Bayside Psychotherapy Melbourne
Take back control & enjoy your life again
- Availability this week
What would you like support for?
Types of therapies offered
Psychotherapy & Counselling
Dig deep to uncover buried conflicts and break free to live life fully.
- Types of concerns best for.
- Types of concerns best for.
Hypnotherapy Melbourne
Harness your subconscious to create lasting behaviour change.
- Types of concerns best for.
- Types of concerns best for.
Couple Counselling Melbourne
Relationship issues are common, seeking help is courageous.
- Types of concerns best for.
- Types of concerns best for.
The sooner you start, the sooner things can shift
Talk with our our highly experienced therapists
Kelli Tranter
Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
- 10+ years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session
- Available online
- Available this week
Lawrence Akers
Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
- 10 years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session
- Available in-person & online
- Available this week
Humaira Ansari
Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Psychotherapist and Counsellor
- 16 years of experience
- $170-$200 per 50-min session
- Available online
- Availability this week
Natalie Szmerling
Clinical Psychologist
- 15+ years of experience
- $250 per 50-min session
Rebate with a valid MHCP- Available in-person & online
- Available this week
Sara Herring
Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor, Melbourne
- 20+ years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session
- Available online
- Available this week
Bernadette Cameron
Hypnotherapist, Counsellor, NLP Master Practitioner
- 5+ years of experience
- $170-$200 per 50-min session
- Available in-person & online
- Availability this week
Carolina Rosa
Counsellor & Hypnotherapist
- 15+ years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session (Individuals)
- Available in-person & online
- Available this week
Adam Szmerling
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
- 20+ years of experience
- $200 per 50-min session
- Rebate with a valid MHCP
- Available in-person & online
- Available this week
Not sure where to start?
Why Choose Us?
Trusted Expertise
- Qualified clinical psychotherapist & hypnotherapists
- Holistic East–West approach for lasting change
Flexible Access
- Online or in-person (Melbourne)
- Day, evening & weekend availability
- Highett clinic with ample parking
Safe & Confidential
- Address conscious & subconscious issues for lasting change
- Tailored to your genuine, long-term goals
Client-Centred Results
- Fully confidential, non-judgmental care
- LGBTQIA+ friendly, respectful of all identities
Trusted Expertise
- Qualified clinical psychotherapist & hypnotherapists
- Holistic East–West approach for lasting change
Flexible Access
- Online or in-person (Melbourne)
- Day, evening & weekend availability
- Highett clinic with ample parking
Safe & Confidential
- Address conscious & subconscious issues for lasting change
- Tailored to your genuine, long-term goals
Client-Centred Results
- Fully confidential, non-judgmental care
- LGBTQIA+ friendly, respectful of all identities
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous. At our Melbourne clinic, we see this every day. Your therapist creates a safe space where you control the pace. The first session focuses on getting comfortable, not diving deep. You share only what feels right. Many clients tell us nerves reduce quickly once they realise they’re in charge. Want to chat before booking? Call (03) 9557 9113. Sometimes hearing a friendly voice helps. We’re here to make this as comfortable and helpful as possible.
What should I expect in my first session?
Your first 50 minute session is about connection, not confrontation. At our Highett practice, you’ll discuss what brings you here and what you hope to achieve. Your therapist asks about your background and current struggles. Everything stays confidential. Together, you’ll set realistic goals and map out how therapy might help. Ask any questions; there are no silly ones. Most clients leave feeling heard and clearer about their path forward. No pressure to commit if it doesn’t feel right.
How much does therapy cost?
Individual sessions range from $170 to $235. Hypnotherapy and counselling typically cost $170; clinical psychology with Natalie costs $235. Couples therapy is $200 per session. Medicare rebates apply if you have a Mental Health Care Plan and see Adam or Natalie (rebate: $87.25 with Adam and $141.85 with Natalie). Private health insurance may provide rebates depending on your cover and the therapist. NDIS participants (self-managed or plan-managed) can work with specific therapists including Adam, Carolina, Kelli, and Sara. Payment required in advance. Book online or call (03) 9557 9113 to discuss your options.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist helps you understand and change patterns that aren’t working. We use talking therapy, not medication. Our Melbourne psychotherapists hold degrees in psychology, social work, or counselling, plus specialised training. Some also offer hypnotherapy for deeper subconscious work. We’re registered with professional bodies like PACFA, maintaining high ethical standards. Think of psychotherapy as detective work for your mind: we explore not just what’s troubling you, but why these patterns exist. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, going deeper than surface symptoms.
What's the difference between counselling, hypnotherapy, psychology and psychotherapy?
Counselling tackles specific problems with practical support over 6-12 sessions. Psychology involves assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of mental health conditions. Psychotherapy digs deeper, exploring past experiences and unconscious patterns for profound change. Melbourne hypnotherapy practitioners work with the subconscious mind for issues like anxiety and habits. At Bayside Psychotherapy, we offer all approaches as options. Your needs determine the path: counselling for immediate stress, psychology for diagnosed conditions, psychotherapy for deep personal work. Hypnotherapy to release subconscious unwanted habits. We’ll guide you to what fits.Â
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Research suggests online therapy matches in clinic effectiveness for anxiety, depression, and most conditions. You need stable internet, privacy, and a device with camera. Our Highett clinic offers both; switch between them as needed. Some prefer home comfort; others value visiting our Melbourne practice. Certain situations work better in person: severe trauma, high conflict couples therapy, or when home lacks privacy. Online hypnotherapy works brilliantly for many clients. Your comfort matters most.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes, couples therapy is available with several qualified therapists. Sessions run 50 minutes and cost $200. We help partners communicate better, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust. All relationship types welcome: married, de facto, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous. Common issues include communication breakdown, infidelity recovery, parenting disagreements, intimacy concerns. Both partners typically attend together. Sessions available at our Melbourne clinic or online. Many couples see positive shifts within weeks. Individual sessions sometimes supplement couples work.
How regularly will I see my counsellor, hypnotherapist or psychotherapist?
Most clients start weekly to build momentum, then shift to fortnightly as progress develops. Your therapist collaborates to find the right rhythm. Weekly suits intensive work or acute distress. Fortnightly works for ongoing support. Some prefer monthly maintenance after initial progress. Your schedule and commitment dictates: increase during tough times, decrease when stable or commit to long term psychotherapy for deeper patterns of suffering. Short term counselling might need 6-10 sessions. Deeper psychotherapy benefits from consistent sessions. Hypnotherapy often requires fewer sessions. Budget and lifestyle matter; we’ll find what works.
How long does a typical therapy session last?
Sessions are 50 minutes. This timeframe works: enough depth without exhaustion. Initial assessments sometimes take longer than one session. Couples sessions also run 50 minutes. Hypnotherapy sessions follow the same structure. We start and end on time, respecting everyone’s schedules. The “50-minute hour” is industry standard for good reason.
Do you work with NDIS funded clients?
Yes, specific therapists work with NDIS participants. Adam Szmerling, Kelli Tranter, Carolina Rosa, and Sara Herring accept NDIS funding. Self-managed and plan-managed only; we’re not registered for agency-managed plans. Your plan needs psychological therapy or counselling under Capacity Building. Service agreements required before booking. Call (03) 9557 9113 to discuss your needs.
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