Life doesn’t always go as we planned. Before you know it you are navigating a completely different landscape than you thought you would at this stage in life - and this can be difficult and challenging.
When we struggle with emotional distress things change - we don’t sleep as well or feel rested; we’re constantly feeling pushed or pulled; we may avoid dealing with our family or daily chores and tasks that are essential self-care. We may go to work but sit in the carpark dreading to go in; or while we’re there we keep our head down and do the bare minimum.
You may find yourself struggling with negative thoughts about others, your work, your achievements, your sense of self. Relationships suffer. Tears are close to the surface.
You may notice changes in appetite - over or under eating. Needing substances to cope - a glass or two (or more) of alcohol, chocolate, coffee.
Life just isn’t fun or fulfilling. This is not where you want to be - but you’re unsure exactly where you want to be …. Or how to get there.
You may notice persistent negative emotions - like sadness, hopelessness, worry, anxiety or irritability. Or perhaps you’re unable to resolve a conflict in the family or at work and you’re feeling isolated.
Is Counselling the Way to Go?
There are often clear issues that bring people to counselling - you may be navigating a significant life transition - parenting, relationships, death, heartbreak.
If you’re dealing with trauma or grief you may find yourself unable to focus, be engaged in work or social events, more emotional than before, feeling stuck and unable to make decisions.
Sometimes there is a clear reason to seek support - at other times, it might be a quiet sense that things just aren’t feeling right.
Your body may be feeling it like unexplained or constant headaches, fatigue, stomach issues, strained muscles - but you haven’t realised that this is stress.
Counselling can be helpful when stress, worry or low mood begin to feel harder to manage. Talking with a trained and experienced professional is different from talking to your partner or your best friend. We don’t take things personally and we definitely don’t try to fix the situation or fix you!
Reaching out for counselling is a proactive step toward strengthening your wellbeing and gaining clarity during demanding periods of life.
Of course reaching out for help needs to be more immediate if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide or hurting others. This is when you need to seek immediate professional help.
There are many benefits of seeing a psychologist
I provide a trauma-informed space for you to safely explore your feelings, or the need for change. We work together to find the right evidence-based tools and strategies, to change unhelpful thinking patterns, manage emotions and improve your overall wellbeing and satisfaction with life.
Seeing a Psychologist or a Counsellor in Melbourne - which is better?
While both psychologists and counsellors support your mental wellbeing, there is a clear distinction in qualifications, training, and regulation. At Sheedy Psychology - I am a nationally AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registered psychologist also registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists have a minimum of six years of tertiary education along with supervised practice. Psychologists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, conduct psychological assessments and use evidence-based therapies such as the highly successful CBT, ACT and trauma-informed approaches.
With 30 years experience working in relationships, building resilience and wellbeing and supporting people to better manage life transitions, working with me can really turn things around. As a psychologist I am highly qualified and abide by a code of ethics. I am expected to continue ongoing professional development and have regular support sessions from my peers.
Reaching out to a stranger may feel awkward and uncomfortable, but so is struggling with the stress, rumination, anxiety and sense of isolation. There is no need to do this alone.
You can be confident when you see a psychologist that your information is confidential and that your therapist is committed to ongoing professional developments and is accountable to the Psychology Board of Australia standards.
Counselling helps you identify your needs and can change daily life, even in the toughest times - likely quicker than you probably imagine.
You can speak with your GP and ask for a referral to see me, or you can reach out to me yourself for an obligation-free chat M:0401343086 or therese@sheedypsychology.com.
When Should You See a Psychologist in Melbourne?
Life doesn’t always unfold as planned. You may find yourself navigating circumstances you never expected - relationship strain, parenting challenges, workplace stress, grief, health concerns, or a shift in identity or direction. During these periods, emotional wellbeing can begin to feel harder to maintain.
Many people consider seeing a psychologist when they notice changes such as:
Difficulty sleeping or feeling rested
Persistent worry, anxiety or low mood
Feeling constantly overwhelmed or “on edge”
Withdrawing from family, friends or daily responsibilities
Dreading work or struggling to stay engaged
Increased irritability or tearfulness
Changes in appetite or reliance on alcohol, food or caffeine to cope
Ongoing headaches, fatigue, muscle tension or digestive issues
Sometimes there is a clear reason for distress. At other times, it’s a quieter sense that things simply aren’t feeling right.
If life no longer feels fulfilling, or you feel stuck without clarity about what needs to change, counselling can provide space to reflect and reset.
Is Counselling the Right Step?
There are often identifiable events that bring people to counselling, including:
Significant life transitions
Relationship breakdown or conflict
Parenting stress
Workplace pressure or burnout
Grief and loss
Trauma
Anxiety or persistent overthinking
During these times, you may struggle to concentrate, feel more emotional than usual, avoid difficult conversations, or feel isolated. Even capable, high-functioning people can reach a point where additional support becomes valuable.
Talking with a trained psychologist is different from speaking with friends or family. Therapy offers a confidential, structured space focused entirely on your wellbeing. It is not about being “fixed,” but about understanding patterns, strengthening coping skills, and making intentional changes.
Seeking counselling is a proactive step toward improving your mental health and restoring balance.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming others, it is important to seek immediate professional support through emergency services or your GP.
The Benefits of Seeing a Psychologist
At Sheedy Psychology in Melbourne, counselling is trauma-informed, collaborative and evidence-based.
Working together, we can:
Identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns
Strengthen emotional regulation skills
Reduce anxiety and stress
Improve resilience during life transitions
Clarify values and direction
Enhance overall wellbeing and life satisfaction
Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-integrated CBT, Narrative Therapy and trauma-informed approaches are tailored to your needs.
Psychologist or Counsellor - What’s the Difference?
Both psychologists and counsellors support mental wellbeing, but there are differences in qualifications and regulation.
A registered psychologist in Australia is regulated by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists complete a minimum of six years of tertiary education, along with supervised practice. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based therapies.
At Sheedy Psychology, you are working with a nationally registered psychologist with 30 years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions, relationship challenges and emotional stress. My ongoing professional development and adherence to a strict code of ethics ensure high standards of care.
Taking the Next Step
Reaching out for counselling can feel uncomfortable. However, continuing to struggle with anxiety, rumination or isolation often feels harder.
You do not need to manage this alone.
You can speak with your GP about a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan, or you are welcome to contact Therese at Sheedy Psychology directly for an obligation-free enquiry.
📞 0401 343 086
📧 therese@sheedypsychology.com
Support is available, and early intervention can make a meaningful difference.