What we do at True Self Space
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 understand your patterns and build a more compassionat relationship with yourself and others.
Your mind rarely switches off.
You replay conversations, question your decisions and prepare for what might go wrong, even when you know you've thought about it enough.
Does this sound like you?
You put a lot of pressure on yourself.
You strive to get things right, criticise yourself when you fall short and struggle to feel satisfied with what you've achieved.
Relationships can bring up a lot.
You worry about disappointing others, feel guilty saying no or find yourself putting someone else's needs ahead of your own.
The same patterns keep showing up.
You might understand why you do things, yet still find yourself reacting in the same, familiar ways.
You want to respond differently, but struggle to make those changes
What if there is more going on beneath the surface?
Sometimes, overthinking is an attempt to find certainty before something can go wrong. Perfectionism can be a way of trying to avoid criticism, mistakes or the feeling of not being good enough. People-pleasing can be an attempt to maintain connection, prevent conflict or avoid disappointing someone.
These responses often develop in response to our experiences and may once have helped us cope with difficult situations.
But over time, they can become automatic.
You might keep analysing conversations even when there's nothing more to work out. Push yourself harder even when you're exhausted. Or ignore what you need because someone else's feelings seem more urgent
These very responses, sometimes leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. Understanding these patterns can help you recognise what's happening beneath the surface and begin finding different ways to respond.
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 who find themselves caught in familiar patterns: overthinking, avoiding emotions, putting pressure on themselves to get things right, or struggling to express their needs.
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.
Understand your patterns. Begin responding differently.
Therapy at True Self Space goes beyond identifying what you're struggling with. That gap between understanding and implementing change is very common, and it’s where therapy does its work.
How we work together
You can book your first session directly online. No referral is needed, and you don’t need the right words to start. If you’d like to check if we’re a good fit first, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute consult or send me an email.
In your first session
We’ll explore your experience, what you’ve already tried and where things feel hardest. We’ll start getting to know the parts of you involved, to create a clearer picture of what’s happening internally and what working together could look like, to create both deep understanding and change.
Where it goes from here
At a pace we set together, we explore the opportunity to:
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Notice the thought spiral earlier, and get curious about the part driving it
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Explore why saying no brings up so much guilt
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Meet the inner critic with understanding instead of more criticism
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Get clearer on what you need, and practise asking for it
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Make space for the feelings that have been easier to avoid
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.”