Research-Based
Counselling for Couples, Families and Individuals
Hey, how are you? I really care to know.
Whatever brings you here, I am sure you have special others in your life. And sometimes these relationships instead of nurturing you can make you feel hurt, lonely and lost. This does not need to stay this way.
We can help you navigate these challenges and learn how to build healthy, fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.
Aly, Professional Counsellor and Coach
When life gives us lemons...
...we can turn them into fresh lemonade together.
In a completely non-judging, professional and caring environment, we will untangle together the situations and life stories that brought you to counselling.
Our Team
We are a passionate team of professional, Masters-Level educated counsellors and psychotherapists, specialising in relationships and couples counselling.
We truly believe that happiness in life lies in healthy relationships with yourself and others.
We treat each and every client as an individual with a unique journey and experience worth exploring.
Our role is to help you tell that story and find a way to get where you want to be next.
About Aly
ALYONA (ALY) CERFONTYNE
Hi, I am Aly, short for Alyona. My life journey so far has been a very unusual one and taught me many lessons - but most importantly, it showed me that the most treasured things in life are people we connect with. They are our strengths and our challenges.
I have not met a person who was unhappy in life if they had great relationships: family and friends. My life belief is the secret to happiness lies in healthy relationships: with yourself and others.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
I have a Masters Degree in Counselling, Diploma of Education (Postgraduate) and Bachelor of Arts with First Degree Honours.
I am also currently pursuing a PhD in Mental Health with Monash University and completing a Psychosexual Therapy degree with University of Sydney.
Further, I am a Level 2 Member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
I speak three languages and spent most of my life outside of my home country. And most importantly, I am a mom and a wife.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Couples relationships, interpersonal communication, emotions/feelings, trauma and affairs, sexual and intimacy issues, addictions, ADD, trans-generational relationships (parent-child).
About Aanushka
Hi, I am Aanushka.
I work with couples to help them build stronger emotional connections and understand each other's emotions. I also have a particular interest in helping those who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief and loss and those who just need a caring and safe space to talk through what's going on in their lives.
But most of all I love working with children and adolescents. Being a kid at heart, I easily build rapport with my younger clients, creating a safe and engaging space for them to explore their not-so-childish experiences and stories.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
I have a Masters degree in Counselling from Monash University and a Bachelor in Psychology. I have worked with adults, young adults and teenagers and find that my clients connect with me easily. I am also a Level 2 registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Couples relationships, interpersonal communication, emotions/feelings, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, child and adolescent well-being.
About Shay
Hello! I’m Shay.
I’ve spent most of the last decade living and working overseas away from friends and family, this taught me that there is nothing better than having a person who is your home and who will support you no matter what – but building a relationship that secure is never easy.
I am very analytic and straight forward, but I’m also endlessly compassionate. More than anything, I want you to feel comfortable and safe when working with me. My particular counselling interests are in substance use and its effects on mental health, especially its connections with ADD and Trauma, as well as the effect it can have on relationships.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
I have a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Graduate Diploma of Education (with Honours), and a Diploma and Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing. I have also undertaken further study in Individual, Couples and Family Counselling, Gottman Couples Counselling and Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy.
Like my colleagues, I am multilingual (having lived and worked in Mexico), known to befriend any dog I meet, with two fur family of my own, and I have more hobbies than days of the week.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Couples relationships, emotions/feelings, substance use, body image, ADD, trauma.
Our Services
Couples / Marriage / Pre-Marital Counselling
Couples / marriage counselling focuses on improvement of quality in your romantic relationship, intimacy and friendship, but also teaches crucial communication and conflict management skills.
In individual counselling we explore your personal journey and the challenges on your way. We can help you cope with a wide range of personal issues (including grief, trauma, depression and anxiety) and navigate you to a better place.
When parents don't get along well, the children are always affected. Often these little humans feel "it's their fault" and don't have the right skills yet to deal with such difficult emotions.
Teenager and young adults have their own set of development issues which are not always easy to master on their own.
If you child needs a safe space to explore difficult emotions, Aanushka can help.
New Parents Counselling
Having a baby is a dream come true for so many couples. So why do 70% of all new parents find themselves depressed, frustrated and deeply unsatisfied in the first 3 years after the baby is born? We can help you find an answer to this and many other questions sleep-deprived, tired and overwhelmed new-parent couples might have.
Locations and Hours
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
MON – FRI 9am-9pm (7-9pm online only) / SAT 9am-12pm
Individual sessions: 60 min. Couples sessions: 90 min.
IMMERSIVE RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP: 2 Days, 9am - 5pm
LOCATION:
15 Carbine Way (look for the grey/blue façade), Mornington VIC (close to Mornington Racecourse) + ONLINE
On average, couples seek help 6 years too late.
Many relationships can be saved and even made better with timely interventions.
We can help.
Your commitment to the process is the most important part of the therapeutic journey. Our role is to guide you through the process using most relevant interventions and have your best interests at heart at all times.
FEES - ALY (Lead Counsellor & Founder)
$140 for 60 minute sessions (face-to-face/online)*
$200 for 90 minute couples sessions (face-to-face/online)*
Private health insurance rebates are available for eligible policy holders.
FEES - AANUSHKA / SHAY (Counsellor)
$120 for 60 minute sessions (face-to-face/online)*
$180 for 90 minute couples sessions (face-to-face/online)*
$50 surcharge applies for 7-9pm sessions and on Saturdays.
*If you experience financial hardship, please reach out and we can work something out*
Get Help.
To book your session or enquire about availability outside the usual hours, please complete the form below.
Or call/text now +61408747757
15 Carbine Way Mornington VIC 3931 (entry through the grey/blue façade)
