Book a call
  • About
  • Services
    • Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Assessments
    • Couples Counselling
      • Gottman Relationship Checkup
      • Marathon Couples Therapy
      • FAQs Couples Counselling
    • EMDR Therapy Footscray Melbourne
    • EMDR intensive Footscray
    • Family Therapy
    • Teen Counselling Footscray
    • Supervision
  • For professionals
  • Client info
    • How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan
    • Fees
    • Referrals and rebates
    • FAQs
    • Attendance Policy
  • Get Ready for Therapy
  • Careers
    • Join us
    • Counselling Room Rental Footscray
  • Blog
  • Contact

Blog

Supporting Gender and Sexuality Diverse Clients: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Supporting Gender and Sexuality Diverse Clients: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Supporting Gender and Sexuality Diverse Clients starts with affirming care. Learn practical steps to create inclusive, respectful healthcare environments.

read more
https://thetherapyhub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mountain-Meditation-1.mp4

Mountain Meditation

  The...

read more

Categories

  • All Posts
  • About the team
  • Anxiety
  • Autism and ADHD
  • Couples Counselling
  • EMDR
  • Family Therapy
  • FAQ's
  • For Referrers
  • Grief
  • Mental Health
  • Neurodiversity Counselling
  • Parents
  • Professional insights
  • Resources
  • Supervision
  • Teen
  • Therapy
  • Uncategorised

Adult Autism Assessments | Anxiety | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Couples therapy | Depression | EMDR therapy | EMDR Intensives | Exploring gender & sexuality | Family and relationship issues | Gottman Couples Therapy Marathon Sessions | Grief and loss | Interpersonal skills | Assertiveness | Setting boundaries | Loneliness and isolation | Neurodiversity affirming practitioners | Online Therapy | Self-esteem & identity | Self-harm | Stress & burnout | Therapy for Teens | Therapy for Young Adults | Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

We acknowledge Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the Traditional Custodians of the land we work on and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded.

The Therapy Hub is committed to cultivating inclusive environments . We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities. We are an environmentally conscious practice.

Seeking immediate help?

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Connect with us

Phone (03) 9958 8772

Fax (03) 9923 6856

Book a call back

By appointment only 1/45 Ryan street, Footscray, 3011. 

hello@thetherapyhub.com.au

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

Hi, I’m Ozlem

Hi, my name is Ozlem – I am a registered counsellor. I have been working with young people and adults for over a decade in the field of Mental Health and Wellbeing. I have work, volunteer and lived experiences across different countries. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients through thousands of hours of counselling.

I am passionate about working with people to promote their well-being by supporting them in discovering tools to navigate their challenges and also develop meaningful relationships with themselves and the people in their lives.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

— Viktor E. Frankl

I support people who may be experiencing relationship and marital stress (couples counselling), anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem issues, life transitions, burn out, anger management, , loss and grief, work related challenges and parenting related challenges. You can think of me as someone in your corner, someone who is ready to listen without judgment, while also offering thoughtful and honest reflections to support real, lasting change.

 

My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, collaborative and trauma-informed. I bring honesty, curiosity, and a sense of humour into the room, and I invite clients to do the same. I believe meaningful change happens when we can look at ourselves with compassion rather than criticism. I aim to create a space where you can feel safe enough to be yourself, and curious enough to explore what may need to change. I’m invested in the work we do together and approach therapy as a collaborative process.

 

I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches and integrate them in my work, including CBT, ACT, mindfulness, RLT, IFS/parts work, the Gottman Method, SFBT and a person-centred framework. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, our work is shaped around what feels most helpful and meaningful for you. This means we can work both practically and reflectively helping you understand patterns, build skills, and create lasting change.

 

I also lead social and emotional learning workshops in primary and secondary schools across Victoria. Supporting students with wide range of topics from friendship challenges, self-esteem, leadership skills, managing anger, peer support, emotional regulation skills, resilience,  empathy, respect, and inclusion, confidence building and self-awareness, communication and assertiveness and building healthy boundaries.

