Elizabeth Fairbanks
Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor
Lizzie Fairbanks Therapy
Heidelberg West, Melbourne VIC 3085
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I am a clinical psychotherapist with 10+ years across the public, NGO and private sectors. I have a warm, creative, interactive and relational style that is trauma informed, client-centred and supports you toward harmony in the body-mind with a gentle focus on somatic mindfulness.
I am formally trained in various trauma-informed modalities, such as Mindfulness-integrated CBT, Internal Family Systems and Poly-vagal Theory, and my professional experience is in supporting those with problematic behaviours, disabilities, neurodivergence and complex trauma. I specialise in supporting the Highly Sensitive Person who is struggling to come to terms with how life has unfolded, and how they are now engaging in life as a result.
People that have worked with me often report feeling more at peace with who they are, a greater capacity to hold space for life's challenges, and experience more harmonious relationships with others and within themselves.
Background
My journey as a therapist began in the public sector as a drug and alcohol clinician—a true baptism by fire. In that role, I quickly came to see the deep connection between addiction and trauma, especially unresolved childhood suffering.
This realisation sparked a deep curiosity in me, leading me to seek further training in trauma-informed approaches such as Mindfulness-Integrated CBT, Internal Family Systems, and Polyvagal Theory. Eventually, this path brought me to work at Australia’s National Centre of Excellence for complex trauma, where I supported individuals navigating both trauma and disability. During this time, I had the privilege of working with some of society’s most marginalised communities.
Services
Counselling records are securely stored, and personal information remains confidential, except when required by law, in supervision (de-identified), or if there is a risk of harm to you, others, or a child (mandatory reporting). Appointments require 48 hours' notice for cancellation; otherwise, the full fee applies (waived for illness if notified by 9 AM). Sessions are in-house on Mondays, online otherwise. Replies may take up to two business days. In crises, contact emergency services. Zoom/phone sessions follow the same confidentiality rules—please ensure a private, undisturbed space.
Quality Provision
I hold Clinical Membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, PAFCA (Reg. 26497). PACFA has comprehensive and rigorous membership, ethical and professional development requirements.
As part of my PACFA Membership, I am also a Clinical Member of the Australian College of Psychotherapy.
I also participate in professional clinical supervision with three different supervisors each month, all of whom are well respected psychologists, psychotherapists or neuroscientists.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- B. Comms - 2015 - APM College
- Grad. Dip. Couns. - 2018 - Australian College of Applied Psychology
- Foundation Course, MiCBT - 2020 - Mindfulness Institute
- Applied Course, MiCBT - 2020 - Mindfulness Institute
Modalities
Buddhist Psychotherapy - DBT - Internal Family Systems - Jungian - Meditation - Mindfulness - Psychodynamic - Sand Tray - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
As a therapist, I offer a warm, creative, and interactive approach that is deeply relational, trauma-informed, and client-centered. I prioritize your unique experiences, creating a safe space where you feel seen and supported.
I believe in the deep connection between mind and body, using somatic mindfulness to help you build self-awareness, emotional balance, and inner harmony. By exploring how past experiences are held in the body, we can develop tools to release tension, regulate emotions, and foster well-being.
Each session is tailored to your needs, blending evidence-based approaches with intuition and creativity. My goal is to support you in finding peace, resilience, and more fulfilling relationships.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
135 Bamfield Rd.
Heidelberg West VIC 3085
Parking available in Hume St carpark, just opposite the building.
Appointments
Please contact me to make an appointment, appointments are 60 minutes.
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation for you to assess whether we will be a good fit.
Fees & Insurance
Initial Phone Consultation, 15mins - FREE.
Initial Consult, 90mins: $195 in-house or online.
Standard Appointment, 60mins:
Weekly - $150 online / $160 in-house.
Fortnightly - $165 online / $175 in-house.
Payment Options
I accept cash on appointment, or can send you an invoice for direct-debit payments.
Contact Elizabeth
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Elizabeth Fairbanks
-
Having been client-side myself for over twelve years (and counting), I have developed a deep passion and curiosity for human healing, transformation and growth. The 'work' of therapy can be challenging at times, but I've never experienced anything of more value than the transformational outcomes it brings.
From the moment I had my first 'break through' / 'ah-ha moment', I knew that this was something I wanted to contribute to the world.
Therapy is something I feel comes naturally to me, and I have always been (potentially frustratingly) psychologically minded. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than to be able to offer my support and partner with those who are on their own journeys. -
Internal Family Systems.
Psychodynamic Theory.
Buddhist Psychology.
Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. -
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Depression
Self-Care
Unhelpful coping behaviours
Trauma, Developmental/Complex Trauma
Ethically Non-Monogamous / Polyamorous Relationship Issues
Kink specific issues
Grief and Loss
-
Internal Family Systems.
Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT).
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
-
It depends on the presentation, but most of my clients start to gain some level of clarity about their situation after the first or second session. Clarity can make a big difference, as it brings with it a sense of agency and hope.
-
This is a HUGE question...
For starters, it saved my life.
Secondly, through therapy I have discovered myself, have come to embody my personhood, and have experienced so much inner peace and freedom. -
I feel very privileged to sit with my clients in the midst of their diverse lives, through all the ups and downs, and with such experience comes an overwhelming sense of interconnectedness.
My clients have taught me that behind the biggest of mistakes, the most intense of traumas, or overwhelming senses of despair, is a heart of good intention, love and kindness. -
I have more bad hair days than good ones...
-
Negative stigma around taking care of your mental health.
-
Song: 'It Is Not Meant To Be'; Tame Impala.
Book: 'The Courage to be Disliked'; Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
Film: 'Marie Antoinette'; directed by Sofia Coppola.
Record: 'Mother'; Cleo Sol.
Art: every Studio Ghibli movie ever.