The Solana Psychology Team
Shanti Monteiro is an experienced clinical psychologist located in the Coburg area committed to providing personalised, evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy in a warm, compassionate and supportive environment. Shanti’s approach to therapy is to compassionately guide people towards gaining a deeper, more insightful understanding of, and relationship with themselves, the way they relate with others (relationship patterns) and the way they relate with the world around them.
Shanti has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Studies, Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours), Master of Clinical Psychology and holds an Clinical endorsement from the Psychology Board of Australia. Shanti is a Psychology Board of Australia approved supervisor. Shanti has completed the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists (VAPP) foundational course in psychoanalysis as well as the EMDRAA’s Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy training. Shanti is also a member of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and has worked on a number of psychedelic trials at Monash University and is a lead therapist at Clarion (psychedics) Clinic.
Shanti employs a holistic approach when working with clients, specifically tailored to their individual needs. Her main therapeutic approaches include; Psychodynamic Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Cultural diversity is something Shanti is passionate about. Shanti strives to promote self awareness about privilege and attempts to work outside of the constrictions of hetero-normativity and cultural hegemony towards inclusivity and intersectionality.
Shanti believes it is the capacity to relate and be in relationships that becomes most affected or fractured through interpersonal, relational or developmental trauma. If the trauma occurred in the context of a trusting relationship or was perpetrated by a trusted person, trust itself and relationships by extension become conflicted. This makes care (and treatment) from a clinician a risk and safety issue for the client, therefore needs to be treated very gently and with careful consideration. It is the capacity to trust and have safe relationships that needs to be repaired and the therapeutic relationship becomes the working model for that repair.
Shanti is passionate about working with individuals to process and integrate their trauma, whether it be a one off trauma (motor vehicle accident), early childhood trauma (abuse and or neglect), chronic long term trauma or trans or multi-generational trauma. Shanti employs a range of modalities to work with people to help them to heal their trauma. Shanti believes that trauma is somatic (physiological), affective (emotional), psychological and spiritual and as such, the therapy needs to address all these aspects of a person. Each individual needs a tailored approach to treatment where they feel safe, supported, in control and able to make decisions about their journey.
Tamara has 15 years of experience working in the community sector supporting people with complex life experiences. Tamara has completed a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, along with post graduate qualifications in developmental trauma. Tamara has a qualification from the EMDRAA as an Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapist and is passionate about how EMDR can be used alongside other therapeutic interventions to support those wanting to work through issues around relationships, substance use, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety and depression. Tamara enjoys working alongside individuals to help them gain a more embodied sense of self, with more clarity around why they may be experiencing certain symptoms, how they are relating to themselves, others and the world around them.
Working from trauma-informed, strength and resilience-based frameworks, Tamara provides a safe and exploratory space to help others become curious about themselves without judgement, in the hopes to begin processing their trauma and move towards healing. Tamara enjoys exploring various modalities and interventions together with her clients in order to find their individual and unique fit. Tamara believes firmly that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and understands the need for people to heal in their own way.
Tamara has extensive experience and interest in working with people from the LGBTQIA+ community, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, adolescents and their families as well as those who may be struggling with substance misuse.
Tamara commonly uses the following modalities in her practice:
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
- Somatic Experiencing Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Life is rarely as straightforward as we’d like it to be. We all carry within us stories of struggle—past wounds, complicated relationships, and deeply ingrained patterns that are difficult to shift or understand. As a psychologist with over 15 years of mental health experience, I am here to help you untangle these stories and navigate the complex emotional terrain we so often avoid.
Healing, however, is not about quick fixes or easy strategies. It’s about understanding that real change requires persistence, courage, and a willingness to face difficult truths. Together, we’ll work through the symptoms and struggles you’re experiencing now, while also digging deeper—when you feel ready—to address the emotional patterns and past experiences that are keeping you stuck.
I take a holistic, integrated approach, which means that I look at the whole picture—your past, your relationships, your cognitive, physical, social and emotional parts. I help you explore the connections between what happened then and what’s happening now. We’ll work not just on managing distress, but on understanding the root causes of your pain, so that you can move forward with a greater sense of clarity and a foundation for lasting change.