 

I love adventure and new experiences. My favourite pianist is Ludovico Einaudi, I had the pleasure of listening to him play at the Arts Centre, Melbourne.  I passionately love chocolate, mangoes and frozen berries. I trained in martial arts for a decade giving me a black belt in Taekwondo, using my body to move and relax releases stress.  My current love is table tennis, the little white ball comes with a lot of fun and laughter.  I speak in English and Turkish Fluently.

 

Therapy offers a space to better understand yourself, heal old patterns, and build healthier ways of relating, both internally and with others. Clients often report feeling grounded, self-respecting, and emotionally connected in their relationships. Rather than quick fixes, the work focuses on lasting change through self-awareness, compassion, and practical relational tools.

 

You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. If you feel I might be a good fit and this resonates with you I welcome you to get in touch.

Qualifications

  • Master of Counselling Monash University

  • Grad. Diploma in Applied Psychology Victoria University

  • Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Victoria University

  • Accredited Cert IV Training & Assessment TAE40116 RMIT University

  • Accredited Cert. IV in Life Coaching ICF Hart Life Coaching

  • Internal Family Systems Therapy: IFS Institut

  • Gottman Method Couples Level One

  • Gottman Method Couples Level Two

  • Relational Life Therapy Level One

  • Mindfulness for Life: Parenting Fundamentals

  • Mindful Parenting: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children

  • ACT Therapy Russ Harris

  • ACT Brief Interventions

  • Nonviolent Communication Marshall Rosenberg

  • Member of the Australian Counselling Association



AVAILABILITY

Wednesdays in person and online

Close

Hi, I’m Michelle

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who supports clients throughout their reproductive journeys and the challenges that may arise along the way.

I work with young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma.  I am neuroaffirming and work to support people in navigating ADHD and Autism.

I am also passionate about empowering people to make informed reproductive choices and helping them navigate infertility, birth trauma, perinatal loss (including stillbirth, miscarriage, and termination), abortion grief, adoption, perinatal mental health concerns, and the transition to parenthood. I work hard to cultivate a trusting, authentic, and collaborative therapeutic relationship to support meaningful and sustainable treatment goals.

“You are not alone in your struggles. With support and treatment, you will get better.”

I am a warm and thoughtful therapist supporting teens and adults with a wide range of mental health and life challenges. I work with people experiencing stress, low mood, anxiety, identity questions, relationship and family conflict, grief and loss, and major life changes such as separation, divorce, career shifts, and parenting transitions.

I have experience supporting young people and adults with coping skills, emotional regulation, suicidal thoughts, mood disorders, racial and cultural identity, and gender and sexuality diversity. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where people can feel heard and understood, and where we can gently make sense of what is going on.

My approach is practical, compassionate, and collaborative. I focus on helping people build insight, confidence, and skills so they can move through life with more steadiness and self trust.

Perinatal support

I support individuals who want to lead fulfilling lives in which their reproductive choices are embraced and celebrated. For many, the imagined future can become clouded by reproductive loss, infertility, depression or anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, or a difficult transition to parenthood. I am here to help you move through these challenges and reconnect with a sense of wellness and stability in your reproductive journey.

I bring over a decade of experience working in a public maternity hospital with pregnant people experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties; supporting non-binary clients seeking abortion care; working with couples engaged in adoption; and assisting parents to navigate post-separation parenting arrangements in non-profit organisations.

My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity affirming. I am particularly passionate about supporting non-binary clients through their reproductive experiences. I draw on a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Positive Psychology.

What does it feel like to be in the room with me?

Clients often describe feeling grounded and emotionally regulated. I will meet you where you are with calmness, compassion, positivity, and hope.

Outside of work, I am a proud mother of two children and a foster carer to a Labrador Retriever puppy. I am a dedicated yoga enthusiast and enjoy making candles and experimenting with aromatherapeutic oils in my spare time. I identify as an Asian, neurotypical, cisgender woman.

