At True Self Space, I offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling and Internal Family Systems therapy 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?
Growing up, you may have learnt to:
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Put other people’s needs first
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Take responsibility for everyone’s emotions
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Rely only on yourself
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Criticise yourself before anyone else can
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Anticipate every outcome
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Stay busy to avoid difficult feelings
As an adult, you may still feel:
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Emotionally exhausted
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Lonely, even around people
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Numb or disconnected from yourself
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Stuck in the same relationship patterns
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Like something is wrong with you
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Successful on the outside, empty on the inside
When you grow up in an environment where your emotional needs aren’t fully seen or 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. These ways of coping once kept you safe, but they may no longer serve the life and relationships you’re trying to build.
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.
You may already understand a great deal about yourself. You can name the overthinking, recognise the perfectionism, and see how you put other people’s needs first or turn critical when things don’t go to plan.
But insight is only part of the work.
Patterns are held in how we feel as much as in how we think, so together we notice what arises in your emotions and body, and gently experience something different, in a space that feels safe. My approach to therapy goes beneath the surface to create meaningful change and build a compassionate relationship with yourself.
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?
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 with us.
Are Medicare rebates available?
We currently operate as a privately billing service. Please visit our 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.”