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 feel more secure in yourself and in your relationships.
Does this sound like you?
Your mind rarely switches off.
Replaying conversations, anticipating problems and questioning whether you've done something wrong
You put a lot of pressure on yourself.
Striving to get things right, being hard on yourself and finding it difficult to feel good enough
Relationships can bring up a lot.
Worrying about how others feel, struggling to express your needs or loosing touch with yourself when in relationships
What if there is more going on beneath the surface?
Sometimes, what looks like overthinking is an attempt to find certainty. What looks like perfectionism is armour to avoid criticism. And what looks like people-pleasing is an attempt to protect connection.
When you grow up in an environment where your emotional needs aren’t fully met, you often learn to disconnect from yourself in order to stay connected to others. But it has come at the expense of being your authentic self, and may no longer serve the life and relationships you’re trying to build.
These patterns often develop for a reason. Understanding
that reason can change the way you relate to yourself.
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 experiencing anxiety, the lasting effects of difficult early experiences, and relationship struggles, in a supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and understood.
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.
It’s one thing to know why you do something. It’s another to experience a different way of being.
Skills for managing emotional symptoms is important, and I also work with what sits beneath them: the protective patterns and nervous system responses that keep those feelings repeating. Patterns are held in how we feel as much as in how we think, so together we go at your pace, notice what arises in your body, and gently experience something different, in a space that feels safe.
I draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment-informed therapy, and somatic and mindfulness-based practices, with the therapeutic relationship at the centre of our work.
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.”