My areas of experience

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Adolescent mental health
  • Perinatal depression and anxiety
  • Postpartum depression, anxiety, and obsessive–compulsive disorder
  • Perinatal loss (stillbirths, miscarriages, termination)
  • Mood and anxiety disorders related to adoption
  • Infertility grief and loss
  • Non-directive pregnancy options counselling for unplanned or unwanted pregnancies
  • Abortion grief and loss
  • Birth trauma
  • Attachment difficulties with your baby
  • Infant mental health
  • Challenges in the transition to parenthood
  • Post-separation parenting and conflict management

Qualifications

  • EMDR Therapy Level 1 
  • Master of Social Work
  • Master of Arts in International Communication
  • Bachelor of Arts in English
  • Diploma of Community Services
  • Diploma of Positive Psychology
  • Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health and Infant Mental Health – in progress


AVAILABILITY

Wednesdays, Saturday afternoons

Close

Hi, I’m Callista

I am a queer-identifying registered psychologist, dedicated to providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs & strengths of each client. I am committed to fostering strong therapeutic relationships to help clients lead more authentic & fulfilling lives. It can be incredibly difficult to navigate the mental healthcare system and to find the right therapist, especially if you are Neurodiverse, Queer and/or from a Culturally Diverse background. In therapy, I use both my clinical & lived experience to inform my process & tailor my approach with each individual client’s needs and unique context in mind.
 
I integrate a range of approaches including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance Commitment Therapy & EMDR. I work with a variety of presentations, but hold special interests in PTSD, Autism and ADHD, Anxiety & Depression. I specialise in working with Neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ and Culturally Diverse Clients.
 
My approach is honest and supportive, centred on self-discovery. I believe therapy works best when there’s a genuine connection, so I prioritise building trust and creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel truly heard & understood. I aim to help clients build resilience, find clarity, and live authentically to their truest selves.


AVAILABILITY

Monday and Tuesday

Close

Hi, I’m Edy

I’m a registered psychologist with an immigrant background, having grown up in Australia. I understand the challenges of navigating mental health support and finding the right therapist. 

My goal is to help clients gain clarity, build resilience and work through emotional barriers effectively.

I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder and intellectual disability. My approach to therapy is honest, upfront and supportive, prioritising a strong therapeutic relationship while creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Intensive Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy (ISTDP), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), tailoring each session to the individual’s needs.

Outside of work I love exploring new restaurants, experimenting in the kitchen and collecting things. 



Areas of interest include



Trauma and cPTSD



Neurodiversity (ADHD, intellectual disability, etc.)



Mood and personality disorders



Identity and cultural adjustment



Emotional regulation



Self-compassion and self-worth



QUALIFICATIONS/ TRAININGS:



Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)



Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science (Advanced)



Master of Professional Psychology



AVAILABILITY

Tuesday & Friday

Close

Hi, I’m Anne,

I come to The Therpay Hub with years of experience working in clinics in the Inner West. It can be daunting starting this process for the first time and Anne is passionate about helping people find the right fit for themselves or their family. When not working she’s trying her best to have a thriving veggie garden (that can withstand the attentions of a helpful toddler).



AVAILABILITY

I work at The Therapy Hub a combination of remote and in the office. (Mostly remote at the moment). Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Close

Hi, I’m Stephanie

I’m a dedicated and compassionate counsellor and social worker with a profound commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change within our community. Holding a Master of Social Work and currently pursuing a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, I bring knowledge and practical experience to my role.

With four years of experience in a school setting, I apply evidence-based interventions and a holistic perspective to address the unique needs of each individual. I am recognised for my empathetic and non-judgmental approach, creating a safe space for clients to explore and navigate their challenges. I firmly believe in the transformative power of resilience and work diligently to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and realise their full potential.

Beyond my clinical expertise, I am recognised for my empathetic and non-judgmental approach, creating a safe space for clients to explore and navigate their challenges. I firmly believe in the transformative power of resilience and work diligently to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and realise their full potential.

 

My professional approach revolves around client-centred work, solution-focused, strengths-based approaches and CBT. I have a proven track record of making a meaningful impact on individuals navigating diverse challenges.

