Meet our team
Monique Warshall
Psychotherapist and Founder
Hi, my name is Monique.
I have always been curious about why we do things, and what drives us and the inner stories of our minds. It was my curiosity that began my professional career as a psychotherapist as well as my personal journey of healing. I’ve come to realise that the most complex relationship we will ever have is with ourselves and that is why I invite you to begin that journey with me by your side.
Our internal world is made up of the many voices of our experiences. These voices – or parts – shape who we are. All your parts are welcome here, and there are no bad parts. I’m here to collaborate with you to get to know your internal world in a safe, connected, and nurturing space.
I want to support you to befriend these parts, rather than disconnect from them. What if you could befriend the inner critic, the overthinker or the judge?
Areas I am passionate include addiction, trauma, grief, relationships, boundaries, and self-esteem. I enjoy collaborating with people of all ages and I am always open to new experiences.
I founded this space after a decade working across clinical settings in the not for profit and private sector. Most recently I was Deputy Director of Malvern Private Hospital and manager of the therapeutic program.
Qualifications
- Master of Counselling Psychology
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling
- Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies
- Bachelor of Social Science (Criminal Justice)
- Clinical PACFA Member 28273
- Currently studying a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Gemma Urbini
Family Therapist, Mental Health OT and Reiki Master
Hi! I’m Gemma,
Qualifications
- Master of Clinical Family Therapy
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Arts (Dance)
- Reiki Master
- Eating disorder therapy trained (FBT, CBTE, SSCM, MANTRA, CCSW)
- Havening Trained
- AHPRA registered
Rachel Molloy
Psychotherapist
Hi, I’m Rachel.
I work as a counsellor and psychotherapist at a leading addiction treatment hospital in Melbourne, working with individuals and groups, and in private practice. My experience in working with addiction is through the lens of complex trauma, with trauma being defined as any experience that overwhelms our ability to remain open and present to an experience. An experience that overwhelms our ability to cope. The “complex” part means that such experiences happened repeatedly, and perhaps continue to happen.
When we can’t stay with an experience and the feelings that come with it, we find strategies to make it more bearable, and these often cause us more pain and suffering than the original experience.
If limiting ways of relating to ourselves and others are built on a series of strategies to avoid uncomfortable emotions, then it makes sense that if we become more comfortable and able to sit with so-called “negative” emotions like fear, shame, anxiety, anger and sadness, that we can open ourselves up to live life more fully and more authentically. When we change the way, we relate to ourselves we can let these dysfunctional strategies go and we can feel more alive.
These strategies, or defences, extend beyond substance or behavioural addictions to include but are not limited to, overthinking, overworking, controlling behaviours, people pleasing, caretaking, denial, repression, minimisation, rationalisation, procrastination, social withdrawal, isolation, suicidality, muscle tension, sleeping difficulties and other health problems. Avoidance of our experience is the foundation for a myriad of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, issues with boundaries, assertiveness and/or relationship challenges.
In the context of a trusting therapeutic alliance, I will work with you to find a sense of safety in the relationship and in the exploration of all aspects of your experience. I will seek to help you to better understand existing patterns and learn new ways of being in a relationship with yourself and others.
My job is more of a vocation than a job for me. I’m passionate about building deep connections. I bring my own authenticity, my love and compassion for humanity, a sense of curiosity, and an open-minded and non-judgemental stance. I bring my background in yoga and meditation in terms of my personal experience of being present in my thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations to better guide your process. I bring my life experience, including some of my own challenging experiences that I have explored in my own therapy which further aids my empathy and my belief in the process of change.
