Parenting Psychologists and Therapists in Thornbury, VIC

Mary Ellen Jordan
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Mary Ellen (she/her) - ADHDer, and mother of two autistic people, with a particular interest in working with neurodivergent clients. I’m also experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment to significant life transitions, illness and disability, caring for others, motherhood and personal growth and exploration. I create a safe and non-judgemental dynamic in the therapy room, enabling me to be both supportive and challenging in my work. I support clients to grow and flourish on their own terms - I don’t set an agenda for how things should turn out or what clients should be doing.
Hi, I'm Mary Ellen (she/her) - ADHDer, and mother of two autistic people, with a particular interest in working with neurodivergent clients. I’m also experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment to significant life transitions, illness and disability, caring for others, motherhood and personal growth and exploration. I create a safe and non-judgemental dynamic in the therapy room, enabling me to be both supportive and challenging in my work. I support clients to grow and flourish on their own terms - I don’t set an agenda for how things should turn out or what clients should be doing.
0494 627 983 View 0494 627 983
Christa Winkels
Counsellor, MA, AThR
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer support for a range of concerns, including: sex and intimacy; sexuality and identity; grief and loss; relationships and interpersonal challenges; parenting; perinatal mental health; developmental and complex trauma; disordered eating and body image; anxiety and depression; exploring and connecting with self; and cultivating creativity.
I am a creative arts psychotherapist and social worker with 10+ years experience in mental health and community-based settings. My passion lies in supporting people who are looking to feel more pleasure, wholeness and connection within themselves and in relationships. I utilise a range of theories and approaches, and work in collaboration with you to find what best fits your needs. I am particularly interested in creative, somatic and movement-based therapies to foster safety, curiosity, playfulness, and self expression. My practice is trauma sensitive, sex work inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. All relationship structures welcome.
I offer support for a range of concerns, including: sex and intimacy; sexuality and identity; grief and loss; relationships and interpersonal challenges; parenting; perinatal mental health; developmental and complex trauma; disordered eating and body image; anxiety and depression; exploring and connecting with self; and cultivating creativity.
I am a creative arts psychotherapist and social worker with 10+ years experience in mental health and community-based settings. My passion lies in supporting people who are looking to feel more pleasure, wholeness and connection within themselves and in relationships. I utilise a range of theories and approaches, and work in collaboration with you to find what best fits your needs. I am particularly interested in creative, somatic and movement-based therapies to foster safety, curiosity, playfulness, and self expression. My practice is trauma sensitive, sex work inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. All relationship structures welcome.
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Melissa Thomas
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Melissa works with a range of presenting concerns, with particular interest in relationships and interpersonal difficulties and associated problems such as: depression, low self-esteem, assertiveness, anxiety, stress, perfectionism, burnout, life stages and transitions, parenting, and identity.
Melissa has a warm, compassionate and playful nature. She aims to provide a safe, accepting and enjoyable space to connect authentically with clients. She supports her clients to uncover their hopes for the future, and to understand the internal and external barriers to their personal and relational growth.
Melissa works with a range of presenting concerns, with particular interest in relationships and interpersonal difficulties and associated problems such as: depression, low self-esteem, assertiveness, anxiety, stress, perfectionism, burnout, life stages and transitions, parenting, and identity.
Melissa has a warm, compassionate and playful nature. She aims to provide a safe, accepting and enjoyable space to connect authentically with clients. She supports her clients to uncover their hopes for the future, and to understand the internal and external barriers to their personal and relational growth.
0490 744 262 View 0490 744 262
Stephanie Schiftan
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I work with couples navigating the complexities of intimate life: conflict, disconnection, communication, trust, and the quieter question of whether a relationship can become what both people need it to be. My approach is warm, attachment-informed, and grounded in slowing down reactive patterns to understand what sits beneath them - the emotional meanings, earlier experiences, and unmet needs that often drive disconnection. I draw on EFT, Gottman, narrative approaches, and psychodynamic principles, tailored to each couple. I work with all relationship stages and warmly welcome LGBTQI+ clients and diverse relationship structures.
