Psychologists and Therapists for Elderly in Wantirna, VIC

Photo of Lauren Roberts, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Lauren Roberts
Counsellor, ACA-L1
3 Endorsed
Wantirna, VIC 3152
I work with individuals who feel something within them is asking to be heard—often showing up as anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, or disconnection. I support ADHD, autism, motherhood, trauma, and work with children (5+) and NDIS participants, including school-based sessions in primary and high school settings. My person-centred, evidence-informed approach creates space to explore what’s beneath the surface, build emotional capacity, and move toward clarity, regulation, and self-trust. If you’re feeling the weight of carrying it all alone, this is a space to slow down, be met fully, and begin finding your way forward.
I work with individuals who feel something within them is asking to be heard—often showing up as anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, or disconnection. I support ADHD, autism, motherhood, trauma, and work with children (5+) and NDIS participants, including school-based sessions in primary and high school settings. My person-centred, evidence-informed approach creates space to explore what’s beneath the surface, build emotional capacity, and move toward clarity, regulation, and self-trust. If you’re feeling the weight of carrying it all alone, this is a space to slow down, be met fully, and begin finding your way forward.
(03) 5907 5536 View (03) 5907 5536
Photo of Petra van Vliet, Social Worker, AMHSW
Petra van Vliet
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
The foundation of my counselling is social-justice, compassion and integrity. I am an accredited mental health social worker with over 30 years' experience in clinical mental health settings, community palliative care & aged care. I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming), Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I work from a trauma-informed framework which incorporates Attachment theory, Schema Theory and IFS.
The foundation of my counselling is social-justice, compassion and integrity. I am an accredited mental health social worker with over 30 years' experience in clinical mental health settings, community palliative care & aged care. I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming), Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I work from a trauma-informed framework which incorporates Attachment theory, Schema Theory and IFS.
(03) 8203 5194 View (03) 8203 5194
Photo of Rosemary Tainsh, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Rosemary Tainsh
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Rosemary is a warm, compassionate psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults across a broad range of presentations. She has particular interests in supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and life transitions, as well as perinatal mental health, parenting and neurodivergence. Rosemary also enjoys working with children experiencing anxiety, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and provides Autism, ADHD, Cognitive and Educational Assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
Rosemary is a warm, compassionate psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults across a broad range of presentations. She has particular interests in supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and life transitions, as well as perinatal mental health, parenting and neurodivergence. Rosemary also enjoys working with children experiencing anxiety, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and provides Autism, ADHD, Cognitive and Educational Assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
(03) 4421 6346 View (03) 4421 6346
Photo of Nidhi Khanna, Counsellor, PACFA
Nidhi Khanna
Counsellor, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or major life changes? I am a certified practising Counsellor offering support in English and Hindi, with experience supporting people navigating stress, anxiety, depression, family violence, migration-related challenges, carer burnout, and trauma. I also support immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, carers, and people seeking culturally sensitive therapy. My approach is warm, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to tailor therapy to your unique experiences, values, needs, and goals, because no two journeys are the same.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or major life changes? I am a certified practising Counsellor offering support in English and Hindi, with experience supporting people navigating stress, anxiety, depression, family violence, migration-related challenges, carer burnout, and trauma. I also support immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, carers, and people seeking culturally sensitive therapy. My approach is warm, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to tailor therapy to your unique experiences, values, needs, and goals, because no two journeys are the same.
(03) 8771 5140 View (03) 8771 5140
Photo of Timothy James Harmer - Tim Harmer - Guided Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Tim Harmer - Guided Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Tim implements a practical approach into his work and seeks to meet clients where they are at to navigate their challenges and offer ways to solve complex issues collaboratively. Tim seeks to empower clients to see their worth and take control of the challenges they are facing. Tim draws upon multiple evidenced-based approaches to meet clients’ needs including dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, schema therapy, and trauma informed therapeutic approaches. Tim offers an understanding and empathetic voice in his work and enjoys working with clients to build their sense of mastery.
