About Nelly

I have many years of experience as a therapist, mental health social worker, and as a life coach; I’ve worked  in private practice as well as in schools, hospitals, and community organisations. I also have a background in facilitating workshops and teaching.

I began my training in Gestalt therapy in Melbourne. Gestalt therapy is at the core of how I work; it’s a down-to-earth style of therapy, which is holistic (we work together to look at the context around problems/concerns, and acknowledge you as a whole, complex person, living a whole, complex life). Gestalt embraces curiosity, mindfulness, and compassion — and a sense of open-minded exploration — in order to shift unhelpful, stuck patterns, and develop a more fulfilling relationship with yourself and with others.

I opened a private practice in Melbourne, and also co-developed and facilitated an innovative, court-recognised Anger Management program for people seeking to better understand and channel their anger toward positive outcomes.

In the years following, I travelled to the U.S. to undertake further specialist training. I continued my private practice work there, as well as completing a Masters of Social Work, extensive training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, group therapy training, embodiment work training, and additional short-term trainings to help me best support my clients.

While in the U.S., I also developed and facilitated a mindfulness program in a local Veterans’ (V.A.) Hospital, where I worked with individual veterans and groups on both an outpatient and inpatient basis. I also worked with individuals and groups at Butler Hospital (a psychiatric hospital) who were attending day programs or in acute crisis.

Additionally, I joined the faculty of in ivy-league medical school (Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School), where I taught humanistic skills to second-year medical students, helping them to develop a caring “bedside manner,” effective communication skills with patients and colleagues, and a broader lens with which to see patients’ lives and struggles more holistically.

I have since returned to Melbourne where I continue to use my skills and experience to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups, helping people make the changes they want to see in their lives and relationships.

As a person and as a therapist, I am warm, caring, authentic and dedicated to the people with whom I work. I take a non-judgmental approach, and believe deeply that we’re all doing the best we can given our personal histories and current life circumstances. I am interested in getting to know you as you are, now, regardless of where you (or others) think you should be. I recognise that there is no “one size fits all” approach, instead seeking to be fully present for the person who you are (including the aspects of your life that are working, and those that are holding you back).

I am passionate about helping people to develop self-compassion in their own lives. I bring my experience and perspective, as well as my humour, authenticity, and zest for life into the therapy room. Laughter is key to a good and full life, and part of therapy with me as well.

I am dedicated to providing an inclusive space, and welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, religions, and relationship frameworks.