I work with couples navigating the complexities of intimate life: conflict, disconnection, communication, trust, and the quieter question of whether a relationship can become what both people need it to be. My approach is warm, attachment-informed, and grounded in slowing down reactive patterns to understand what sits beneath them - the emotional meanings, earlier experiences, and unmet needs that often drive disconnection. I draw on EFT, Gottman, narrative approaches, and psychodynamic principles, tailored to each couple. I work with all relationship stages and warmly welcome LGBTQI+ clients and diverse relationship structures.
0452 614 105 View 0452 614 105
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
Lette Jewell
Psychotherapist, MC, ACA-L2
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Waitlist for new clients
We offer affirming, trauma-informed support for ADHD, autism, AuDHD, late-diagnosed, queer, trans and genderfluid people. We’re Indigenous, LGBTIQA+ owned and operated. Many clients come to us seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, overwhelm, masking fatigue, emotional regulation challenges, and identity exploration. We understand how the body communicates stress and truth, and we help you reconnect with safety, awareness, and authenticity. In-person in Melbourne or online Australia-wide.
We offer affirming, trauma-informed support for ADHD, autism, AuDHD, late-diagnosed, queer, trans and genderfluid people. We’re Indigenous, LGBTIQA+ owned and operated. Many clients come to us seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, overwhelm, masking fatigue, emotional regulation challenges, and identity exploration. We understand how the body communicates stress and truth, and we help you reconnect with safety, awareness, and authenticity. In-person in Melbourne or online Australia-wide.
0452 064 983 View 0452 064 983
Bel Fin
Psychotherapist, ACA-L3
4 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
If find yourself in the same patterns in relationships, with family members, partners, friends, kids or at work? Do you feel lonely, anxious in connection, or like you can’t quite find your place with others? Or maybe your childhood left you with wounds that still shape how you show up today. I work with adults who want to understand where their patterns come from and genuinely change them. Not just manage symptoms. My work draws on attachment, family systems, nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, and emotionally focused approaches. Together we look at your history, relationships, issues & patterns to make lasting change.
If find yourself in the same patterns in relationships, with family members, partners, friends, kids or at work? Do you feel lonely, anxious in connection, or like you can’t quite find your place with others? Or maybe your childhood left you with wounds that still shape how you show up today. I work with adults who want to understand where their patterns come from and genuinely change them. Not just manage symptoms. My work draws on attachment, family systems, nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, and emotionally focused approaches. Together we look at your history, relationships, issues & patterns to make lasting change.
0430 113 633 View 0430 113 633
Becky Carver
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Thornbury, VIC 3071
My clients are people who sense that something needs to shift — but talking about it hasn't been enough. They've often tried conventional therapy and found it useful to a point, but they're ready to go deeper. They want to understand not just their story, but what's happening in their body, their nervous system, the patterns that keep repeating no matter how much insight they have. They come with trauma, grief, anxiety, life transitions, or a deep unease without a clear name. Some are navigating plant medicine experiences and need skilled, non-judgmental support. Others are at a threshold, ready for real change.
My clients are people who sense that something needs to shift — but talking about it hasn't been enough. They've often tried conventional therapy and found it useful to a point, but they're ready to go deeper. They want to understand not just their story, but what's happening in their body, their nervous system, the patterns that keep repeating no matter how much insight they have. They come with trauma, grief, anxiety, life transitions, or a deep unease without a clear name. Some are navigating plant medicine experiences and need skilled, non-judgmental support. Others are at a threshold, ready for real change.
0416 343 691 View 0416 343 691
Kelly Higginbotham
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I typically work with people who have experienced chronic difficulties with their mental health, and/or those who have experienced trauma. My patients have typically worked with others and seek a different approach. A longterm therapeutic relationship provides a space where individuals feel safe to explore their current issues and the origins of these difficulties.
I typically work with people who have experienced chronic difficulties with their mental health, and/or those who have experienced trauma. My patients have typically worked with others and seek a different approach. A longterm therapeutic relationship provides a space where individuals feel safe to explore their current issues and the origins of these difficulties.