Tim implements a practical approach into his work and seeks to meet clients where they are at to navigate their challenges and offer ways to solve complex issues collaboratively. Tim seeks to empower clients to see their worth and take control of the challenges they are facing. Tim draws upon multiple evidenced-based approaches to meet clients’ needs including dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, schema therapy, and trauma informed therapeutic approaches. Tim offers an understanding and empathetic voice in his work and enjoys working with clients to build their sense of mastery.
0402 830 654 View 0402 830 654
Photo of Michelle Elias - Steps to Soar Psychology & Assessment, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Steps to Soar Psychology & Assessment
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Anxiety, stress, educational assessment (including dyslexia, dysgraphia). Steps to Soar helps children to adults identify qualities to cope with life challenges, gain insight to visualise what they want, and foster belief in their capacity to attain it. Committed to promoting self-understanding, self-belief and well-being in a friendly, inclusive environment using integrative, evidence-based practices. Clients are assisted to explore factors impacting them/their relationships, how they might move towards helpful habits, learn skills and ways of coping to improve their quality of life. Family collaboration underpins support.
Anxiety, stress, educational assessment (including dyslexia, dysgraphia). Steps to Soar helps children to adults identify qualities to cope with life challenges, gain insight to visualise what they want, and foster belief in their capacity to attain it. Committed to promoting self-understanding, self-belief and well-being in a friendly, inclusive environment using integrative, evidence-based practices. Clients are assisted to explore factors impacting them/their relationships, how they might move towards helpful habits, learn skills and ways of coping to improve their quality of life. Family collaboration underpins support.
(03) 8203 5805 View (03) 8203 5805
Photo of Caroline Winzenried, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Caroline Winzenried
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
If you're struggling with shame, anxiety, or existential concerns related to your religious background (whether you have left your religious community or are still happily a part of it), I'm here to help you move forward. Religion plays a huge role shaping our understanding of ourselves, our values, and the world around us. It can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding journey to open these ideas up for examination. My goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive space to explore, deconstruct, and create new understandings that feel true to who you are.
If you're struggling with shame, anxiety, or existential concerns related to your religious background (whether you have left your religious community or are still happily a part of it), I'm here to help you move forward. Religion plays a huge role shaping our understanding of ourselves, our values, and the world around us. It can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding journey to open these ideas up for examination. My goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive space to explore, deconstruct, and create new understandings that feel true to who you are.
(03) 8203 5069 View (03) 8203 5069
Photo of Jonathan James Hellier, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Jonathan James Hellier
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Working with Adults and Older Adults.
Jonathan Hellier is a registered psychologist undertaking his clinical registrar program toward endorsement as a clinical psychologist. Therapy is collaborative and personalised, supporting people experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, abuse, relationship difficulties, workplace issues, grief and loss, and life transitions. The focus is on understanding patterns, strengthening self-awareness, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change in everyday life through evidence-based and relational work.
Working with Adults and Older Adults.
Jonathan Hellier is a registered psychologist undertaking his clinical registrar program toward endorsement as a clinical psychologist. Therapy is collaborative and personalised, supporting people experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, abuse, relationship difficulties, workplace issues, grief and loss, and life transitions. The focus is on understanding patterns, strengthening self-awareness, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change in everyday life through evidence-based and relational work.
(03) 8203 5998 View (03) 8203 5998
Photo of Dhanisha Kanagasingam, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Dhanisha Kanagasingam
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Dhanisha is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Psychologist who prioritises creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients. Her focus on building strong therapeutic relationships and her commitment to a strengths-based, culturally sensitive approach shows a deep respect for individual experiences and diversity.
Dhanisha is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Psychologist who prioritises creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients. Her focus on building strong therapeutic relationships and her commitment to a strengths-based, culturally sensitive approach shows a deep respect for individual experiences and diversity.
(03) 8203 5640 View (03) 8203 5640
Photo of Dr Rashika Perera Gomez, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Rashika Perera Gomez
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I work with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and older adults.
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.
I work with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and older adults.
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
Photo of Jacqueline Noble, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Jacqueline Noble
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves and others. Many of my clients come to therapy after years of “holding it together” for everyone else while struggling internally with anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, parenting stress, or navigating neurodivergence. My approach is compassionate, practical, and honest. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to make meaningful changes without judgment.