Professional Training and Interests:
- Person-centred theory and counselling
- Attachment Informed
- Interpersonal Processes
- Focusing-Oriented Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy
Qualifications
- Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology and Sociology)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
- Graduate Diploma of Yoga Teaching (500 hrs)
- Yoga Teacher Training (500 hours)
- Meditation Teacher Training
Annabel Wellman
CHILD COUNSELLOR and Psychotherapist
Hi I’m Annabel,
Along my Counselling journey I have found meaning and passion for my work by offering an empathetic, supportive and child-centred approach to counselling children. I’ve always been interested human behaviour which led me to study Psychology, and later, a Master of Counselling. While I also worked with adults, I realised I could really make a difference for children, by using evidence based therapeutic interventions, and a holistic approach to Counselling. I believe in a multi-disciplinary approach that will help children realise their well-being potential – both at home and in a school environment – by creating a supportive network for the child that includes Counsellor, teachers, Occupational Therapists and other specialists such as GP’s and parents working together. My time working in a top ranked Victorian Primary School confounded this approach.
I integrate the emotional, behavioural, environmental and cognitive aspects of the client’s mental health needs, and use a Psychodynamic approach to complement therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Grounding Techniques and Visualisation Techniques, Play/Craft therapy and Attachment-Based therapy.
I offer practical support with Building Resilience and Social Skills, both individually and in groups, while also addressing issues such as School Refusal, anxiety, stress, Bullying and Trauma.
Throughout the therapeutic process, I engage with caregivers, and provide a safe and secure space for children to talk, with warm and unconditional positive regard. A range of play/craft based therapies are utilised to suit the child’s developmental stage, while I actively listen judgement-free.
Because I have a daughter of my own, and have extensive experience working with children in Primary Schools as well as real-life experience, I understand and empathise with the environmental and developmental complexities that families and children can face. Therefore, I aim to offer support to develop resilience and self awareness and work with the client to harness positive behaviour and growth.
I very much look forward to meeting your family and working with you to support your child so they, and your family, can thrive.
Qualifications
- Master of Counselling (Monash University)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Swinburne University)
- PACFA member 30056
- ACA member 28819
- Children ages 5-15
- Families/parents
- Teens
- Individual Counselling
- Social Skills Groups
Paula Haralambous
Counsellor and Positive Psychology Practitioner
When you are ready, I’m here to listen, reflect and empower you to navigate through the challenges of your life.
I will create a safe space for you to explore thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. As a registered Counsellor and Positive Psychology Practitioner, I will sit by you and help guide you towards a more enjoyable and meaningful life.
I support individuals with a range of challenges, including, but not limited to:
- Self confidence
- Anxiety and Depression
- Addictions and binge eating disorder
- Trauma
- Relationships
- Navigating life post-divorce
- Dealing with chronic illness
In our sessions, my aim is to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance your self-understanding, as well as talk through any concerns you have. Depending on your needs a variety of techniques can be utilised in session; cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and expressive therapies. You’ll be actively involved in every stage of the process. Within a session, you may:
- Explore feelings of anxiety and unhappiness.
- Reflect on the past, present, and future.
- Approach thoughts, feelings, and sensations from a point of curiosity rather than judgment.
- Experience techniques to calm your nervous system.
- Learn strategies to enhance your positive emotions.
- Participate in goal setting and values identification exercises.
Who am I?
I believe science and spirituality both aid in recovery. Healing often requires an open mind and heart. When I am not counselling, I am painting, writing, or walking, I believe in finding your passion and running with it.
Life is to be enjoyed.
I am energised by working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Mentoring students has been a particular passion of mine, collaborating with organisations that support high school students from low socio-economic status schools. I am driven by helping people discover their potential.
In my previous career, I worked in the Talent and Engagement space for 10+ years. My area of expertise centred around personality assessments, talent development, emotional intelligence, success profiling, and conducting feedback sessions, training, and workshops. I have worked as a Positive Psychology Practitioner on various assignments with clients from diverse backgrounds.
I hope to connect with you soon. Everyone is welcome.
Paula Haralambous
Qualifications
- Diploma of Counselling- AIPC
- Member of Australian Counselling Association
- Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing. Langley Group Institute
- Perinatal Non-Directive Counsellor Trained
- Diploma in Product Development from RMIT University Melbourne
- Active meditation facilitator
- Group facilitator- psychoeducation workshops
- Breathwork facilitator
- Reiki I
- I have functional expertise in assessment design and interpretation, and I am accredited in various assessments and frameworks, KF4D™, Talent Q, Emotional and Social Competency Inventory, and Realise2 strengths and values spotting tool.
