Hi, I’m Marie Vakakis,

The director of The Therapy Hub and host of the podcast This Complex Life 

Welcome. I help individuals and couples want to be happy, confident, and live meaningfully. Sometimes we’re weighed down by anxiety, stress, depression or trauma. School, work, relationships, identity, and/or self-esteem issues can make life difficult to enjoy. This can often leave us feeling stuck.

Life can be tough. I understand, and I’m here to help. Together we’ll figure out who you are, who you want to be, and how to get you there.

I work as a couple and individual therapist, using EMDR Therapy intensives, Gottman Couples Therapy Marathon intensives as well as regular weekly or fortnightly sessions.

I incorporate a range of techniques such as Gottman Couples Therapy, ACT, CBT, EMDR and mindfulness in my work to support you in this process.

What else can I tell you about myself? I’m a little bit of a nerd and don’t take myself too seriously – life’s too short! I’m your classic animal lover, especially dogs. I love the great outdoors – hiking and camping (except I hate mosquitoes!)

My approach to therapy is direct, yet genuine and supportive. I have a sense of humour about myself, and I encourage my clients to adopt the same attitude. I am incredibly enthusiastic and I am excited to work together and create meaningful and lasting change in your life.

Everything we talk about is just between the people in the room (unless there are safety concerns, I’ll explain all that to you in our first session). Think of me as your trusted confidant. Someone who is ready to listen, never judge – but also be honest with you in order to bring forward positive change.

You can learn more about me on my podcast This Complex Life or my YouTube channel 

‘’I’m 100% invested in this process. I am passionate about helping people feel understood and heard. Overcome past painful experiences and helping couples and families increase connection with one another.’’

My particular areas of interest and passion include, but are not limited to are
Couples Counselling
Working with adolescents and young adults
Gender and sexuality exploration
Relationship/Interpersonal Concerns
Anxiety Concerns
Working with Trauma & difficult life experiences

EMDR Therapy

Parenting Interventions and Support

Learn more about Marie

QUALIFICATIONS/ TRAININGS:

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Masters of Family Therapy, LaTrobe University

Completed level 3 Gottman Method Couples training

Accredited EMDR Therapy Practitioner, child, adolescent and adult. 

Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psychology), Monash University

Masters of Social Work (additional research year/ thesis) The University of Melbourne

Graduate Diploma of Youth and Adolescent Mental Health , The University of Melbourne

Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Accredited ‘Tuning Into Teens’ Parenting Program Facilitator

PRICES

Sessions with Marie are $280 for 50 minutes

Some sessions may be eligible for Medicare rebates.

Marie also works with clients through Open Arms, TAC and WorkCover

 

Couples Therapy sessions

EMDR therapy intensive 

 

AVAILABILITY

Monday , Tuesday, Thursday, Friday