Your Source for Personal Growth & Transformation
New Beginnings Counselling and Psychotherapy
About Dimitra
I am a registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist who trained at one of the world’s pre-eminent centres for Psychological Counselling, Monash University.
I am deeply passionate about helping people to effectively cope with various personal, relationship, family and /or professional challenges.
The essence of my work is to facilitate self-growth by helping you identify the core challenges and setbacks in your life, so that you can overcome them with confidence.
I specialize in creating personalised plans and providing tools to empower and guide you forward and achieve your desired goals.
Some of the obstacles that I help my clients break through are:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Self Esteem
• Grief & Loss
• Interpersonal Skills (Assertiveness / Confidence etc)
• Emotional De-Regulation
• Interpersonal Relationships / Break-Ups
• Relationship and Couples Counselling
• Family Therapy
• Trauma
• Conflict / Anger Management
• Eating Disorders
• Parenting Support
• Bullying
• Life Coaching / Life Skills
• Re-adjustment
• Men's Behaviour Change
• Rapid Response Trauma Specialist (Critical Incidents and Restructures)
• School Related issues such as School Refusal etc.
​
​
Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure or unfulfilled.
Let me help you learn and develop better ways to handle obstacles that are standing in your way.
Get in touch today to see what I can do for you.
My qualifications include a Master of Professional Counselling (MCounselling) which is accredited in Australia by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
​
I also have a Bachelor of Business in Marketing & Human Resource Management BBus (Mktg, HRM).
I have also recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Assessment for Men's Behaviour Change at Swimburne University.
Furthermore, I am a qualified Yoga Teacher having trained with the world renowned, Nicky Knoff.
​
I also have extensive knowledge in working in a variety of industries for over 30+ years, with relationship building / sales management & training being at the forefront of what I do.
I currently work for a private organisation dealing with diverse clinical presentations and as a rapid response trauma specialist.
​
I also have professional Counselling and Clinical experience in a variety of settings including;
• Schools (both primary & secondary) as a School Counsellor
• Non for profit agency, specialising in individual Counselling (adults & children), couples counselling,
family therapy, family violence counselling for both victim survivors and perpetrators and I also co-facilitate Men's Behaviour Change Programs
• Positive Psychology (Private Practice)
• A volunteer at Lifeline as a Crisis Support Counsellor
• Thorne Harbour Health working with the LGBTIQ +demographic
• I am also fluent in Greek and I have experience working with this demographic esp the elderly.
Therapy Techniques & Interventions
An integrative practice
I am extremely passionate and I pride myself on being client - centered, empathic, compassionate, resilient and non-judgmental, which enables me to engage and build both trust and rapport easily with clients.
Furthermore, I apply an integrative approach, utilising a wide range of counselling and clinical / therapeutic techniques, encompassing both best practice and evidence- based modalities.
​
Here is a list of some of the key frameworks I use:
-
Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
-
Positive Psychology
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
-
Solution Focused Therapy
-
Schema Therapy
-
Mindfulness / Meditation / Relaxation
-
Existential Therapy
-
Person-Centred Therapy
-
Attachment Theory
-
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment therapy)
-
Sensorimotory Psychotherapy
-
Transactional Analysis
-
Trauma Informed Practice
​
​
Counselling sessions
Session Info
Individual Counselling sessions are 45 minutes and cost $170.00 per visit. Couples and Family Therapy sessions
incur an additional cost. The first introductory session will be focused on collecting background information and on identifying the short- and long-term therapeutic goals that will be at the center of treatment.
Please note that you do not require a Mental Health Care Plan or a doctor's referral to make an appointment with a Counsellor. You can save on the cost of a MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan) by booking your appointment directly with me.
​
Also, while a typical MHCP entitles you to 10 sessions before the rebate stops and you have to pay the full amount, Counsellors do not limit the length of your treatment and fees remain the same with the exception of a price increase.
​
So instead of paying the usual psychologist rate of approximately $190-$280 and then getting a partial rebate from Medicare (leaving you out of pocket for up to $180-$200), you can book an appointment today and save.
​
Private Health Insurance Rebates
​
​If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for rebates under Extras cover.
As every fund is different and can change over time, it is best to check with your fund about your specific entitlements etc. Your policy should state that “counsellors” or “counselling services” are included.
​
My provider number covers the following funds, BUPA, Medibank Private, AHM, Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) Police Health Fund, Phoenix Health, CUA Health, St Luke's Health, Emergency Services Health, GMHBA.
Teachers Union Health Fund.
Cancellations
​
If you are unable to attend, please cancel at the earliest opportunity so that the appointment can be made for another person. Clients can cancel or reschedule an appointment anytime, however in the case of less than 48 hours' notice' we will need to charge a full cancellation fee (full fee).