​

Fun fact: I enjoy hiking in nature; I train at the gym most nights, a few times a week after work, and I enjoy a good meal. 



My particular areas of interest and passion include



Working with young people and adults



Addressing anxiety and depression concerns



Supporting individuals dealing with trauma and life difficulties



Implementing parenting interventions



Social and emotional difficulties 



Working with BIPOC community



Coping Skills



Goal setting



Addressing school-related problems, including overall school disengagement, school refusal 



Navigating issues of self-harm and suicidal ideation



Working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities



QUALIFICATIONS/ TRAININGS:



Masters of Social Work

Bachelor of Arts, Media & Communication

Currently completing a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy



AVAILABILITY

Friday evenings & Saturdays

Close

Hi, I’m Amal Saleh-Zada,

I am a registered counsellor. I have been working with adolescents, young adults and adults for over ten years. 

I consider the role of counsellor to be a privilege. Humour is the biggest strength I bring to the counselling space.

I am particularly interested in Men’s mental health and strive to create a safe space for open discussions around feelings, emotions and challenges that men face. The quality of our working relationship has a significant impact on the counselling process. We will work collaboratively to help increase your self-awareness of your relationship with yourself and others and explore any obstacles preventing you from living your best life by helping you develop the skills to achieve it.

Although various counselling modalities exist, I will use a combination of approaches, including person-centred (client-led), solution-focused, and CBT.

At times you may laugh with me, and more often than not, you will laugh at me…but it’s all part of the fun. In my downtime, I enjoy a hike in the middle of nowhere, my martial arts class, drawing if I am not doing some woodwork or learning about the latest tech gadgets.

“We don’t know what we don’t know. That’s where counselling can help shed light on what we can change. As Andy Andrews said, ‘Every good thing that has happened in your life happened because something changed.'”



My particular areas of interest and passion include, but are not limited to are



Trauma



Depression



Anxiety



Family and Relationship issues



School and work difficulties



Behavioural problems



Dealing with change



Working with young people from CALD, migrant and refugee backgrounds



QUALIFICATIONS/ TRAININGS:



Bachelor of Counselling, Australian College of Applied Psychology



Biopsychosocial Assessments



Safety and Stabilisation, Approach for complex trauma (Blue Knot Foundation)



Registrant of PACFA National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors



Building Foundations – Working Survivors of Sexual Assault (ECASA)

Check out this interview on This Complex Life episode where Amal talks about young men’s mental and emotional health.



AVAILABILITY

Saturdays



AVAILABILITY

Fees start at $180

Close

Hi, I’m Sundus,

I’m a psychology student with a strong interest in mental health and supporting people as they begin their therapy journey. I understand that taking the first step can feel daunting, and I’m passionate about helping clients feel comfortable, informed, and supported while finding the right fit.

I’m eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the team with a thoughtful and compassionate approach. When I’m not studying or at the clinic, you’ll usually find me swimming or attempting to play tennis (emphasis on attempting).

Hi, I’m Semhar,

I’m a dedicated psychologist with a robust background in psychology and a deep commitment to fostering the mental well-being of individuals, particularly young people.

 

My extensive experience covers a broad spectrum of psychological issues, enabling me to effectively address diverse mental health challenges and offer personalised support to clients in a culturally sensitive and neurodivergent-affirming manner. I integrate a trauma-informed and intersectional framework into my practice.

With a compassionate and empathetic approach, my focus is on helping clients navigate their emotional well-being, fostering positive growth, and achieving a high quality of care. I utilise a variety of modalities and collaborate with clients to choose the best approach, drawing from methods such as Narrative Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Complicated Grief Therapy, and Family Therapy.

 

”I am passionate about supporting young people and their families on their journey toward mental wellness!”



QUALIFICATIONS/ TRAININGS:



Bachelor of Psychological Science



Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced



Master of Professional Psychology


Registered with AHPRA and member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc


AVAILABILITY:

Mondays​

Close

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



Accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor



Accredited Standard Mental Health First Aid Instructor



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

Close