Individual Counselling Melbourne

Individual therapy is a confidential, one-on-one process where you work with an AHPRA-registered psychologist to explore your concerns and work towards your mental health and wellbeing goals. Sessions are tailored to your individual circumstances, recognising that each person’s experiences, strengths, and needs are unique.

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology in Armadale, Melbourne, our psychologists draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and other evidence-informed modalities. Sessions are available in person at our Armadale clinic and via telehealth across Australia.

Individual therapy can benefit people experiencing a wide range of emotional, psychological, behavioural, and life challenges. You do not need a formal diagnosis to seek support.

Our Melbourne-based team of psychologists have a special interest in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, low self-esteem, burnout, obsessive-compulsive difficulties, relationship concerns, body image issues, and other mental health challenges. Many people also seek therapy during periods of transition, personal growth, or when they would like additional support to navigate life’s demands.

The number of therapy sessions required varies depending on your goals, circumstances, and the nature of the difficulties you are experiencing.

Some people find that a relatively short course of therapy assists them in achieving their goals, while others benefit from longer-term support. If you are accessing therapy under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), Medicare currently provides rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. This is typically issued as an initial referral for six sessions, followed by a GP review before the remaining sessions can be accessed.

Current Medicare rebates and fees are available on our Fees & Rebates page, and information about obtaining a referral can be found on our Referral Information page. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

Yes. We offer secure telehealth psychology appointments to clients throughout Australia.

Research indicates that telehealth can be an effective way to deliver psychological therapy for many common mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related difficulties. For some individuals, telehealth may offer greater convenience, accessibility, and flexibility, particularly for those living in regional areas or managing busy schedules.

All telehealth appointments are conducted by our AHPRA-registered psychologists, and Medicare rebates may apply to eligible sessions. Visit our Telehealth FAQ page for more information about how online appointments work and how to prepare for your first session.

The first session focuses on understanding your current concerns, circumstances, and goals for therapy.

Your psychologist will take time to learn about what has brought you to therapy, relevant aspects of your personal history, and any factors that may be contributing to your current difficulties. Together, you will discuss your goals and begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our Clinic Director reviews each new enquiry and carefully considers factors such as presenting concerns, preferences, and clinician availability when recommending a psychologist from our team. You can learn more about our referral and booking process here.

No. You can book an appointment with a psychologist as a private fee-paying client without a referral.

If you wish to claim Medicare rebates, you will require a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP. Eligible clients may claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

Current rebate information is available on our Fees & Rebates page, and step-by-step referral information can be found on our Referral Information page. You can also find GP referral instructions specific to our clinic here. Some private health insurance extras policies may also provide benefits for psychology services, so it is worth checking directly with your health fund.

Our psychologists draw on a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, selecting interventions that are appropriate to each client’s presenting concerns, goals, and preferences.

Approaches used within our practice may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Narrative Exposure Therapy, Gottman Method-informed interventions for couples, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic approaches, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches.

Your psychologist will discuss the therapeutic approach they recommend and explain how it may support your treatment goals.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are both qualified mental health professionals, although their training and roles differ.

A psychologist is trained in the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns through evidence-based psychological therapies and assessments. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undertaken specialist training in mental health and can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide medical management where appropriate.

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, psychology and psychiatry services are available through our practice. Where appropriate and with client consent, clinicians may collaborate to support coordinated care — particularly for conditions such as ADHD, where psychological therapy and medical management may complement each other. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are registered with AHPRA and are required to adhere to professional, ethical, and regulatory standards.

When choosing a psychologist, it can be helpful to consider factors such as their qualifications, registration status, areas of professional interest, therapeutic approach, availability, and whether you feel comfortable working with them.

Research suggests that a positive therapeutic relationship is an important factor in successful therapy outcomes. Feeling heard, respected, and understood can help foster a productive therapeutic process.

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our Clinic Director reviews each enquiry and considers factors such as your presenting concerns, goals, preferences, and clinician availability when recommending a psychologist from our team. This process is designed to support an informed and personalised referral pathway from your first appointment. Submit an enquiry here to learn more about available appointments.