Sara Bertolini
Registered Psychologist

Healing from the past, reconnect with self and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

Sara is a Registered Psychologist who holds a Master of Psychodynamic Therapy and Counselling and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).

She has completed extensive training across a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Relational Integrative EMDR (RI-EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Ego States and Parts Therapy, Polyvagal-informed interventions, and attachment-focused approaches.

While grounded in multiple therapeutic modalities, trauma therapy is an area she feels particularly passionate about. Sara has witnessed the profound impact that unresolved trauma can have on relationships, self-worth, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning. She is especially drawn to approaches that support deep, lasting change rather than simply managing symptoms.

EMDR and Relational Integrative EMDR (RI-EMDR) have transformed the field of trauma treatment, and Sara integrates these approaches with psychodynamic, attachment-based, and parts-informed frameworks to support meaningful healing and integration. Her broad training allows her to tailor therapy thoughtfully to each person's unique needs, experiences, and goals.

Sara believes therapy should be a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where every person feels seen, respected, and valued. She works collaboratively and at a pace that prioritises emotional safety, helping clients process painful experiences, challenge long-standing beliefs, strengthen self-understanding, and develop a greater sense of self-trust and resilience.

An inclusive, culturally responsive, and affirming therapeutic environment is central to her practice. Sara welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, abilities, and lived experiences. She is committed to providing an LGBTQIA+ affirming space where individuals can explore their identities safely and without judgement.

Sara respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which she works and recognises the ongoing strength, resilience, and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

She is committed to culturally safe, trauma-informed practice that honours First Nations perspectives and experiences.

Throughout her career, Sara has worked across NGOs, private practice, forensic settings, and clinical environments, supporting people from diverse cultural, relational, and socio-economic backgrounds. Her work within the forensic sector has involved supporting individuals who often face significant systemic barriers and limited access to therapeutic support. This experience has strengthened her commitment to social justice, equity, and ensuring that people are met with dignity, compassion, and evidence-based care regardless of their circumstances.

Sara has a particular interest in working with trauma, complex trauma, attachment wounds, relationship difficulties, ADHD, emotional regulation challenges, grief and loss, identity development, and the psychological impacts of coercive control, family violence, and adverse life experiences.

Alongside her clinical work, Sara is deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring emerging clinicians. She lectures at university and supports developing therapists as they build their clinical skills, critical thinking, and professional identity. She is continually inspired by the next generation of practitioners and the innovative approaches shaping the future of mental health care. Contributing to their growth is one way she gives back to both the profession and the broader community.

Outside of clinical practice, Sara enjoys staying engaged with emerging research in trauma, attachment, and neuroscience. She values lifelong learning and remains deeply curious about the evolving understanding of how people heal and grow. In her downtime, she loves dancing—a reminder that healing and joy can coexist, and that life is not only about surviving, but also about reconnecting with what brings us alive.

Sara's approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection, compassion, curiosity, and the courage to explore the parts of ourselves that have long carried our pain alone.

For bookings with Sara, please  call 

8000 1814

Why Trauma Is Hard 

Trauma can shape the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. It may stem from a single overwhelming event, or from repeated experiences such as childhood adversity, relational wounds, neglect, or chronic stress.

Sometimes trauma shows up in obvious ways — flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling constantly on edge. Other times it appears more quietly: difficulty trusting others, harsh self-criticism, emotional shutdown, people-pleasing, or feeling stuck in patterns that don’t make sense.

Trauma is not a sign of weakness. It is the nervous system’s attempt to survive.

How Therapy Can Help

In trauma therapy, the first step is creating safety. We work collaboratively to build stability, strengthen coping resources, and ensure you feel supported before approaching painful memories.

Using evidence-based approaches such as EMDR and Relational Integrative EMDR (RI-EMDR), therapy helps the brain and body process experiences that may feel “stuck.” Through this process, memories often become less emotionally charged, triggers reduce, and negative beliefs about yourself begin to shift.

Therapy can help you:

• Feel more emotionally regulated and grounded
• Reduce anxiety, reactivity, or shutdown
• Develop a kinder relationship with yourself
• Strengthen boundaries and relational patterns
• Rebuild a sense of safety and trust

The goal is not to erase the past, but to help it feel less overwhelming — so you can move forward with greater calm, clarity, and self-trust.

Healing from trauma is possible, and it does not have to be done alone.

Melissa Di Leo
Educational & Developmental Psychologist

Navigate life's challenges with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Melissa is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist who specialises in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. 

She holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, and a Master of Educational & Developmental Psychology. 

Melissa is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a Fellow of the APS College of Educational & Developmental Psychology.

Melissa believes therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected for who you are. She is committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and affirming space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and navigate life's transitions with support and confidence.

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked alongside individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress and burnout, depression and mood difficulties, life transitions, identity exploration, grief and loss, trauma, and school, academic, or executive functioning challenges.

Having worked across NGOs, private practice, and clinical environments, Melissa has supported people from diverse cultural, relational, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Melissa has a particular interest in supporting medical students and junior doctors who may be experiencing increased stress, anxiety, burnout, or emotional fatigue associated with the demands of their profession. 