Please reschedule by Friday am for appointments for the following Monday otherwise a cancellation fee will be charged. Cancellations will not be accepted on non-business days (the weekend or public holidays).
​
​
​
​
Life Coaching Session
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change
Wayne Dyer
Testimonials
Dimitra is one of the most genuine and loving people, I have had the pleasure of meeting. She is compassionate and dedicated to helping others in any way she is able to. The combination of her qualities and positive outlook on life, makes her one of the best helping professionals.
​
Dimitra has been an amazing life coach to me, especially with assisting me navigate through tough decisions surrounding my career and she has been a great mentor assisting me with preparing for job interviews.
​
Dimitra has assisted me in many ways that has enriched my life, mainly by her unconditional support and by believing in my abilities, identifying my strengths, and helping me, make the right decisions, both by being true to myself and what I am passionate about. I am fortunate to have met Dimitra and I am sure all of you who will cross paths with her will feel the same way.
Sheetal Thaker
I just wanted to say thank you for the help I've had from you in my counselling sessions. The understanding and empathy you have shown to me through my difficult times have made an enormous difference. You have a way of seeming to understand what I have been feeling and I felt very relaxed in your company and was able to tell you my innermost thoughts without judgement.
Your encouragement and support has helped me a great deal to overcome my anxiety and stress levels . Through your understanding and selflessness I have become more confident and can face issues which I wouldn't have dealt with years ago. Thanks for your winning smile and your caring attitude, you have certainly helped make me a much stronger and happier person.
Student from Casey Grammar
Dimitra is very easy to talk to and extremely empathetic which makes her exceptional at her job. Her dedication to her job and her gumption is inspiring and makes you want to better yourself in all areas of your life! She helps you process trauma and finds effective ways to grow from it and turn the negative into something positive. I highly recommend her to anyone that is looking for a councillor that really cares and will develop a strong client relationship with you.
Lauren Davies
Dimitra has worked with me for over a year and has provided valuable knowledge that has helped me develop a set of skills to keep a clear mind. She is extremely empathetic and kind, listening to what you have to say and giving constructive feedback. I highly recommend her services as I have greatly benefited from them.
Imogen Mallinson
"Dimitra is a warm and caring counsellor who builds rapport easily with clients. She is highly professional and utilises an integrative approach "
Peter Kyriakoulis,
Director / Clinical Psychologist @ Positive Psychology
​
​
Dimitra is an extremely supportive, kind & educated Counsellor. Having had a few different Counsellors/Psychologists, I know that she thoroughly knows her stuff, is passionate about helping clients use the material to enrich their lives and is excited to share new therapies and techniques. Her technique makes you feel like she is a close friend, as well as a talented professional - she gets the balance perfectly right. She has helped me a lot in the short few months I’ve been seeing her, from a promotion at work (something I would not have normally tried for) and having the insight into my own values/goals, to take the plunge into expanding my family. I would highly recommend her to others & hope to continue seeing her for years to come!
​
Claire private client
​
To Ms Dimitra
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you have done for me.Through helping me with year 12 to helping me achieve a task that I thought was almost impossible and difficult, which was the Australian Defence Force interview. You have helped me by preparing me and making sure I passed my interview, which I did. I really appreciate your help as well as putting a smile on my face every single day. You have motivated me throughout the year and played a big role in the completion of my year 12 studies and I look up to your greatly. Thank you so much.
Dearest Regards
Mehdi -student
Dimitra was instrumental in helping unravel roadblocks which prevented me from moving forward. Her guidance helped me accept what I can not change, and let go of labels that did not serve me anymore. This allowed me to uncover my true calling in life and take steps to launching my business. I am thriving and full of life, because of Dimitra.
Jennifer Follett- Private client
​
​
Dimitra has a caring and informed approach of guiding and facilitating. Her professional and structured approach is warm and friendly so it was very easy to be open with her. The methods and techniques she has guided me through have been relevant and extremely helpful in empowering my day to day life. Dimitra has allowed me to view different ways of looking at myself and has helped me to create positivity and to identify my core strengths which I draw on regularly. Our sessions have been very organic and positive and I know the information I have be guided through will be invaluable both personally and professionally for years to come. I look forward to continuing our work together.
​
Brent P
​
​
Dimitra has been instrumental in assisting me with handling stress and anxiety. She always shows a high level of care and compassion and gives me the tools that I need to help myself through difficult times.
She is so well informed and has many resources to help patients tackle any situation. Dimitra is very passionate about her work and should be proud of the amazing job she does.
Her support has been invaluable to me, and I want to thank her for all her hard work and kindness.
​
Laura C
​