THERAPIST PROFILE Litsa Pavlou

Listening is one of the greatest gifts that one human can give another, yet in our modern world there is never enough time to truly listen, understand and reflect. My therapy room is the exception. I am by nature a good listener. I love listening to people's stories and I have made that my life's work. In my therapy room my clients feel comfort and peace as they gain new insights into their own lives. 

I bring maturity to my practice gained through years of professional and personal experience. I have worked with clients in a helping-capacity for almost 30 years, firstly as a lawyer in private practice and government and more recently as a counsellor. I have worked with many different clients over the years, including young people buying their first some, retirees, small-business people, people going through divorce or other legal proceedings, immigrants, refugees, teenagers, parents, professional people, elderly people, people from many different religious and cultural backgrounds, neurodivergent people and LGBTIQA+ people. 

For me the turning point into counselling was in 2019 when I was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune condition known as Diffuse Scleroderma. It brought enormous challenges but also perspective to my life. I always had an interest in mental health and I decided I wanted to work more closely with people going through massive challenges in their own lives. I completed a Master of Counselling at Monash University which was an excellent course and equipped me with all the practical tools I needed to work as a counsellor. I love learning and I am always reading and doing courses in mental health. 

I insist on maintaining the highest professional standards so I am registered as a counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and I hold professional indemnity insurance.  I work in a safe way and listen to what my clients want. I only use evidence-based interventions and I am very willing to adapt my approach to suit my clients. I can also offer counselling in the Greek language. 

My message to people is that your mental health is your most precious asset so give it the attention it deserves. Act early if you are feeling overwhelmed. Reach out and speak to a professional because there are certain things you can't deal with alone. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT)

Person-Centred Therapy

Emotion-focused therapy

Narrative therapy

Solution-focused therapy

Single-session therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Positive psychology and Lifestyle medicine approaches are also integrated into my practice.

Couples therapy using the Gottman Method and Emotionally-Focused Therapy.