I help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves and others. Many of my clients come to therapy after years of “holding it together” for everyone else while struggling internally with anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, parenting stress, or navigating neurodivergence. My approach is compassionate, practical, and honest. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to make meaningful changes without judgment.
(03) 8203 5205 View (03) 8203 5205
Photo of Kate Reimer - Doongalla Counselling, Counsellor, PACFA
Doongalla Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
With a particular interest in trauma recovery, Kate prioritises a safe, confidential and empathic therapy space. It is in such an environment that a collaborative therapeutic relationship may be developed to facilitate client goals. These goals may consist of developing emotional regulation, recovering from childhood trauma, establishing communication skills, enhancing self-care practices or any other number of goals. Individuals may engage with short-term counselling or longer therapeutic work to address issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict and personal development.
With a particular interest in trauma recovery, Kate prioritises a safe, confidential and empathic therapy space. It is in such an environment that a collaborative therapeutic relationship may be developed to facilitate client goals. These goals may consist of developing emotional regulation, recovering from childhood trauma, establishing communication skills, enhancing self-care practices or any other number of goals. Individuals may engage with short-term counselling or longer therapeutic work to address issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict and personal development.
(03) 8777 0432 View (03) 8777 0432
Photo of Ermanno Bergami, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Ermanno Bergami
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a psychotherapist I create a field, I prepare the ground and the conditions, I set processes in motion, I resonate and synchronise with the rhythm of the person. I help the person to centre inside, to anchor in the body, in the present and in reality. What I am most interested in is the relationship people have with themselves. Most problems that occur in interpersonal relationships have to do with conflict within us. My work is about lowering fears, taking small and big courageous steps, regaining the capacity to love, rebuilding trust in ourselves so that we can find and follow our path.
As a psychotherapist I create a field, I prepare the ground and the conditions, I set processes in motion, I resonate and synchronise with the rhythm of the person. I help the person to centre inside, to anchor in the body, in the present and in reality. What I am most interested in is the relationship people have with themselves. Most problems that occur in interpersonal relationships have to do with conflict within us. My work is about lowering fears, taking small and big courageous steps, regaining the capacity to love, rebuilding trust in ourselves so that we can find and follow our path.
(03) 8797 5448 View (03) 8797 5448
Photo of Janeeta Ray, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Janeeta Ray
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Early studies focused on stress in adolescents and my Masters thesis investigated successfully navigating life transitions for older adults
I recognize that seeking help can be a difficult step. You may have lived with emotional and personal difficulties for a long time. Alternatively, you may be navigating an important transition in work or personal relationships or change in your mental or physical health. My work focusses on assisting clients to understand the source of their distress or uncertainty and move toward a life that is more fulfilling. Using trauma informed practices, together we navigate challenging transitions, acknowledge grief and anxieties and make sense of patterns and choices. Together, we work toward making practical changes.
Early studies focused on stress in adolescents and my Masters thesis investigated successfully navigating life transitions for older adults
I recognize that seeking help can be a difficult step. You may have lived with emotional and personal difficulties for a long time. Alternatively, you may be navigating an important transition in work or personal relationships or change in your mental or physical health. My work focusses on assisting clients to understand the source of their distress or uncertainty and move toward a life that is more fulfilling. Using trauma informed practices, together we navigate challenging transitions, acknowledge grief and anxieties and make sense of patterns and choices. Together, we work toward making practical changes.
(03) 8797 2584 View (03) 8797 2584
Photo of Imelda Westworth, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Imelda Westworth
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work with clients who are seeking support and guidance to manage and cope with mental health challenges such as trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem, family issues, and relationship issues. Together, we tackle goals such as reducing symptoms of mental illness, improving their ability to function in daily life, building stronger relationships with loved ones, and developing greater self-awareness and self-esteem. My clients come to me with a desire to improve their mental health and overall well-being so that they can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
I work with clients who are seeking support and guidance to manage and cope with mental health challenges such as trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem, family issues, and relationship issues. Together, we tackle goals such as reducing symptoms of mental illness, improving their ability to function in daily life, building stronger relationships with loved ones, and developing greater self-awareness and self-esteem. My clients come to me with a desire to improve their mental health and overall well-being so that they can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
(03) 8203 5741 View (03) 8203 5741
Photo of Akriti (Aki) Shrestha, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Akriti (Aki) Shrestha
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
She has worked with individuals of all age groups- from teenagers to older adults.