She understands the unique pressures of healthcare training and practice, including examination preparation, maintaining wellbeing in high-pressure environments, and processing difficult or traumatic experiences encountered in clinical settings.

Melissa has completed extensive training in a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. 

Recognising that no two people are the same, she tailors therapy to each person's unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, authentic, and client-centred. 

Melissa works alongside clients at a pace that feels safe and sustainable, helping them develop insight, strengthen coping strategies, and move towards meaningful change.

An inclusive, culturally responsive, and affirming therapeutic environment is central to her practice. 

Melissa welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, abilities, and lived experiences. 

She is committed to culturally safe, trauma-informed practice that honours First Nations perspectives and experiences.

She is committed to providing an LGBTQIA+ affirming space where individuals can explore their identities safely and without judgement.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, grief, life transitions, or simply seeking a greater understanding of yourself, Melissa provides a supportive therapeutic space where healing, growth, and meaningful change can occur.

For bookings  with Melissa 

please call 8024 5971

Individual therapy offers a confidential, supportive space to explore what feels difficult, overwhelming, or stuck in your life.

You may be navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, or simply a sense that something doesn’t feel right. 

Sometimes people come to therapy with a clear goal. Other times, there is just a quiet awareness that things could feel different.

Therapy is not about being “fixed.” It is about being understood.

In our work together, we move at a pace that feels safe and collaborative. Sessions are tailored to your needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Relational Integrative EMDR (RI-EMDR), Schema Therapy, CBT, DBT-informed strategies, parts-based work, and attachment-focused frameworks.

Individual therapy can help you:

• Understand patterns that keep repeating
• Regulate overwhelming emotions
• Process painful or traumatic experiences
• Strengthen your sense of identity and self-worth
• Improve relationships and boundaries
• Build resilience and confidence

At its heart, individual therapy is about creating space for reflection, insight, and meaningful change — within a relationship that feels steady, respectful, and supportive.

Trauma may not have been a choice — but healing can be.

$240 for 60 minutes

Medicare rebate available of $101.55 (as of July 1st 2026)

Online therapy sessions are available via secure platforms offering flexibility and accessibility for clients who prefer to attend from home or another private space.

Telehealth can be particularly helpful for individuals with busy schedules, parenting responsibilities, mobility limitations, or those living in rural and remote areas.

It also allows continuity of care when travel or health circumstances make in-person sessions difficult.

Both psychologists work with clients across Australia (subject to registration requirements) and, where appropriate, can offer sessions to individuals residing overseas in accordance with professional and regulatory guidelines.

Online sessions are conducted with the same care, professionalism, and confidentiality as in-person appointments. A stable internet connection and a quiet, private space are recommended to ensure comfort and privacy.

Many therapeutic approaches — including trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and Relational Integrative EMDR — can be effectively adapted for online delivery when safety, preparation, and pacing are prioritised. 

Adjustments are made to ensure the process remains grounded and supportive.

If you are unsure whether online therapy is the right fit for you, this can be discussed during your initial consultation.

$240 for 60 minutes

Medicare rebate available of $101.55 (as of July 1st 2026)

Family therapy provides a supportive space for families to come together, improve communication, and strengthen their relationships.

Families can experience strain for many reasons — conflict, life transitions, parenting challenges, mental health concerns, separation, blended family adjustments, or ongoing patterns that feel difficult to shift. 

Often, it is not one person who is the “problem,” but the way stress and communication patterns impact the family system as a whole.

Family therapy focuses on understanding these patterns and creating healthier, more secure ways of relating.

Drawing from attachment-based frameworks, including Circle of Security, this work helps family members  better understand everyone's emotional needs — particularly the need for both connection and independence. 

Exploring how to respond in ways that build safety, trust, and emotional resilience.

In sessions, we work collaboratively to:

• Improve communication and listening
• Reduce conflict and misunderstanding
• Strengthen emotional connection
• Support parents in navigating behavioural or developmental concerns
• Increase confidence in caregiving
• Foster secure attachment relationships

The goal is not to assign blame, but to foster insight, repair, and practical strategies that support the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Families, like individuals, can grow and adapt. With the right support, relationships can feel safer, clearer, and more connected.

$370 for 90 minutes

There is no Medicare rebate available for family therapy, however private health, if available, can be used.

Sara will soon be offering Circle of Security Parenting groups — an evidence-based, attachment-focused program designed to support parents and caregivers in strengthening their relationship with their children.

Circle of Security helps parents better understand their child’s emotional world and the attachment needs that drive behaviour. Rather than focusing only on behaviour management, the program supports caregivers to recognise when a child is seeking comfort, reassurance, exploration, or connection — and how to respond in ways that build security and resilience.

The group provides a reflective, supportive space where parents can:

• Deepen their understanding of attachment
• Learn practical tools to respond to challenging behaviours
• Strengthen their child’s sense of safety and trust
• Build confidence in their caregiving
• Connect with other parents navigating similar experiences

Circle of Security is suitable for parents and caregivers of young children and can be particularly helpful when families are experiencing stress, behavioural concerns, or relational challenges.

If you are interested in joining a future group, please reach out to register your interest.