While I am here to support you, I believe that growth also requires challenge. At times, I will invite you to step outside of your comfort zone, to think differently, and to confront what’s been holding you back. But we’ll do this together, in a space that feels safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental. If you’re ready to engage in the deep work of self-discovery and healing, I am here to guide you on that journey—helping you to build resilience, understand yourself more fully, and live with greater peace and confidence.
The particulars:
I am experienced in evidence-based practice therapies, working with adults, adolescents over the age of 15. I will integrate and tailor these therapies to your unique needs. My therapeutic interventions and key skill areas are:
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• EMDR
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Schema therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
I am queer allied, and have special interest in working with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship and family difficulties, stress management, self-esteem issues, health issues, life adjustment issues and workplace issues. I am also passionate about working with survivors of trauma and abuse, from acute PTSD to complex developmental trauma.
Tracey is a counsellor who believes that mental and emotional health, physical health and healthy relationships are all linked. Therefore, tending to our mental health is an important part of our overall well-being. She believes that the human condition is to strive for wholeness and authentic expression and that difficulties arise when aspects of ourselves are not fulfilled due to past traumas, environmental stressors, and relational challenges. Thus, Tracey seeks to work in a holistic way to address these according to individual needs.
A safe therapeutic relationship can provide a vehicle to explore the peoples’ inner world and challenging patterns of behaviour. Through contact with and processing of emotions, and psycho-education, change can occur. Counselling is available with both individuals and couples who seek to change entrenched and unhelpful behaviours, problematic emotions, relationship conflicts, life challenges and transitions. She has a special interest in working with sexuality, alternative relationship formations, diverse communities and “meaning of life” challenges.
Tracey integrates several modalities and works from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework where the whole context of an individual’s life is considered. She leans towards emotion-focussed therapy and trauma-informed practice, which aims to process emotions that are “stuck” causing challenging behaviour patterns. Motivational Interviewing is incorporated to assist with readiness for change. Tracey is also an EMDR trained practitioner.
Tracey has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psych), Bachelor of Social Work, and Master of Counselling. She is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and the EMDR Association Australia (EMDRAA). Her experience extends to working in the mental health, alcohol and other drug sector and family services. She has counselling experience in substance addiction, family and relationship issues, post-separation parenting, grief, trauma, anxiety and depression. Tracey’s practice is LGBTQI+ and poly-friendly.
Tracey works with warmth, empathy, compassion and non-judgement. She has a passion for helping to guide people through their inner landscape to assist them in enhancing their relationships with themselves and their world.
Tracey is a Medicare approved provider and people with private health cover with HCF, Bupa, Teachers Health Fund, Unihealth, and Nurses and Midwives Health may be entitled to a rebate.
Megan is a social worker and psychotherapist who is experienced working with individuals, groups and communities and has helped people on their wellness journeys for more than 18 years in both the private and public sector.
Megan works collaboratively with clients from a strength-based perspective to see them thrive. Megan draws from a trauma-informed lens and integrative frameworks which consider individuals in the context of their family, community and broader systems. This includes considering the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects present, along with relational and environmental influences. In her sessions, Megan provides a safe and confidential space for people to explore and resolve their challenges. Her approach draws upon Eastern, Western and Indigenous psychological theories and philosophies.
ome of the matters commonly addressed in Megan’s therapeutic practice are:
- Abuse
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Low self-esteem
- Substance Abuse
- Conflict resolution
- Life transitions
- Social Injustice
- Adjustment Issues
As well as supporting individuals and communities, Megan is driven in helping them to understand how to maintain long-term wellbeing and is skilled in the following evidenced-based interventions:
- Narrative Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Practices
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Solution Focussed Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Since Megan also has a background in photography, film and poetry, she understands how art can be a powerful healing tool. Therefore, at times Megan incorporates expressive art therapies in her professional practice.
Megan completed a Masters in Clinical Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor degree from the University of Washington. Megan regularly builds upon her training through continuing education courses, mentorship and advocacy. Megan is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and working towards Mental Health Accreditation through the Australian Association of Social Workers. Megan also holds professional memberships with the International Federation of Social Workers and UN Women.
