Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Therapy Services in Melbourne
Bayside Psychotherapy has been dedicated to transforming lives through comprehensive mental health care since 2009. Our team of highly qualified professionals combines Western and Eastern therapeutic approaches, including psychoanalytic therapy, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based techniques, to address a wide range of psychological challenges. With decades of collective experience, we specialise in treating anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship issues, offering both in-clinic and online sessions to accommodate diverse client needs. Our practice is built on principles of confidentiality, non-judgmental support, and tailored treatment plans that prioritise long-term healing over quick fixes.Located in Highett, Melbourne, we serve clients across Bayside and surrounding suburbs, providing accessible, flexible care with evening and weekend appointments available. Our therapists maintain rigorous professional standards through affiliations with bodies like PACFA, ensuring ethical practice and ongoing professional development. We pride ourselves on creating a safe space where clients can explore unconscious patterns and develop strategies for lasting personal growth.
Services
Psychotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Couples Counselling
Online Therapy
Clinical Psychology
Anxiety Treatment
Addiction Therapy
Phobia Treatment
Relationship Counselling
Mindfulness Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Qualified clinical psychotherapists & hypnotherapists with 4-20+ years' experience
- Holistic East-West approach combining mindfulness and psychodynamic therapies
- Flexible access with online sessions and extended weekday clinic hours
- Safe & confidential environment for LGBTQIA+ and diverse communities
- Tailored treatment plans addressing root causes rather than surface symptoms
Associations and certifications
- PACFA
What people say
Professional therapists
Compassionate care
Significant improvements
Flexible options
Tailored treatment
Services
Psychotherapy
Our psychotherapy services help clients explore unconscious patterns and emotional blocks through evidence-based talking therapies. Using psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches, we address anxiety, depression, and trauma with individualised treatment plans. Sessions focus on uncovering root causes of distress while building practical coping strategies for lasting mental wellbeing improvements.
Hypnotherapy
Clinical hypnotherapy services target subconscious drivers of anxiety, addictions, and phobias using evidence-based techniques. Our certified practitioners guide clients into relaxed states to reframe negative thought patterns and reinforce positive behavioural changes through therapeutic suggestion.
Couples Counselling
Specialised relationship therapy helps couples improve communication and resolve conflicts through structured sessions. We address intimacy issues, infidelity recovery, and parenting disagreements using both psychodynamic and practical communication strategies tailored to each partnership's unique dynamics.
Online Therapy
Secure telehealth sessions provide accessible mental health support for clients across Australia. Our online platform delivers the same quality care as in-clinic visits, with flexible scheduling options for those managing busy lifestyles or geographical constraints.
Clinical Psychology
Registered clinical psychologists offer evidence-based treatment for diagnosed mental health conditions using cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance commitment therapy. Services include formal assessments and Medicare rebatable sessions for eligible clients seeking structured mental health interventions.
People
Adam Szmerling
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
20+ years' experience specialising in anxiety, addictions, and couples therapy. Uses psychoanalytic techniques to address deep-seated emotional patterns and relationship dynamics.
Natalie Szmerling
Clinical Psychologist
7+ years' experience providing ACT, CBT and motivational interviewing for depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Medicare-registered provider with collaborative approach.
Lawrence Akers
Clinical Hypnotherapist
10+ years' experience combining ACT, CBT and mindfulness techniques. Specialises in LGBTQIA+ wellbeing and sexual health issues through integrative hypnotherapy approaches.
Carolina Rosa
Counsellor & Hypnotherapist
8+ years' experience featured in House of Wellness. Helps clients overcome anxiety and self-doubt using evidence-based hypnotherapy and person-centred counselling techniques.
Kelli Tranter
Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
9+ years' experience supporting clients through life transitions with client-centred care. Specialises in anxiety, phobias, and online therapeutic interventions.
Questions
What therapy approaches do you use?
We combine psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy techniques tailored to individual needs, integrating both Western and Eastern therapeutic traditions.
Do you accept Medicare patients?
Selected therapists offer Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Care Plan - Adam Szmerling (rebate $87.25) and Natalie Szmerling (rebate $141.85).
Are sessions confidential?
All sessions maintain strict confidentiality within legal requirements, with secure online platforms and private clinic rooms ensuring client privacy.
How long does therapy take?
Most clients start weekly sessions, transitioning to fortnightly as progress develops. Short-term counselling typically requires 6-10 sessions while deeper psychotherapy benefits from longer engagement.
Can I claim private health insurance?
Rebates may be available through private health insurance depending on your policy and therapist qualifications - check with your provider for specific coverage details.
Do you work with NDIS participants?
Selected therapists accept NDIS funding (self-managed and plan-managed) for psychological therapy services under Capacity Building support categories.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Mark Dedaj
Oct 19, 2021
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Carolina has been very supportive and helpful as well as compassionate during our sessions and has offered several techniques that immediately improved my quality of life. Im glad for having reached out to her. I would definitely recommend trying Bayside Psychotherapy if youre looking to talk with someone about a difficulty youre facing.
Annabelle Holman
Oct 08, 2021
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Carolina has been amazing! She was so understanding, kind and after 2 sessions she helped me achieve more than I ever thought was possible. I couldn't be happier with my experience and highly recommend Carolina!!
Hugo Armani
Sep 08, 2021
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Carolina Selvarajoo is one of the best counselors I have come across. She is knowledgeable and has a welcoming personality that puts one at ease. She does her upmost to support her clients. I can not speak more highly of her and highly recommend her.
Bambi C.
Jun 20, 2021
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Carolina was the most welcoming and helpful person! Ive never had hypnotherapy before and it truly has helped me a lot! I couldnt recommend anyone more !!! Thank you so much !!!
J. Smith
Aug 14, 2011
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Having used Skype with my initial contact with Adam, I found him to be very sincere, honest and compassionate about psychotherapy, & hypnotherapy while striving to providing the best care. I am very happy with my dealing with Adam and his levels of honesty and integrity in everything he does.
