ATTENTION: REGIONAL VICTORIANS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH

You've Always Found A Way Through. This Time, You Don't Have To Do It Alone.

Online and in-person psychotherapy for regional Victorian's who carry a lot, rarely ask for help and are ready for something to genuinely change. Book a free 15-minute consultation and we'll explain exactly how therapy works, what to expect, and whether it's the right fit for you.

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Next Step: Answer A Few Questions So We Can Tailor Your Therapy Journey

10,000+

Therapy sessions deliverd

750+

Individuals and Couples Supported

10+

Expert Therapists

For Regional Victorian's Who Need Real Care

Anxiety

Depression

Grief and Loss

trauma

stress

relationship difficulties

attachment inscurity

life transitions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's what we usually get asked

How long are sessions?

50 minutes

How long does therapy take?

That depends on the nature of the problem. A realisitc time-frame is discussed and worked out collaboratively near the beginning of treatment. The change process is unique, and so treatment length can vary.

Symptom relief tends to occur in the short-term (10 - 20 sessions), although changing long-term patterns tends to take longer (50+ sessions).

Research suggests that 50% of people show improvements in as little as 8 weekly sessions, and 75% of people are measurably improved by 26 sessions.

How does confidentiality work?

Confidentiality is an essential aspect of our practice. We adhere to all ethical and legal guidelines regarding confidentiality. Everything remains private and secure between you and your therapist, apart from these exceptions:

- If there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others

- If notes are subpoenaed by a court

- If there are legal concerns regarding child or elder abuse

What should I expect from my first session?

First sessions are typically what we call a ‘data gathering’ session. Your therapist will take the time to begin to understand the nature of the problem, or the reason, that you’ve come to see them for. They will also ask some general questions about who you are, who you’ve been, and where you’d like to go.

It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you might have, and to get a feel for whether it feels like a good ‘fit’.

Can I choose my therapist?

We have multiple therapists working in our practice, and you are most welcome to request a particular therapist. We will do our best to accomodate depending on current availabilities.

What's the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a psychotherapist?

There are many differences and similarities between all three of these titles. It is important, however, to understand that the quality of the person is the most important factor, not the title. Research bears this out repeatedly.

Psychiatry tends to focus on diagnosing and treating more complex mental illnesses. They make formal diagnoses and proscribe medication.

Psychology is the science of the mind, and much of the findings of psychology come through research and scientific study. Psychologists soften specialise in clninical testing and assessment. In Australia, psychologist typically use cognitive based interventions such as CBT and tend to focus on mental health skills, as well as how to brain works and how that informs behaviour.

While psychology developed out of research, psychotherapy developed out of working with people and their problems. Generally, psychotherapists are less concerned with diagnosing and more concerned with the complexity and wholeness of the client. They generally take a developmental perspective, as well as philosophical. As a practice, it has roots in the treatment of trauma.

What's your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 24 hours notice to re-schedule an appointment. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur a full fee, but we will use our common sense and decency to judge this on a case by case basis.

Can I get a rebate with a mental health care plan?

No, we don't offer Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan. We know that's often assumed to be the first step - see your GP, get a plan, wait for a referral, then wait again for an appointment. The advantage of coming straight to us is that you can skip that whole process. No GP visit required, no waiting on a callback, and you're not limited to a set number of sessions. You can book in and get started right away.

Do you offer online or telehealth session?

Yes. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments by video or phone, so you can choose whatever fits your circumstances and comfort level.

What kind of issues do you help with?

We support people through a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, low mood and depression, stress, trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem, and body image, along with the impact that mental and physical health can have on each other. If you are unsure whether we can help with what you are facing, reach out and ask, we are happy to point you in the right direction either way.

What does your mind and body approach actually mean?

It means we recognise that mental and physical wellbeing are deeply connected, rather than treating them as separate issues. Alongside talking therapy, this can include attention to how stress and emotion show up in the body, nervous system regulation, and practical strategies that support both mind and body together. Your therapist will tailor this to what feels right for you, there is no one-size-fits-all technique applied to every client.

What if I have tried therapy before and it did not help?

That is a common experience, and it does not mean therapy itself is not for you, it often just means the approach or the fit was not right that time. Different therapists work in different ways, and what did not land before might work differently here. It is worth mentioning this in your first session so your therapist can shape things around what did not work previously, rather than repeating the same approach.

How it works

1. Free 15-minute consultation

A relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if we’re the right fit.
Share a little about what’s bringing you to therapy. Ask questions. Get a feel for how we might work together.

2. Initial Session

We take time to truly understand your story.
This first session we begin building a relationship by understanding who you are, where you’ve been and who you want to become.

3. Ongoing treatment

Therapy begins, guided by your goals, at your pace.
If you choose to continue treatment, we work together to move toward the life you want. Therapy begins.

MEET THE FOUNDERs: fabian & Bridget

Our Story

South West Mind + Body was founded by Fabian, a Psychotherapist, and Bridget, a Chiropractor, a married team dedicated to creating an integrative approach to health. Recognising a need in the Warrnambool community for integrated care, they envisioned a clinic where both psychological and physical treatment options could come together under one roof.

Our practice was built on a few simple ideas. Mind and body are deeply connected; good treatment should seek lasting change; people deserve good, professional care. Our approach to health combines psychological and physical therapies, emphasising focused treatments that address both mind and body.

Our Therapy Team

Fabian Storer

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy, BPsych & Psychophysiology

Sophia Robinson

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy

Jo Rowland

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy

Jordan Lockett

Mental Health Accredited Social Worker

MSM

Hayden Smee

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy

Hannah Ewen

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy

Georgia Simmons

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy

Jane Steel

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

BCouns & Psychotherapy