Finding a psychologist that is the right fit for you is the first step towards effective therapy.

Raissa works with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, insomnia, grief and loss, existential issues, transitional life stages, and relationship issues. This list is not exhaustive and Raissa considers each referral received.

The first step is to arrange a time for a quick, confidential and free 15 minutes phone call to ask a few screening questions to help us determine if we are a suitable practice for your needs. You can do this by booking your consultation online through our Bookings page.

Raissa has completed extensive training in psychology. She completed all her training in Melbourne and holds a Master of Clinical Psychology degree. Prior to that, she successfully completed her B.A. Psychology degree with First Class Honours. 

Raissa has been providing mental health services since 2017, initially as a mental health practitioner and counsellor, and later as a psychologist. She has training and experience using evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and motivational interviewing. She also uses aspects of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills in her practice.

The therapeutic relationship is different to other relationships in our lives. While in most relationships there will be space for each person to talk about themself, in therapy the focus is on you. The role of the psychologist is to use their extensive training in human behaviour and the human mind to help you uncover how your belief system and your relationship with your emotions may be getting in the way of your mental wellbeing and general life satisfaction. The psychologist will also use examples of what is happening between the two of you to help uncover patterns of feeling, thinking and acting in your relationships with other people.

Raissa works with adults aged 18 and older. If you are 16+ and have worked with Raissa previously, she will also consider your referral.

This is the golden question for which, unfortunately, we do not have an answer.  The reality is that the process of uncovering and changing destructive or unhelpful patterns is different for everyone. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may need longer than that.

During your first session, Raissa will give you information about your rights and responsibilities while you are engaged with us. Raissa will then ask you questions about what prompted you to seek therapy, what is going on in your current life and your life story to gain a better understanding of who you are and what may be helpful for you.