Vicki's Clinic

I provide Contemporary Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to adults and older adolescents.
Psychotherapy aims to support personal growth, rooted in psychoanalytic theories that view individuals as dynamic, ever-evolving systems. These therapies are based on the understanding that many emotional and cognitive experiences are shaped by the unconscious. In essence, psychotherapy involves working through psychological challenges by engaging in meaningful conversations with a trained therapist.
Therapists follow various evidence-based approaches, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy is one of the most established. Talking therapies, whether one-on-one or in groups, are widely recognized for their effectiveness in addressing a range of mental health issues.
Psychoanalysis, the earliest form of psychotherapy founded by Sigmund Freud, is distinct in its focus on the unconscious and its influence on our thoughts, feelings, and relationships. This approach uses ‘free association,’ where clients are encouraged to openly share thoughts, emotions, memories, and sensations. Such self-exploration can reveal patterns that often operate unconsciously but impact daily behavior, relationships, and self-perception.
The unconscious mind holds memories that shape our reactions and expectations, particularly in stressful situations. For example, unresolved painful memories may contribute to defensive behaviors, such as withdrawing or overcompensating in social situations. This protective pattern can reinforce feelings of vulnerability or isolation.
In my practice, I emphasize the significance of early life experiences, which profoundly shape brain development and emotional responses to current challenges. I believe that emotions are key to understanding the human condition and that unconscious processes play a central role throughout life.
Psychoanalytic therapy is particularly effective for complex or chronic conditions such as severe anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and long-term abuse. Research supports the benefits of extended, in-depth therapy for these conditions, showing reductions in hospitalizations, improved work and social function, and decreased dependence on medication. While brief therapies may help with less severe issues, they may not fully address deeper, more complex psychological challenges.
I work individually with clients in medium- to long-term Contemporary Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, focusing on in-depth psychological work.
In addition to my Master’s degrees in Social Work and Psychotherapy, I have completed advanced training in Contemporary Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. My couples therapy training includes experience with Relationships Australia, an externship with the International Centre for Excellence in Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Level 3 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I support couples facing conflict, communication challenges, intimacy concerns, and issues related to mental health or compulsive behaviors.
For clients requiring immediate, acute psychiatric care, a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach may be needed, particularly in situations involving high-risk concerns.

Address: 7-9 Bardolph Street, Glen iris 3147 Mob: 0412 563638 Email: [email protected] Fax: 03 9011 9656