Psychology &Counselling Services
Our psychology and counselling services are here to support you, or your loved one navigate through difficult or challenging times. If you have acquired a disability, it can be difficult to adjust to life when the way you do things, and the way you feel about yourself has changed. Similarly, if you have been living with a disability since birth, each stage of life can bring new challenges. The lives of your family members may also be affected in different ways. Our professional psychology and counselling team are highly skilled and equipped with the expertise to guide and support you through whatever difficulties you may be facing.
About Us
Independence Australia’s psychology service first started in 2001. At the time it was the first of it’s kind in Victoria, providing psychological support for people with spinal cord injuries. We have since expanded to provide support for anyone that identifies as having a disability, their family or their carers.
Our team are LGBTIQ+ friendly, Indigenous and culturally sensitive and CALD supportive.
Our services operate during business hours from Monday to Friday, and can address a wide range of concerns including:
-
- Depression
- Stress and anxiety
- Adjustment and identity issues
- Disability and ageing
- Anger
- Grief and loss
- Pain and fatigue
- Social isolation
- Self-esteem
- Family and relationship conflict
- Intimacy and sexuality concerns
There are no restrictions on age or disability to access our services. However in some cases, children and teenagers or individuals presenting with complex disabilities may be referred on to a more specialised services. Similarly, we also support those dealing with self-harm and/or suicidal ideation, however, sometimes specialised care may be required.
Our Services
Location
Our psychology service offers face-to-face sessions at our West Footscray office, telehealth (online or telephone) and some off-site services. Certain services may be conducted in home or off-site at a location that may be more accessible to you.
Accessing Our Services
To enquire about seeking psychological services through Independence Australia, please fill out our enquiry form here . For any further details, or to speak to our psychology and counselling team, please feel free to contact us via telephone on 1300 704 456 or email [email protected]
Billing
Independence Australia provides a bulk billing service through a GP referal for a mental healthcare plan (MHCP). This mean no out of pocket expenses when accessing our service. We also offer support to those on NDIS, TAC and Workcover through their provider at the relevant rates. In the rare case that someone uses all of their MHCP sessions there may be provisions available to continue services.
Our Psychologists
Jenny Koadlow
Jenny Koadlow is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years’ experience and has been practicing at Independence Australia since 2007. Jenny is competent in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy (NT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT). Jenny has undertaken training in faimily therapy and couples counselling. Additionally, Jenny is a board approved supervisor with AHPRA, undertaken training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and has plans to advance her couples therapy skills through the Gottman approach to couples therapy.
As a result of her lived experience as a carer for family members, Jenny has chosen to specialise in working with people who have life-long disability, acquired disability, and trauma, along with promoting individual and couple’s health and wellbeing through support groups and facilitated workshops. Since December 2012 she has been providing services for Open Arms to serving and ex-serving military veterans and their families.
Samual Maraldo
Samual Maraldo is a General Registered Psychologist who is currently undertaking the Clinical Psychology Registrar program under the supervision of Jenny. Sam has 2 years’ experience working with a range of client presentations. Sam is competent in CBT, CPT, EFT, NT, ACT, TF-CBT and Psycho Dynamic Therapy.
Sam is a Navy veteran who has moved into the field of psychology as a result of his direct and indirect lived experience with disability. Sam has a focus on serving and ex-serving members of the defence force, emergency services, their families and those identifying with a disability that face unique challenges in their lives. Sam has a goal to reduce the stigma associated with seeking psychological services, especially for males and those who have served in the military or worked in the emergency service space.
Our Support Groups
Our support groups allow you to connect with others in the community and share your lived experiences. For more information on our available support groups
Our Health & Wellbeing Programs
Our health and well-being programs cover a variety of topics, addressing common health concerns and designed to support you on your journey to improved health and wellbeing. Find out more about our health and well-being programs
After Hours and Crisis Services
Lifeline
Lifeline is a crisis support service that offers a phone, text and webchat service.
Phone: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides support for depression, anxiety, suicide and other mental health conditions.
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline
Kids helpline is a free telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
1800Respect
1800Respect is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line.
Phone: 1800 737 732
Student Placements
If you are a student looking for a placement, please contact us via email at [email protected]