Megan welcomes people with culturally diverse backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientation and belief systems.
Consulting Times: Megan is currently available to see clients during regular business hours, some weekday evenings and some Saturdays.
Duration of sessions: 50mins.
Offering online appointments only
Sherebanu is a highly-skilled and solutions-oriented facilitator, a Registered Psychologist and an EMDR psychologist. She is a Holistic Facilitator in the field of mental health and emotional wellbeing for over 11 years with a demonstrated track record for success. Trained overseas as a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience overseas as a Clinical Psychologist, her approach is inclusive and unique to the needs of each individual client..
Sherebanu has an inherent ability to manage different personalities and cultures through her genuine interest in empowering people and families, and a natural sense of empathy. She is trained in various modalities of mental health and emotional wellness, such as EMDR, Life Coaching, Psycho-Geometrics and Energy Healing.
Sherebanu’s calm and professional demeanour supports in proactively resolving issues, diffusing stress and achieving challenging goals and objectives. She has worked with individuals of all ages, assisting her in developing the skills to establish a trusting relationship with her clients and their families.
Sherebanu is a compassionate and caring individual with a thirst for knowledge and growth. Her need for excellence has led her to explore various modalities in therapy and healing. She is a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a trained Hypnotherapy facilitator. She is a Registered Member with the Australian Hypnotherapy Association and a member of the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia.
Sherebanu understands the differences in personalities and experiences and identifies potential for growth easily. Having led 100’s of people through the popular Heal Your Life Workshop, based on the philosophy of Louise Hay, she has in-depth experience in inner-child work. Being able to support individuals and families with simple and effective strategies to achieve their goals and maintain them, has been the greatest motivator for her career.
Sherebanu is motivated to create a difference by setting an inspiring example. She is a constant learner and continues to engage in self-work in an ongoing basis. Her attitude of openness and exploration allows her clients the space and opportunities to be their unique selves and create a unique plan that works for them.
Working with Relationships, Families, Parenting Support and leading groups are some of her major strengths. She has experienced successful outcomes in one-to-one work with Addictions, Weight Management, Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. Sherebanu is also a queer-friendly therapist.
Sherebanu has an inherent ability for observation and a keen sense of non-verbal communication and behaviour, which makes her work with both children and adults intuitively guided towards the goal opening the doors to an unlimited potential. An effortless insight into the perspectives and expectations of others makes her a nurturing coach and professional support.
With warmth, empathy and compassion, Wen utilises a culturally safe approach to facilitate a non-judgmental and emotionally safe space where individuals can be curious and explore their emotional world. Having lived experience as an immigrant, Wen believes that there are complex socio-cultural factors that contribute to one’s identity and mental health. Such that, one may experience a displaced sense of identity when their true sense of self do not meet the expectations and values of the cultural context that they’re in. Wen also believes that a collaborative and authentic therapeutic relationship between a client and clinician is an important element of the therapy process.
Her special interests are in trauma, self-development and identity issues (including cultural identity), interpersonal conflict and relationship difficulties, and adjusting to significant life changes and transitions.
Wen speaks English (fluent) and Mandarin (conversationally).
Pam Brisbane is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has worked across a wide range of health and community settings in a career spanning 30yrs. Pam practices from a humanistic and holistic perspective and has a strong background in social justice. She has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing various mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma and clinical mental health.
Pam works from a holistic approach believing that no single approach is right for everyone. She has completed training across multiple modalities including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Having trained as a Shiatsu therapist Pam is particularly interested in the relationship between the mind and body. Pam has a particular interest in working with people who have experienced clinical mental illness and has an excellent understanding of the emotional and social issues that often accompany those who are experiencing mental health issues. Pam is also particularly interested in working with adults, older adults, adult surviviors of childhood sexual abuse and people suffering from chronic health conditions.
Jenn is a reflective, philosophical, creative as well as spiritually-oriented accredited counsellor with a passion for helping her clients reach their full potential and self-actualise. Moving away from an impersonal and textbook style of practice, she enjoys using creative or unique approaches to therapy, treating each client as an individual on their personal journey towards Individuation^. Drawing largely from psychodynamic, Jungian and humanistic therapies, Jenn’s therapeutic style combines person-centred empathy with insight-based dialogue catered towards the individual. You can expect an insightful, compassionate counsellor who will guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your problems.