Shoshana Blagin
Psychologist
I am a psychologist with 14 years of experience working with children, teenagers, and adults. I have worked in public mental health services (both community and CATT teams), chronic pain clinic, brain-behaviour neuropsychology clinic, children clinic, and several private practices.
I have always had a curious mind and a love for learning. One of the areas I was particularly interested in when I was at university was the mind and the brain. What is the mind? Is it the same or different to the brain? What is the experience of self truly made from? These are the questions that intrigued me and sparked my initial curiosity to follow the career path of becoming a psychologist.
When clients come to me I will initially conduct a comprehensive assessment, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of their challenges. Collaboratively we develop a formulation and treatment plan. I always take the time and effort to connect with each unique individual, as it is well established knowledge that a strong therapeutic alliance is key for successful outcomes.
I provide a safe and compassionate space for clients to process and integrate personal narratives, access internal resources, release stress and achieve personal goals. I draw upon “parts work” to support individuals to come home to the SELF, our inner essence that is wise, authentic, compassionate, creative and clear. Ultimately the aim of psychology is to alleviate symptoms and improve wellbeing in all areas of life.
I am particularly interested in trauma and how trauma may manifest in the body as symptoms and dis-ease. I am interested in helping individuals recover from chronic health conditions such as somatoform disorders and chronic pain. I draw upon therapeutic modalities that recognize the interaction between the mind and body and offer interventions for effective healing.
I am also interested in supporting parents to navigate universal parenting challenges and teach co-regulation techniques in order to deepen the connection bond with their children.
When deemed appropriate, I incorporate art, movement, improv, humour and sand-play in my work. I connect well with children and teenagers. You will find my approach compassionate, curious, engaging, warm and authentic.
Qualifications
- Masters of Clinical Psychology
- Graduate Diploma Psychology
- Bachelor of Science
- Certification of Hand-in-Hand Trainer
Contact Monique:
Elizabeth Anile
THERAPIST
Hi there! I’m a registered therapist, Bayside local, mum of one, and a journalist in a past life. I work with a wide range of clients navigating diverse challenges.
My passion is helping individuals reconnect with their spark and sense of purpose, whether they’re navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, divorce, stress, burnout, or grief, and supporting them in building a life aligned with their true self.
I specialise in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and am Level 2 qualified in this modality.
I find IFS to be profoundly life-changing, liberating, and effective. It is a powerful approach that helps us explore and heal the parts of ourselves that feel stuck, conflicted, or wounded, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and inner harmony.
I’m also deeply passionate about understanding how trauma impacts the body. Recognising what triggers the body to feel unsafe can be a gateway to profound healing and lasting change. I firmly believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to working through dysregulation. That’s why I work collaboratively and at your pace, tailoring therapy to meet your unique needs.
Qualifications
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2 Practitioner (Legacy Burdens, Gifts and Inheritances | Internal Family Systems (IFS) )
- Somatic Attachment Therapy | The Embody Lab
- Master of Counselling | Victoria University
- ASIST Suicide Prevention Training Program
- Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) | RMIT University
Michelle Smith
Integrative Hypnotherapist | Minds of Distinction
Strategic Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Strategic Coach
Michelle Smith is an Integrative Hypnotherapist who works with people ready to create lasting change. Her approach is grounded in compassion and backed by neuroscience, offering powerful tools to help you move beyond old patterns and into a more empowered version of yourself.
With the understanding that 95% of our behaviours are unconscious, Michelle’s work focuses on identifying and interrupting the automated habits that are no longer serving you. Through this process, you’ll begin to shift towards behaviours that support the life you most want to live.
Change can be difficult—not because you lack willpower, but because the brain resists what it doesn’t yet know as safe. Using hypnosis, Michelle helps you mentally rehearse the changes you want to make in a way that feels familiar to the brain. When you repeatedly visualise yourself succeeding in those changes—emotionally and behaviourally—the brain begins to accept the new pattern as safe, reducing resistance and making the path to change clearer and more achievable.
