A safe space to feel. Where every part of you is welcome.
Internal Family Systems Therapy and Counselling in Melbourne, supporting you to understand your needs, and the patterns behind overthinking, self-criticism, anxiety and relationship difficulties, so you can begin responding to yourself and others differently.
At True Self Space, I offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling and Internal Family Systems psychotherapy for adolescents and adults in Melbourne and online. Together, we’ll explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviour, so you can build a compassionate and secure relationship with yourself and others.
Your mind rarely switches off.
You replay conversations, question your decisions and prepare for what might go wrong, even when you know you've thought about it enough.
Does this sound like you?
You put a lot of pressure on yourself.
You strive to get things right, criticise yourself when you fall short and struggle to feel satisfied with what you've achieved.
Relationships can bring up a lot.
You worry about disappointing others, feel guilty saying no or find yourself putting someone else's needs ahead of your own.
The same patterns keep showing up.
You might understand why you do things, yet still find yourself reacting in the same, familiar ways.
You want to respond differently, but struggle to make those changes
What if there is more going on beneath the surface?
Sometimes, overthinking is an attempt to find certainty before something can go wrong. Perfectionism can be a way of trying to avoid criticism, mistakes or the feeling of not being good enough. People-pleasing can be an attempt to maintain connection, prevent conflict or avoid disappointing someone.
These responses often develop in response to our experiences and may once have helped us cope with difficult situations.
But over time, they can become automatic.
You might keep analysing conversations even when there's nothing more to work out. Push yourself harder even when you're exhausted. Or ignore what you need because someone else's feelings seem more urgent
These very responses, sometimes leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. Understanding these patterns can help you recognise what's happening beneath the surface and begin finding different ways to respond.
How Counselling Can Support You
Perfectionism &
Inner Criticism
Therapy for unrelenting high standards and harsh self-judgement, building a kinder, more balanced relationship with yourself.
Learn More →
About Melanie Pontikis
Counsellor Specialising in IFS Therapy
I’m Melanie, a PACFA and IFS registered psychotherapist and counsellor. I work with teens and adults who find themselves caught in familiar patterns: overthinking, avoiding emotions, putting pressure on themselves to get things right, or struggling to express their needs.
My work integrates:
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) / Parts Work therapy
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Relational and attachment-based therapy frameworks
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Trauma-informed and client-centred care
Sessions are offered online and in person at our private practice in Templestowe, VIC.
Understand your patterns. Begin responding differently.
Therapy at True Self Space goes beyond identifying what you're struggling with. Together, we explore what triggers your reactions, what happens internally when they arise, and what may be keeping familiar patterns going.
Understand your triggers
Recognise the situations, interactions and feelings that tend to set off familiar reactions, whether that's replaying a conversation, criticising yourself or feeling responsible for someone else's emotions.
Explore what's driving your responses
Understand what you might be afraid of, what you're trying to prevent and why certain reactions feel so difficult to change.
Develop a different relationship with yourself
Learn to approach difficult thoughts and feelings with curiosity rather than automatically judging, avoiding or trying to fix them.
Practise responding differently
Gradually develop the capacity to be with your feelings, express your needs, set boundaries and make decisions from a place of confidence and empowerment.
Counselling in Templestowe, VIC and Online Australia-Wide
Sessions are held:
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In-person in Templestowe, VIC
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Online via Telehealth available across Melbourne and Australia-Wide
Whether you prefer face-to-face support or the flexibility of online counselling, I create a safe and welcoming space. A place to be seen, heard, and understood.
"We don’t have to do all of it alone.
We were never meant to."
- Brené Brown Ph.D., LMSW
Ready to get started?
Change begins with understanding, not fighting yourself. Book your free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns, goals, and whether True Self Space is the right fit for you!
Or book your first session via the link below
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly through the booking link.
Are Medicare rebates available?
I currently operate as a privately billing service. Please visit my services page for session fees.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
In your first session, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, supportive space. We’ll go over confidentiality, talk through what brings you to therapy, and explore whatever feels most present whether that’s anxiety, relationships, or just feeling stuck. There’s no pressure to have the perfect words! Therapy is a gentle, collaborative process where you deserve to feel seen, heard and understood.
After the session, we’ll reflect on how it felt and discuss next steps. You're welcome to bring questions or simply come as you are. For more details, see our blog post: Here's a Breakdown of What a First Session Might Look Like.”