Melanie Pontikis
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
True Self Space
Box Hill, Melbourne VIC 3128
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I am a dedicated psychotherapist with a passion for guiding individuals through their mental health journey. I specialise in relational therapy grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapy. I support adolescents and young adults who feel disconnected from their true Self, are struggling with people-pleasing, perfectionism, harsh inner critic or anxiety, offering a safe and compassionate space for emotional healing and growth.
I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship, creating a collaborative environment. Together, we’ll foster deeper self-awareness and a more authentic relationship with your True Self.
My goal is to equip you with the tools and resources needed to navigate life’s inevitable challenges with confidence and clarity; beyond our sessions together.
Background
My previous experience is within community mental health organisations supporting individuals with building up their emotional resilience and community engagement. I also have years of experience within a high school supporting young people struggling with their mental health. My previous work has encouraged me to strive to create a place of trust, safety and connection that invites emotional exploration and embodiment. I am inspired to support my clients to develop a deeper, more compassionate understanding of themselves and equip them with tools and resources to meet life’s inevitable challenges with confidence and resilience.
Services
Online Telehealth therapy is a convenient and accessible way to receive counselling. Through secure video sessions, you can connect with a therapist just as you would in person, making it easier to fit therapy into your busy life. Telehealth therapy offers flexibility and provides the opportunity to access support regardless of your location.
What you need:
Access to a confidential and safe space, plus a computer with reliable internet connection.
Quality Provision
I ensure a quiet and secure space for counselling to be held in. I undergo continuous updates and improvements of Telehealth services and online systems, to ensure the best online security and safety of client data.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy - 2024 - Australian College of Applied Psychology
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Internal Family Systems - Meditation - Mindfulness - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My therapy approach is holistic, client-centred, and deeply compassionate, integrating a blend of evidence-based modalities to support you in understanding yourself and creating meaningful change. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and somatic approaches to help you connect with your emotions, regulate distress, and explore the deeper patterns shaping your thoughts and behaviours. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can develop self-awareness, heal past wounds, and cultivate greater self-compassion. Each session is tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to feel more grounded, connect
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
Box Hill VIC 3128
Fees & Insurance
Sessions range from $90-$150, with sliding scale available. I offer a free 15 minute consult, as an opportunity to connect and discuss any queries you have about counselling and determine whether I would be the right fit as your therapist.
Payment Options
Payment is done via the online booking link, via online card payments or PayPal.
Contact Melanie
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Melanie Pontikis
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My path toward psychotherapy and counselling was deeply influenced by witnessing the incredible resilience and strength in others. Time and time again, I’ve seen individuals face immense challenges, yet they find ways to keep going, heal, and grow. This resilience inspires me to create a space where people feel supported and heard, where they can explore their inner world and heal at their own pace. I see my role is to walk alongside people as they navigate this journey, creating spaces for them to be seen, heard and accepted, and empower them to tap into their own strength for lasting healing.
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My approach to therapy has been influenced by humanism, Buddhism, and existential philosophy. Humanism shapes my belief in the inherent worth and potential for growth in every individual, guiding me to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space for healing. Buddhism informs my practice with its focus on mindfulness, acceptance, and the importance of being present in the moment. Lastly, existential philosophy encourages me to support clients in finding meaning and choice in their lives, even amidst challenges, empowering them to shape their own narratives and find personal freedom.
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I’m particularly drawn to supporting people as they navigate their independence and grow beyond old coping strategies formed in childhood. It’s about helping them understand that they can create new ways of living that are healthier and more aligned with who they are now. This journey often involves healing from past patterns that no longer serve them, and finding the courage to embrace new ways of relating to themselves and others.
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Clients often begin to feel progress when they enter a space where they feel fully seen, heard, and welcomed as their true selves. This kind of environment allows them to drop their guard and feel safe enough to explore vulnerable parts of themselves. When they experience genuine acceptance and empathy, it fosters a sense of trust and openness, which is essential for healing. Progress becomes evident as clients gradually feel more at ease with expressing their emotions, exploring deeper parts of their identity, and reconnecting with their own sense of worth and authenticity. It is this connection and validation that sets the foundation for lasting change.