Anxiety Counselling in Melbourne (Templestowe)
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You're exhausted from a mind that won't stop.
The racing thoughts at 2am. The tight chest before meetings. The constant planning, preparing, and bracing for what might go wrong. Anxiety doesn't always look like panic attacks - sometimes it looks like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or never feeling like you've done enough.
At True Self Space, we offer anxiety counselling in Melbourne that goes deeper than breathing exercises and thought journals. We help you understand why your nervous system is on high alert - and support lasting change, not just temporary relief.
Understanding Anxiety at a Deeper Level
Anxiety isn't a flaw or a weakness. It's your nervous system trying to protect you - often working overtime based on experiences and patterns developed long ago.
Many anxiety treatments focus on managing symptoms: calming techniques, challenging thoughts, building tolerance. These tools have their place, but if you've tried them and still find anxiety running your life, something deeper may need attention.
At True Self Space, we explore the parts of you driving the anxiety. Using Internal Family Systems therapy, we get curious about the anxious parts - the worrier, the perfectionist, the part that's always scanning for danger. When we understand what these parts are protecting you from, real transformation becomes possible.
Anxiety Therapy in Melbourne That Creates Lasting Change
Our anxiety therapist in Melbourne, Melanie Pontikis, specialises in working with clients whose anxiety hasn't shifted with traditional approaches. Her method integrates IFS, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practices to address anxiety at its roots.
This isn't about learning to "manage" anxiety forever. It's about:
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Understanding what your anxiety is trying to protect you from
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Building a compassionate relationship with anxious parts instead of fighting them
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Addressing underlying experiences that keep your nervous system activated
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Developing genuine inner calm, not just surface-level coping
If you've been told to "just relax" or "stop overthinking" and found that advice useless, this approach will feel different.
Signs You May Benefit from Anxiety Counselling
Anxiety shows up differently for everyone. You might benefit from therapy for anxiety in Melbourne if you experience:
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Racing thoughts that you can't switch off, especially at night
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Physical symptoms like chest tightness, muscle tension, stomach issues, or fatigue
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Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes or being judged
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People-pleasing and difficulty saying no or setting boundaries
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Overthinking and overplanning, needing to control outcomes to feel safe
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Avoidance of situations, conversations, or decisions that feel overwhelming
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Imposter syndrome and persistent self-doubt despite evidence of your competence
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High-functioning anxiety - appearing successful while struggling internally
You don't need a diagnosis to seek support. If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, that's enough.
Anxiety Counselling in Templestowe
Located in Templestowe, True Self Space provides anxiety therapy for adults and teens in Melbourne's north-east, including Doncaster, Bulleen, Warrandyte, and Eltham. We also offer online sessions for those who prefer telehealth or are located elsewhere in Melbourne or Australia.
Melanie's approach to anxiety counselling is gentle, collaborative, and paced to your needs. There's no pressure to dive into difficult material before you're ready. We build safety first - because your nervous system needs to feel safe before it can truly settle.
How Our Anxiety Therapist Works with You
Anxiety therapy at True Self Space isn't a one-size-fits-all sessions. We tailor our approach to your unique experience and needs.
In early sessions, we focus on understanding your anxiety - when it shows up, what triggers it, and how it affects your daily life. We'll also explore your history to understand where these patterns may have originated.
As therapy progresses, we work directly with anxious parts using IFS and parts work. You'll learn to approach your anxiety with curiosity rather than frustration, building a new relationship with these protective parts of yourself.
Over time, clients typically experience:
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A quieter mind and greater capacity for rest
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More self-compassion and less harsh self-criticism
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Confidence in setting boundaries and prioritising their needs
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Reduced physical symptoms of stress and tension
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A sense of inner groundedness that doesn't depend on external circumstances
Beyond Coping: Treating Anxiety at the Root
Many people come to therapy having already tried apps, books, meditation, and self-help strategies. These tools can be supportive, but they often address anxiety at the surface level.
True healing from anxiety requires understanding what's driving it. Often, anxiety is connected to early attachment experiences, unprocessed stress or trauma, or parts of us that learned long ago that the world isn't safe. Psychotherapy that addresses these deeper layers creates change that lasts.
You don't have to white-knuckle your way through life. A calmer, more grounded way of being is possible.
Book Anxiety Therapy in Melbourne
If you're tired of fighting your own mind AND if you want more than coping skills and quick fixes - anxiety counselling at True Self Space offers a different path.
You deserve to feel at ease in your own skin. To trust yourself. To stop bracing for the worst and start living more fully.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your experience with anxiety and whether our approach is right for you.