0419 259 341 View 0419 259 341
Virginia Golding - Bridge
Psychotherapist, MA, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I have over 25 years’ experience as psychotherapist, working with Individuals, couples and teens, the LGBTQI community and in organisational 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 navigate individual relationship and life challenges. I have training in EMDR modality, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, CBT, Aceptance and Commitment Therapy, Transpersonal Psychology and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
I have over 25 years’ experience as psychotherapist, working with Individuals, couples and teens, the LGBTQI community and in organisational 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 navigate individual relationship and life challenges. I have training in EMDR modality, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, CBT, Aceptance and Commitment Therapy, Transpersonal Psychology and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
(03) 7003 2568 View (03) 7003 2568
Emilia Boehm
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Many people seek therapy to reduce distress and find relief from ‘symptoms’. Therapy can also provide opportunities to examine and understand ourselves, notice 'stuck' or unhelpful patterns, and develop new, more satisfying ways to manage emotions and navigate relationships. I am a clinical psychologist who sees people seeking therapy for any number of reasons. I work with people experiencing difficulties in relationships, grief and loss, trauma (including complex and relational trauma), depression and mood disturbance, anxiety, chronic health issues, and stress.
Many people seek therapy to reduce distress and find relief from ‘symptoms’. Therapy can also provide opportunities to examine and understand ourselves, notice 'stuck' or unhelpful patterns, and develop new, more satisfying ways to manage emotions and navigate relationships. I am a clinical psychologist who sees people seeking therapy for any number of reasons. I work with people experiencing difficulties in relationships, grief and loss, trauma (including complex and relational trauma), depression and mood disturbance, anxiety, chronic health issues, and stress.
0493 904 559 View 0493 904 559
Gillian Fernandes
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I have an energetic and warm approach to counselling, and I work with people facing infidelity, parenting concerns, emotional distance, communication difficulties, sex and intimacy issues, identity and sexuality questions, separation, and forming new relationships.
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 have an energetic and warm approach to counselling, and I work with people facing infidelity, parenting concerns, emotional distance, communication difficulties, sex and intimacy issues, identity and sexuality questions, separation, and forming new relationships.
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
Eleni Kidis
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Thornbury, VIC 3071
My experience and strengths include supporting people heal from trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, fractured family bonds as well as adult sexual assault. I support people who experience depression, anxiety and low self-esteem and confidence. I also support couples reduce conflict, increase their ability to hold their own and their partners' emotions, strengthen emotional security in each other, (especially after infidelity) and help them reignite sexual intimacy.
My experience and strengths include supporting people heal from trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, fractured family bonds as well as adult sexual assault. I support people who experience depression, anxiety and low self-esteem and confidence. I also support couples reduce conflict, increase their ability to hold their own and their partners' emotions, strengthen emotional security in each other, (especially after infidelity) and help them reignite sexual intimacy.
(03) 8338 4349 View (03) 8338 4349
Alexa Powell Therapy
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I approach my work with people in a trauma informed, supportive, empathic and non judgmental way. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to enable you to have a sanctuary for self discovery and connection as we work through life's complexities together. I work with adults of all ages and have extensive experience in grief, loss and trauma, including infertility, suicide and estrangement. My practice approach is grounded in social work theory and evidence based psychological strategies. I work collaboratively with you to build sustainable skills and approaches to support your mental health into the future.
I approach my work with people in a trauma informed, supportive, empathic and non judgmental way. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to enable you to have a sanctuary for self discovery and connection as we work through life's complexities together. I work with adults of all ages and have extensive experience in grief, loss and trauma, including infertility, suicide and estrangement. My practice approach is grounded in social work theory and evidence based psychological strategies. I work collaboratively with you to build sustainable skills and approaches to support your mental health into the future.
(03) 8338 1670 View (03) 8338 1670
Angelica Chrisanthi Hristakos
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I provide Holistic Counselling and Integrative treatments for women who are seeking support with anxiety and depression, trauma, AuDHD, emotional regulation, carer burnout, parenting challenges, grief, relational concerns, womens' health and fertility, chronic pain, life transitions, spirituality and body-mind wellbeing.
