. I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and emotional well-being. I offer a trauma-informed, non-judgmental, inclusive, and warm space for you to be yourself and discuss any topic you like. Guided by your needs, I support you in understanding and addressing areas that require change.
(03) 5615 2115 View (03) 5615 2115
Photo of Virginia Golding, MA, AMHSW, Psychotherapist
Virginia Golding
Psychotherapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I have over 20 years’ experience as psychotherapist, working with Individuals, couples and teens, and in corporate and organisational coaching and psychology. I am also a Clinical Supervisor. I hope to support clients to develop greater self awareness and the practical strategies and tools to create desired and positive changes, in order to live a life that aligns with dreams and values, and to better deal with individual, relationship and life challenges. I have training in EMDR modality, Somatic Experiencing, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Strengths based and Positive Psychology.
I have over 20 years’ experience as psychotherapist, working with Individuals, couples and teens, and in corporate and organisational coaching and psychology. I am also a Clinical Supervisor. I hope to support clients to develop greater self awareness and the practical strategies and tools to create desired and positive changes, in order to live a life that aligns with dreams and values, and to better deal with individual, relationship and life challenges. I have training in EMDR modality, Somatic Experiencing, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Strengths based and Positive Psychology.
(03) 7003 2568 View (03) 7003 2568
Photo of Melanie Sutherland - Clinical Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Melanie Sutherland - Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Waitlist for new clients
Melanie is a Clinical Psychologist with 29-years experience working in therapeutic settings across the public mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors, as well as in private practice. Melanie is committed to providing evidence-based treatment to the people that she sees. In addition to working with a range of mental health and personal development issues, plus the most common psychological disorders, Melanie is particularly interested in seeing clients who are experiencing antenatal and post natal depression/stress as well as people who are grieving a loss.
Melanie is a Clinical Psychologist with 29-years experience working in therapeutic settings across the public mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors, as well as in private practice. Melanie is committed to providing evidence-based treatment to the people that she sees. In addition to working with a range of mental health and personal development issues, plus the most common psychological disorders, Melanie is particularly interested in seeing clients who are experiencing antenatal and post natal depression/stress as well as people who are grieving a loss.
(03) 7003 2582 View (03) 7003 2582
Photo of Dr Kate McMahon, PhD
Dr Kate McMahon
Registered Music Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I specialise in using evidence-based music and counseling approaches to help you build confidence, manage big emotions and cope with life's challenges. You might be looking to cope with chronic illness, depression or anxiety, or to connect better with yourself or someone else. You might want to loosen the impact of trauma on your life, or build confidence. You might be looking for a therapy that goes beyond words and taps into the wisdom of your body and creative soul. I bring 7 years of experience working with people across a range of life experiences, and a dedication to work with you to improve your life.
I specialise in using evidence-based music and counseling approaches to help you build confidence, manage big emotions and cope with life's challenges. You might be looking to cope with chronic illness, depression or anxiety, or to connect better with yourself or someone else. You might want to loosen the impact of trauma on your life, or build confidence. You might be looking for a therapy that goes beyond words and taps into the wisdom of your body and creative soul. I bring 7 years of experience working with people across a range of life experiences, and a dedication to work with you to improve your life.
(03) 8338 4138 View (03) 8338 4138
Photo of Auður Zoëga, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Auður Zoëga
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Are you considering having children, but concerned that you may pass your past hurts onto them? A new parent, unsure about how best to care for yourself and your baby? Are you finding yourself behaving towards your children in ways you later regret, and struggling to connect with them? Would you like to elicit your children’s cooperation, and interact with them in more loving ways, while also holding firm boundaries? Would you like to support your children to become their best selves? Parenthood offers an immense opportunity for personal healing and growth. I would be honoured to be your guide.
Are you considering having children, but concerned that you may pass your past hurts onto them? A new parent, unsure about how best to care for yourself and your baby? Are you finding yourself behaving towards your children in ways you later regret, and struggling to connect with them? Would you like to elicit your children’s cooperation, and interact with them in more loving ways, while also holding firm boundaries? Would you like to support your children to become their best selves? Parenthood offers an immense opportunity for personal healing and growth. I would be honoured to be your guide.
(03) 7003 2790 View (03) 7003 2790
Photo of Avril Bastiansz, ACA-L1, Psychotherapist
Avril Bastiansz
Psychotherapist, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a holistic, spiritual counsellor & psychotherapist, yoga & meditation teacher and clinical nutritionist. Currently working with primary school children, their parents and teachers as a school counsellor dealing with social, emotional and behavioural issues. I also specialise in spiritual counselling with those seeking meaning and purpose in life and helping women of all ages to deal with stage of life concerns, stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, burn-out, chronic health conditions, be it physical, psychological, emotional and or spiritual.
I am a holistic, spiritual counsellor & psychotherapist, yoga & meditation teacher and clinical nutritionist. Currently working with primary school children, their parents and teachers as a school counsellor dealing with social, emotional and behavioural issues. I also specialise in spiritual counselling with those seeking meaning and purpose in life and helping women of all ages to deal with stage of life concerns, stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, burn-out, chronic health conditions, be it physical, psychological, emotional and or spiritual.
(03) 8338 1273 View (03) 8338 1273
Photo of Paula Lay, MA, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula Lay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AASW