Jenn is trained at Master’s level in Counselling at Monash University and a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), prior to that she has completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology at The University of Melbourne. Her passion has always rested in psychotherapy and understanding the complex nature of the human psyche. She is also a trained Meditation & Breathwork Teacher for those interested in integrating mindfulness with psychotherapy.
DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY APPROACH:
Individuals inclined towards deep reflection and finding meaning in their life may find Jenn’s therapeutic style particularly refreshing. Having taken an intensive course on Jungian psychotherapy, Jenn is adept in incorporating aspects of Jungian Depth psychology# into her work. Some core aspects of Jungian Therapy include Shadow work, Dream-work, and integration of parts of the self to achieve wholeness. She is also passionate about helping others connect with their innate creativity and channel it in a therapeutic space for healing.
“THIRD-CULTURE KID” & Cultural Sensitivity:
Jenn treats clients as individuals who come from all walks of life – transcending age, cultural and societal barriers while staying informed and sensitive to diverse communities. With lived experience as a third-culture individual, she brings a valuable understanding and culturally-sensitive approach with her into the counselling room. She seeks to empower individuals whilst supporting them through a range of issues including cultural conflicts, identity issues, and healing from intergenerational trauma.
EXPERTISE:
Throughout her career, Jenn has worked with a diverse range of individuals and age groups, realising that no matter the stage in life, one seeks meaning and direction but can be lost in a sea of mental confusion and self-doubt.
She has worked with individuals experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma; Developmental, Complex, Acute/PTSD and Intergenerational
- Personality and Mood disorders
- Anger
- Dissociation and related disorders
- Grief/Loss
- Self-harm and Suicidality
- Attachment issues
- Relationship issues
- Family Conflict
- Social and Cultural issues
- Disordered eating
- Issues with Sexual identity
Jenn draws from a number of humanistic and evidence-based modalities in sessions, depending on the unique needs of the client. These may include:
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Person-centred/Rogerian Therapy
- Jungian Therapy
- Emotion-focused Therapy
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness strategies
- Meditation & Breathwork
- Art & Creative Therapies
- Existential Therapy
- EFT Tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique
THERAPEUTIC VISION + AREAS OF INTEREST:
Jenn has a special interest in working with individuals around relationship or attachment issues, developmental or complex trauma, existential concerns, lack of meaning, and spiritual crisis. She takes into consideration not only social and cultural differences but also key personality attributes by drawing on the Big 5 and the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory to cater to each client’s unique growth.
One of Jenn’s visions is to transform the way the modern person experiences therapy, moving away from a starkly scientific or medical model to find a balance between the sciences, humanities, arts, and spiritual or philosophical studies. She would also like to restore people’s faith in the current mental health field by harbouring a more humanistic attitude towards therapy. Jenn speaks English (fluent), Cantonese (fluent) and Mandarin (intermediate).
^Individuation is a term used to describe an individual’s coming to the Self; actualising one’s full potential based on existing strengths, vocations/callings, and unique personality.
#Depth psychology is another term used to describe the study of the unconscious including psychodynamic and related therapies.
Micole is a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and offer experience supporting individuals across the lifespan in individual and group therapy.
Micole enjoy’s showing up as a fellow human and aim to provide a safe space for you to share your challenges. Her therapeutic approach focuses on validating one’s experiences and exploring the interactions between your past and present. Micole works from a client-centred perspective where she acknowledges that the client is the expert in their own life. Micole strives to work collaboratively with her clients to find strategies that work for them.
Micole is available after-hours on Tuesdays and Fridays via face-to-face or online appointments.