In every session, you’ll not only deepen your understanding of how your mind works but also walk away with practical tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and disrupt unhelpful behaviours—so change doesn’t just feel possible, it feels sustainable.
Qualifications
- Dip. Strategic Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnosis
- Certificate of Neural Linguistic Programming
- Certificate of Strategic Coaching
- B.Comm
- GradDipCA
Contact Monique:
Bianca Zukowski
holistic therapist
Hi, I’m Bianca,
I am a holistic therapist who uses movement, nutrition, breathwork, counselling, and spinal energetics to shift old stories, patterns, and trauma from our bodies so that we can heal and embrace ourselves as whole activated beings.
My journey has been one ignited by curiosity and self-discovery. From being a young beauty/massage therapist and yogi, I travelled all over the world with an open mind and heart discovering ancient and modern modalities of healing. Returning to Australia I began finding ways to incorporate these practices into daily living and sharing them with those around me.
After studying Holistic Counselling/Psychotherapy (2005) I helped create statewide school programs for teenagers to connect with yoga and meditation and where my passion for tending to our mental health as brightly as our physical intensified.
For me, movement has always been about release. Healing our physical, emotional, and energetic bodies through repetitive movement that becomes meditation. It is in breathing through the discomfort, the glitch, the ick, the tough emotions, that we deepen, open, and create change for ourselves.
I work with humans at all stages of life. I specialise in working with women going through perimenopause and menopause. Supporting and navigating with an emphasis on connection, development and empowerment through knowledge, nutrition, and ritual practice.
I believe creating a nourishing space of awareness and non-judgment, of helping others to accept who and where they are, and the journey they are on. We all start at our beginning, and I am so happy to be here with you.
Qualifications
- 2023 - Spinal Energetics group facilitator
- 2023 - Spinal Energetics online
- 2023 - Spinal Energetics Level One
- 2020 - Diploma of Counselling AIPC
- 2011 - Personal Training Certificate 4
- 2007 - Diploma of Health Science - Nutrition, Flower Essences ACNM Australian College of Natural Medicine
- 2004 - Diploma of Health Science - Holistic Counselling ACNM Australian College of Natural Medicine
- 1996 - Diploma of Health Science - Massage and Aromatherapy RMIT
Samantha Cain
Counsellor
Hi, I’m Sam.
In both my personal and professional life – as a counsellor, a mother, and a deeply curious human – I have a genuine care for people. I’m drawn to the power of human connection and how it shapes our ability to heal, grow, and move through life’s challenges.
I have worked in addiction treatment across various roles for nearly 10 years and now as a counsellor, I am invested in helping people explore the complexity of addiction, its roots, its impact, and the ways people learn to cope or survive. I work from a biopsychosocial lens, which recognises the relationship between individual, relational, and systemic factors that shape each person’s story.
As a counsellor I also support people impacted by anxiety, grief and loss, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, and trauma. Plus, I am passionate about helping women as they navigate the various life stages.
My approach is heart-centred, compassionate, and client-led. As an integrative counsellor, I believe there is no one-size-fits-all model for healing. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, and I draw on attachment theory, somatic awareness, relational approaches, and parts work, all centred around the healing power of human connection.
I’m continually inspired by the courage, vulnerability, and humanness I am met with in this work, and I consider it a deep privilege to walk alongside them. My hope is to offer a space that feels real, attuned, and deeply human, where all parts of you are welcome.
Qualifications
- Diploma of counselling and communication skills
- Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences (Counselling) – completing 2025
Suzy Volokh
Pregnancy & Matrescence Coach
Step into motherhood with intention, confidence, and a deep connection to who you are. Each session is designed to meet you where you’re at, offering the tools and support you need to navigate the changes with clarity, grace, and strength, along with a deeper understanding of yourself.