Aki works from a client-centered perspective and draws from a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based approaches and Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, Trauma-based Therapy & Schema therapy.
She has worked with individuals of all age groups- from teenagers to older adults.
Aki works from a client-centered perspective and draws from a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based approaches and Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, Trauma-based Therapy & Schema therapy.
(03) 9560 8880 View (03) 9560 8880
Photo of Jo White - Autism Counselling, Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
Autism Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Autism Counselling is a group of 6 experienced therapists who deliver specifically tailored sessions to suit children, teens, adults , couples and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families manage the specific challenges of ASD.
Autism Counselling is a group of 6 experienced therapists who deliver specifically tailored sessions to suit children, teens, adults , couples and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families manage the specific challenges of ASD.
(03) 9071 0181 View (03) 9071 0181
Photo of Jerty Richardson, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Jerty Richardson
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
At Ultimate Success and Wellbeing Psychology, I deliver a range of services for older teenagers, adults and couples. This includes anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, mediation, domestic violence Issues, critical incident stress management debriefing and anger and behaviour management. I have been registered as a psychologist for nearly 20 years and have held a variety of roles. This includes managing a counselling team, youth team, domestic violence team and many mental health teams.
At Ultimate Success and Wellbeing Psychology, I deliver a range of services for older teenagers, adults and couples. This includes anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, mediation, domestic violence Issues, critical incident stress management debriefing and anger and behaviour management. I have been registered as a psychologist for nearly 20 years and have held a variety of roles. This includes managing a counselling team, youth team, domestic violence team and many mental health teams.
(03) 9864 1892 View (03) 9864 1892
Photo of Phil Burns - Osmosis Family Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L4
Osmosis Family Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Phil Burns is a highly skilled and regarded counsellor with many years of experience in the field. Phil is committed to allowing clients the space and time to discover who they really are and what makes them unique. By assisting them to see their attributes and define their personal values, they are able to view life through a new lens and overcome the challenges they face. By allowing clients to define what works and doesn’t work for them, they are then able to decide the next step in their journey
Phil Burns is a highly skilled and regarded counsellor with many years of experience in the field. Phil is committed to allowing clients the space and time to discover who they really are and what makes them unique. By assisting them to see their attributes and define their personal values, they are able to view life through a new lens and overcome the challenges they face. By allowing clients to define what works and doesn’t work for them, they are then able to decide the next step in their journey
(03) 7500 5062 View (03) 7500 5062
Photo of Nenita Batica, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Nenita Batica
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi! I’m a registered psychologist and accredited EMDR Practitioner, with a particular focus on supporting women experiencing trauma, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout, and the ongoing impact of difficult life experiences. Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, and looking for a safe space to make sense of what they’re going through. My approach is warm, calm, and collaborative. As a woman myself, I understand how easy it can be to put everyone else first while losing sight of your own needs. I aim to help clients feel understood, supported, and more like themselves again.
Hi! I’m a registered psychologist and accredited EMDR Practitioner, with a particular focus on supporting women experiencing trauma, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout, and the ongoing impact of difficult life experiences. Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, and looking for a safe space to make sense of what they’re going through. My approach is warm, calm, and collaborative. As a woman myself, I understand how easy it can be to put everyone else first while losing sight of your own needs. I aim to help clients feel understood, supported, and more like themselves again.
(03) 8771 4591 View (03) 8771 4591
FAQ - About Therapy for Seniors
Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and physical mobility challenges.

How is counselling for elderly different from counselling for other age groups?
In general, counselling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. Therapists who specialise in working with elderly clients generally have the same framework but may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counselling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.

How can therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?
Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.

What are the qualities to look for in therapists who see seniors?
Seniors counsellors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counsellors specialising in working with the senior population should be very familiar with the aging process in general and the common conditions that the elderly can face, such as dementia, depression, loneliness, and/or physical illness. Many senior counsellors are also well-equipped to help caregivers and families navigate the aging process of their loved ones, and they may draw on Interpersonal Therapy to help facilitate improved interactions between seniors and those that care for them.