Dunja’s experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults and families. She has experience both in public and private healthcare settings. She was initially trained at a mental health center that specialises in personality disorders. It was here that she started gaining experience in psychodynamic therapy, mainly in group therapy settings. Drawn to working with therapeutic frameworks that take into account early childhood experiences. She continued at another mental healthcare facility that specialised in complex and persistent psychological problems. Clients often presented not just with longstanding patterns in their personality, but also with comorbid mood-disorders (depression or anxiety), neurobiological presentations (ADHD and/or autism), substance-related and addictive disorders, PTSD and/or other trauma and stressor related disorders. During this time, she mainly supported clients through individual therapy. After this, Dunja moved to Australia and started working at a private practice that specialises in neurodivergence and animal assisted therapy. Here she gained extensive knowledge on autism and ADHD, and how to support clients (and their families) with a variety of challenges as a counsellor.
Dunja sees clients with a variety of psychological presentations, and has a special interest in working around the following themes: (childhood) trauma, attachment and relationships, communication and social skills, identity and sense of self, boundaries and needs, perfectionism and self-criticism, recurring anxiety, spiritual awareness, and more. Dunja believes that no matter what you’ve been through, everyone is capable of healing and growth. Throughout the years she understood that during therapy, she has mainly been assisting her clients with one primary goal: to reconnect with their true selves. If you feel like you don’t know who that is, or you feel like you’ve lost touch with your true self, Dunja will help you find your way back.
Leonie is a counsellor (and overseas-trained psychologist), passionate about providing holistic and client-centred care. Trained in somatic psychotherapy, Leonie pays particular attention to how mental health conditions manifest in the nervous system and supports her clients in finding their way back to regulation and developing a deeper understanding of- and connection to the innate wisdom of their bodies.
Leonie integrates different therapeutic modalities to meet each client’s specific needs and aims to foster compassionate self-enquiry to dismantle maladaptive thought and behaviour patterns that keep her clients from living their full potential. Apart from somatic psychotherapy, her work is informed by cognitive behavioural therapy, depth psychology, attachment theory, systems thinking and mindfulness.
Emma is a psychologist who practises from a place of curiosity and compassion. She believes that therapy provides the opportunity for you to reclaim agency and authorship of your life – that by understanding your emotions and why they make sense, you can be more intentional and connected in your life and relationships. She feels honoured to support people to define and chase their idea of a meaningful life.
Emma believes that the most important part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. This relationship is an opportunity to learn and practise skills (such as assertiveness), to explore relational wounds (such as trauma), and to collaboratively build a connection that provides a sense of safety for both mind and body.
Emma is passionate about supporting people who feel shame about who they are as a result of societal systems of oppression. She hopes to help people – particularly survivors of oppression and other traumas – reconnect to their sense of joy and their ability to take up space in the world.
Emma particularly enjoys working with queer and neurodivergent folk. Her trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach is grounded in principles of social justice and prioritises community-building and authentic, transparent care over medicalisation and individualism.
Emma seeks to understand your unique story and view of the world, and to assist you to build a life of safety, connection, and meaning. To do this, she works with you to set goals and tailor a therapeutic approach integrating some or all of the following therapies:
- Emotion-focused therapy
- Compassion-focused therapy
- Schema therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Mindfulness principles
- Somatic principles
Steph (she/her) is a clinical psychologist living on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in Naarm/Melbourne, after only recently returning from years living on Arrernte Country in Alice Springs.
Steph has been working in public and community mental health settings for the past 8 years, with experience working alongside those experiencing a range of mental health challenges. Steph’s practice integrates a number of therapeutic modes, including somatic-based psychotherapies, internal family systems, attachment-based practices (including those which extend beyond Western, dyadic conceptualisations of attachment), relationally integrated eye movement desensitization reprocessing (RI-EMDR), mindfulness and compassion-based practices. Though not formally trained, Steph is interested in and actively engages with psychodynamic and narrative therapeutic approaches.
Underlying Steph’s work is a commitment to culturally responsive and intersectional practice, which acknowledges the outsized and often ignored/denied impact social and political factors have on mental health and well-being outcomes. She is particularly passionate about working with those who are neurodivergent, queer, living with chronic health conditions, First Nations and from immigrant communities.
For those for whom working therapeutically with someone with shared values, lived experience or experience working in a particular area is important, you’re welcome to reach out to seek further information from Steph.
Steph works Wednesdays and Fridays at Solana Psychology.