With a compassionate and supportive approach, I’ll be there for you through every stage of your journey from preconception to postpartum and beyond. As a Women’s Transformation Coach, Mama Rising Facilitator™, and Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner, I offer personalised guidance, helping you explore what motherhood means to you and how to navigate the changes in a way that feels aligned with your unique goals. Whether you’re preparing for birth, adjusting to shifts in your identity, navigating changes in relationships, or embracing your role as both a mother and a woman, I’m here to support you in embracing motherhood in a way that feels empowering and true to you.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
- Graduate Diploma in AOD Counselling
- Family Therapy trained
Leonor Ordornez (Lel)
Practitioner of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
Hi, I’m Lel, and I’m a practitioner of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies.
I come from a broad and varied background – with a degree in law and social sciences, I’ve worked across different sectors, including time spent advocating for people seeking asylum and refuge. That work was deeply human. It taught me about listening, bearing witness, and the importance of presence.
Over time, my focus shifted from the legal sector to working more directly with people in the realm of health and wellness, driven by a long-standing interest in emotional wellbeing and the many ways we care for ourselves and each other.
I felt called to work through the body – not just as something physical, but as a place of memory, regulation, and return. That exploration eventually led me to Shiatsu.
Shiatsu felt familiar – a quiet, powerful way of connecting. It allowed me to bring my instinct to nurture into a form that supports others on their own journey. One-on-one therapeutic work is where I feel most aligned – it’s relational, respectful, and to me, an embodied human rights practice. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and gently supported in their own healing.
As a practitioner, I don’t fix. I accompany. I listen closely to the body and support you in reconnecting with your own rhythms, energy, and sense of self. My clinic space is intended to hold space for deep rest, clarity, and transformation.
Shiatsu is received on a futon mat, through loose, comfortable clothing. Developed in Japan and rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu works with the body’s meridian system – using pressure and gentle movement to support the flow of Qi (energy) and restore balance.
It’s a practice I return to again and again = one that honours dignity, touch, and connection in a world that often forgets their importance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Social Sciences (UTS)
- Master of Laws (UTS)
- Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies (ACS)
- Shiatsu Association of Australia - Registered member
Contact Monique:
Marie Sassoon
Psychotherapist and EMDR Specialist
Intuitive, observant, empathetic; could describe my way of functioning, and this is how psychology presented itself to me as an obvious career.
I am Marie Sassoon, I am French and living in Melbourne for almost a year, with my family.
I underwent training as a psychotherapist oriented on psychoanalysis. To complement my skills, I also received training in cognitive and behavioural therapies (CBT).
Additionally, I became a practitioner in EMDR to utilise this fantastic tool in the management of post-traumatic stress and wellbeing.
I am a certified neuro-coach to convey and support cognitive processes.
It was important to me to pursue all this training to get a multi-referential approach to my work by integrating various therapies in the support I provide to people.
The consultations aim to develop your analytical abilities, enhance emotional management, strengthen the emergence of positive emotions, identify your blockages, and understand your ways of functioning.
I consult exclusively in French, by visio or in person at The Bigger Picture Clinic in Elsternwick.
FRENCH
Intuitive, observatrice, empathique, pourrait décrire mon mode de fonctionnement, et c’est ainsi que la psychologie s’est présentée comme une évidence.
Je me présente, Marie Sassoon, je suis française, installée à Melbourne depuis bientôt 1 an, accompagnée de ma famille.
J’ai suivi une formation de praticien en psychothérapie orientée psychanalyse.
Afin de rendre mes compétences complémentaires, j’ai été formée aux thérapies cognitives et comportementales (TCC).
Puis, je suis devenue praticienne en EMDR, pour bénéficier d’un outils fabuleux dans la gestion du stress post traumatique et le bien être.
Enfin, j’ai été diplômée neuro-coach pour expliquer et soutenir les fonctionnements cognitifs.
J’ai eu à cœur de suivre toutes ces formations dans le but de privilégier une démarche multiréférentielle avec l’intégration de plusieurs thérapies dans le suivi des personnes que j’accompagne.
Les consultations ont pour but de développer vos capacités d’analyse, déployer votre gestion émotionnelle, renforcer l’apparition d’émotions positives, identifier vos points de blocage et connaitre vos modes de fonctionnement.
Je consulte exclusivement en Français, en visio ou en présentiel à The Bigger Picture Clinic à Elsternwick.
