Bayside Psychotherapy ® — Psychotherapy & Counselling in Highett, Melbourne
Take back control and enjoy life again
Psychotherapy, counselling, clinical psychology and hypnotherapy at our Highett clinic in Melbourne’s bayside, or online anywhere in Australia. Our team of psychotherapists, a clinical psychologist, counsellors and clinical hypnotherapists works with anxiety, relationships, addictions and long-standing emotional patterns.
Want a Medicare rebate? See Natalie Szmerling (clinical psychologist) or Adam Szmerling (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker). Prefer to talk first? Call 03 9557 9113.
What would you like support for?
Types of therapies offered
Clinical hypnotherapy for anxiety, phobias, habits and cravings, in clinic or online
Talking therapy that explores long-standing patterns, from shorter-term counselling to in-depth psychotherapy.
The sooner you start, the sooner things can shift
Meet our practitioners
Kelli Tranter
Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
- 10+ years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session
- Available online
Lawrence Akers
Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
- 10 years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session
- Available in-person & online
Humaira Ansari
Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Psychotherapist and Counsellor
- 16 years of experience
- $170-$200 per 50-min session
- Available online
Natalie Szmerling
Clinical Psychologist
- 15+ years of experience
- $250 per 50-min session
Rebate with a valid MHCP- Available in-person & online
Sara Herring
Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor, Melbourne
- 20+ years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session
- Available online
Bernadette Cameron
Hypnotherapist, Counsellor, NLP Master Practitioner
- 5+ years of experience
- $170-$200 per 50-min session
- Available in-person & online
Carolina Rosa
Counsellor & Hypnotherapist
- 15+ years of experience
- $170 per 50-min session (Individuals)
- Available in-person & online
Adam Szmerling
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
- 20+ years of experience
- $200 per 50-min session
- Rebate with a valid MHCP
- Available in-person & online
Not sure where to start?
Answer 7 quick questions and we’ll suggest practitioners who match what you need, how you’d like to meet and when you’re free. No email required. Or call reception on 03 9557 9113 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5:30pm).
Why Choose Us?
Trusted Expertise
- Psychotherapy, clinical psychology, counselling and hypnotherapy in one practice / Led by founder Adam Szmerling, psychoanalytic psychotherapist (20+ years)
Flexible Access
- Online or in-person (Melbourne)
- Day, evening & weekend availability
- Highett clinic with ample parking
Safe & Confidential
- Fully confidential, non-judgemental care
- LGBTQIA+ affirming, respectful of all identities
Client-Centred Results
- Works with conscious and subconscious patterns, not just symptoms
- Tailored to your goals and pace
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Your therapist creates a safe space where you control the pace. The first session focuses on getting comfortable, not diving deep, and you share only what feels right. Want to chat before booking? Call reception on (03) 9557 9113; sometimes hearing a friendly voice helps. |
What should I expect in my first session?
Your first 50-minute session is about connection, not confrontation. At our Highett clinic or online, you’ll talk about what brings you here and what you hope to achieve, and your therapist will ask about your background and current concerns. Everything stays confidential. Together you’ll set realistic goals and discuss how therapy might help. Ask any questions you like. There’s no obligation to book further sessions.
How much does therapy cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes. Individual fees range from $170 to $250 depending on the practitioner: counselling and hypnotherapy from $170, psychoanalytic psychotherapy with Adam Szmerling $200, and clinical psychology with Natalie Szmerling $250. Couples sessions are $200. Each practitioner’s fee is shown on their card below. Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative are available only with Natalie (clinical psychologist) or Adam (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker), with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (often called a mental health care plan) and referral from your GP. For a 50-minute in-clinic session from 1 July 2026, the rebate is $149.05 with Natalie and $89.50 with Adam; online sessions may use different Medicare items, so reception can confirm. Sessions with our counsellors and hypnotherapists, and couples sessions, aren’t covered by Medicare. Private health insurance may rebate some sessions depending on your cover and the practitioner. NDIS participants (self- or plan-managed) can see Adam, Kelli, Carolina or Sara. Payment is required in advance. Book online or call (03) 9557 9113 to discuss your options.
Fees and rebates last reviewed: 20/09/2026.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist uses talking therapy, not medication, to help you understand and change patterns that aren’t working. That means exploring not just what’s troubling you, but why those patterns developed. In Australia “psychotherapist” isn’t a protected title, so it’s worth checking training and memberships. Each Bayside practitioner’s qualifications and professional memberships, such as PACFA, the AASW and the APS, are listed on their profile. Our founder, Adam Szmerling, practises psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Learn more about psychotherapy and counselling at Bayside.
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.
Of these, only psychologists are registered with Ahpra. Medicare rebates depend on the practitioner’s registration rather than the name of the therapy: at Bayside, sessions with our clinical psychologist or our Accredited Mental Health Social Worker can attract a rebate. Read more: psychologist vs therapist.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Research suggests online therapy can be as effective as in-clinic sessions for anxiety, depression and many common concerns. You’ll need stable internet, a private space and a device with a camera. You can switch between our Highett clinic and online sessions as needed. Some situations work better in person, such as severe trauma, high-conflict couples therapy, or when home lacks privacy. Several of our hypnotherapists work online. Your comfort matters most.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes. Couples sessions run for 50 minutes and cost $200, in clinic or online. We help partners communicate better, resolve conflict and rebuild trust. All relationship types are welcome: married, de facto, LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous. Common issues include communication breakdown, infidelity recovery, parenting disagreements and intimacy concerns. Both partners usually attend together, and individual sessions sometimes supplement couples work. Medicare rebates don’t apply to couples sessions. See couples counselling in Melbourne to find the right therapist for you as a couple.
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 is usually offered as a shorter course of sessions; your hypnotherapist will discuss this with you. 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.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can book directly. You only need a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan if you want a Medicare rebate with Natalie or Adam. Since 1 November 2025, this plan generally needs to come from the GP practice where you’re registered with MyMedicare, or from your usual GP.
Bayside Psychotherapy is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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