The VU Counselling and Mental Health team is a committed group of psychologists and social workers who aim to enhance the wellbeing of all VU students, to ensure they meet their academic and personal goals.

The professionals in our team come from various backgrounds with specific training in supporting the diverse psychological needs of the VU student community.

Counsellors are based across campuses. Appointments can be made via phone, video call and in person where possible.

Victoria University Counselling and Mental Health services are dedicated to inclusivity. Our counsellors have experience in supporting students with diverse sexualities, sex and gender identities.

You can talk to our counsellors about any range of issues that can impact your study or personal life.

Our staff

Our counsellors offer guidance and support at VU's various campuses.

Tony is the team leader of the Victoria University counselling service. As someone who studied at Victoria University, his passion is to provide a holistic service to students by offering a range of programs that are accessible, relevant and engaging. Tony works with students to co-design a service that acknowledges the challenges and strengths in the cohort and ultimately empowers students to get the best out of their time at university and beyond.

Tony is a registered psychologist with experience working in the community and private sectors in Australia and overseas, offering therapeutic services to a variety of clients and organisations. He has developed a significant level of practice and research into themes such as:

  •   Excessive Video gaming
  •   Family violence
  •   Sexual assault and child abuse
  •   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health
  •   Asylum seeker and Refugee mental health
  •   Clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  •   Clients from the LGBTIQA+ community

Tony uses a range of evidenced based therapeutic approaches for a range of mental health challenges to any students including:

  •   Anxiety
  •   Depression
  •   Trauma and Complex Trauma
  •   Suicidal ideation
  •   Grief and Loss
  •   Identity issues
  •   Relationship issues
  •   Study related issues

Tony's qualifications & memberships

Bpsych (Hons), MPsych (Com). Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS).

Liz has over 20 years of experience of counselling within the tertiary education sector, having previously worked in community health.  She has an abiding commitment to the West and an appreciation of the cultural and social diversity of the region.

Liz has a holistic approach to counselling, with extensive experience working with clients across a broad range of personal, family and relationship issues, gender diversity, grief and loss.  She has a particular interest in narrative therapy and other strength based, collaborative approaches, valuing the importance of the therapeutic relationship.

Liz's qualifications

BA Social Work, MA (Education), GradDip, (Community Development), GradCert (Narrative Therapy).

Adriana is an AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with specialist training and experience in Lacanian Psychoanalysis.

Adriana has worked as a counsellor, analyst and mental health clinician with young persons and adults, in both public and private practice settings. She has over 10 years of counselling experience in the tertiary education sector.

Adriana has a strong interest in the areas of:

  • learning and barriers in achieving academic and life goals
  • developmental trauma
  • complicated grief
  • existential difficulties
  • attachment issues.

She uses a range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive, analytic, psychodynamic and phenomenological frameworks.

Adriana is an accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor.

Adriana's qualifications

BA (Phil), BSW, DPC, AMHSW, MFSM.

Sara is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with young people in both community and educational settings. She has a passion for helping individuals experiencing a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as educational and adjustment concerns.

She engages with students through a compassionate care approach that places them at the centre of the therapeutic process and allows their unique voice to resonate and be heard. She utilises several evidence-based therapeutic approaches to promote change which include cognitive behaviour therapy, emotion focused therapy, acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness techniques.

Sara is happy to provide counselling support in both English and Arabic.

Sara's qualifications & memberships

BBNSc (Hons), MPsych (Couns). Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Whitney is motivated to help every student learn healthy means of dealing with mental and emotional difficulties. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, results-orientated and solution-focused care. Whitney has experience working with various age groups in both tertiary and private practice settings, as well as people from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. She likes to take an integrated approach to suit the needs of her students. Whitney uses a range of evidence-based psychological interventions in her work with students.

Whitney is happy to provide counselling support in both English and Shona.

Whitney's qualifications & memberships

BA, BA Psych (Hons), GDip (Couns), M.ProfPsych (Prof Psych). Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS)

John is a registered psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working in community and tertiary settings. He enjoys working with clients from a variety of age groups with diverse backgrounds and presenting issues. John has a passion for helping individuals experiencing a wide range of issues affecting their mental health such as depression and anxiety, relationships, grief and trauma as well as issues relating to educational concerns and adjustment.

He integrates a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each student he supports. These include cognitive behavioural, acceptance commitment therapy and solution focused techniques and strategies.

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