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
(03) 8338 1137 View (03) 8338 1137
Photo of Lauren Bending - Lauren Bending Art Therapy, MA, AThR, Psychotherapist
Lauren Bending Art Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I'm Lauren (she/her), a registered art therapist who works with diverse communities using art to explore, express connect and heal. I work with all ages - children to adults - and have a special interest in disabilities, and folk experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, and low self-esteem.
I'm Lauren (she/her), a registered art therapist who works with diverse communities using art to explore, express connect and heal. I work with all ages - children to adults - and have a special interest in disabilities, and folk experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, and low self-esteem.
(03) 8338 4935 View (03) 8338 4935
Photo of Ann Cox The Practical Counsellor, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Ann Cox The Practical Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Lighten your stresses and have someone support you independently. The value I bring is the open and honest conversations entirely to support you and your growth. Let us collaborate together, working on a balance of highlighting your strengths and working on challenges. Slight discount for online/phone sessions.
Lighten your stresses and have someone support you independently. The value I bring is the open and honest conversations entirely to support you and your growth. Let us collaborate together, working on a balance of highlighting your strengths and working on challenges. Slight discount for online/phone sessions.
(03) 7003 2564 View (03) 7003 2564
Photo of Sophie Chen, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Sophie Chen
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Sophie is a registered psychologist who works with adolescents 14 years onwards and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal difficulties. Her background includes offering bilingual support in English and Chinese (Mandarin) to youths, staff, and families in primary, secondary and tertiary education settings. Sophie is passionate about building trusting and safe therapeutic relationships with clients of diverse backgrounds and age groups.
Sophie is a registered psychologist who works with adolescents 14 years onwards and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal difficulties. Her background includes offering bilingual support in English and Chinese (Mandarin) to youths, staff, and families in primary, secondary and tertiary education settings. Sophie is passionate about building trusting and safe therapeutic relationships with clients of diverse backgrounds and age groups.
(03) 8338 1928 View (03) 8338 1928
Photo of Chelsea Herbert, MPsych, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Chelsea Herbert
Psychotherapist, MPsych, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I believe that great power lies in gently unveiling the core origin of the challenges we are experiencing. How energised, connected, calm and resilient we are is so deeply linked with how we feel in both our mind and our bodies. With a collaborative approach, I support you to gently and curiously explore your past and current challenges & experiences, while also unravelling old trauma's that may be impacting your life and relationships. My endeavour is for this work to help you cultivate strong inner foundations and resources; empowering you to expand your innate capacity for growth and transformation.
As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I believe that great power lies in gently unveiling the core origin of the challenges we are experiencing. How energised, connected, calm and resilient we are is so deeply linked with how we feel in both our mind and our bodies. With a collaborative approach, I support you to gently and curiously explore your past and current challenges & experiences, while also unravelling old trauma's that may be impacting your life and relationships. My endeavour is for this work to help you cultivate strong inner foundations and resources; empowering you to expand your innate capacity for growth and transformation.
(03) 8338 1855 View (03) 8338 1855
Photo of Christy Champoise, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Christy Champoise
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I work with relationship & interpersonal issues, women’s issues & menopause, chronic stress and illness, grief & loss, anxiety, and life transitions.
Hi, My name is Christy, I am a Holistic Counsellor working in Ivanhoe and Thornbury. I have a passion for a holistic model of transforming the human experience which focuses on creativity, embodiment, mindfulness, and somatic awareness. I work in an integrative way using many models of therapy including emotion-focused, strengths-based, and humanistic. I help clients define their values, understand their motivations and explore their relationship to themselves and others on a deeper level.
I work with relationship & interpersonal issues, women’s issues & menopause, chronic stress and illness, grief & loss, anxiety, and life transitions.
Hi, My name is Christy, I am a Holistic Counsellor working in Ivanhoe and Thornbury. I have a passion for a holistic model of transforming the human experience which focuses on creativity, embodiment, mindfulness, and somatic awareness. I work in an integrative way using many models of therapy including emotion-focused, strengths-based, and humanistic. I help clients define their values, understand their motivations and explore their relationship to themselves and others on a deeper level.
(03) 7003 2500 View (03) 7003 2500
Photo of Ingrid Jolley, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ingrid Jolley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Ingrid works with individuals experiencing a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues and adjustment to life changes. She is particularly interested in supporting activists and people experiencing eco-distress. She works collaboratively with people on a short term or long term bases. Ingrid assists people to recognise and build on their strengths, process emotions and identify and relate to thoughts and patterns in helpful and compassionate ways. This therapeutic process offers the opportunity to heal, grow and transform in ways that people value and that promote overall wellbeing.
Ingrid works with individuals experiencing a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues and adjustment to life changes. She is particularly interested in supporting activists and people experiencing eco-distress. She works collaboratively with people on a short term or long term bases. Ingrid assists people to recognise and build on their strengths, process emotions and identify and relate to thoughts and patterns in helpful and compassionate ways. This therapeutic process offers the opportunity to heal, grow and transform in ways that people value and that promote overall wellbeing.
(03) 7037 8335 View (03) 7037 8335
1

See more therapy options for Thornbury

Female Counsellors

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.