I seek to provide an inclusive and neuro-affirming space for women to feel listened to, seen, supported and empowered. Utilising a person-centred and collaborative approach, drawing on trauma-informed, polyvagal and attachment principles to build relational connection and safety. A sanctuary for self-reflection, healing and integration is made accessible.
I provide Holistic Counselling and Integrative treatments for women who are seeking support with anxiety and depression, trauma, AuDHD, emotional regulation, carer burnout, parenting challenges, grief, relational concerns, womens' health and fertility, chronic pain, life transitions, spirituality and body-mind wellbeing.
I seek to provide an inclusive and neuro-affirming space for women to feel listened to, seen, supported and empowered. Utilising a person-centred and collaborative approach, drawing on trauma-informed, polyvagal and attachment principles to build relational connection and safety. A sanctuary for self-reflection, healing and integration is made accessible.
0433 080 837 View 0433 080 837
Paula Lay
Social Worker, MA, AASW
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.
0412 952 786 View 0412 952 786
Holly Monaghan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I’m a registered Psychologist with a warm, non-judgemental and supportive approach to treatment. I help clients in areas such as ADHD, trauma, anxiety, workplace issues (including critical incidents, burnout, injuries) and relationship difficulties (including intimate relationships, family relationships and friendships).
I’m a registered Psychologist with a warm, non-judgemental and supportive approach to treatment. I help clients in areas such as ADHD, trauma, anxiety, workplace issues (including critical incidents, burnout, injuries) and relationship difficulties (including intimate relationships, family relationships and friendships).
(03) 8771 5233 View (03) 8771 5233
Dr Daniela Petrov
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Psychologist for over 18 years. I have experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurological conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, stroke, dementia, concussion) and in psychological counselling to support adjustment, and improve low mood and anxiety. I adopt a holistic and personalised approach and support you through compassionate and professional psychological care. Sessions utilise a range of evidence-based techniques and practical strategies that are tailored specifically to your needs.
I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Psychologist for over 18 years. I have experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurological conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, stroke, dementia, concussion) and in psychological counselling to support adjustment, and improve low mood and anxiety. I adopt a holistic and personalised approach and support you through compassionate and professional psychological care. Sessions utilise a range of evidence-based techniques and practical strategies that are tailored specifically to your needs.
0491 614 852 View 0491 614 852
Meld Therapy
Counsellor, MC, PACFA
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Giorgia Deslandes is a Melbourne-based holistic counsellor registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (Registered Clinical) and the EMDR Association of Australia. Giorgia offers both counselling and psychotherapy from the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Giorgia is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and works from an integrative, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach. Drawing on her background in community health and Masters in Counselling Psychology, she supports clients to heal from trauma, strengthen emotional regulation, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Giorgia Deslandes is a Melbourne-based holistic counsellor registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (Registered Clinical) and the EMDR Association of Australia. Giorgia offers both counselling and psychotherapy from the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Giorgia is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and works from an integrative, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach. Drawing on her background in community health and Masters in Counselling Psychology, she supports clients to heal from trauma, strengthen emotional regulation, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
(03) 7003 2395 View (03) 7003 2395
Sarah Branchflower
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I have over a decade of experience supporting adults and adolescents through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, perinatal mental health concerns, trauma, stress management, life adjustments, and parenting concerns.
I believe in a collaborative approach, tailoring treatment plans to your unique goals and preferences. My goal is to create a compassionate space where we can build insight together, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
I have over a decade of experience supporting adults and adolescents through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, perinatal mental health concerns, trauma, stress management, life adjustments, and parenting concerns.
I believe in a collaborative approach, tailoring treatment plans to your unique goals and preferences. My goal is to create a compassionate space where we can build insight together, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
0490 885 879 View 0490 885 879

See more therapy options for Thornbury

Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.

When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.

How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.

Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.