Counselling for Midlife and Relationship Challenges
Hi, I’m Vanessa Wylie, a Melbourne-based Counselling Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and couples through life’s pivotal transitions.
Whether you are navigating relationship difficulties, professional stress, grief, or a deeper sense of disconnection, I offer a collaborative, compassionate space to help you regain clarity, strengthen resilience, and move forward with intention.
Areas of specialisation include:
Relationship challenges such as trust issues, communication breakdowns, emotional reactivity, betrayal, and intimacy concerns
Self-worth and identity rebuilding following experiences of maladaptive relationships and emotional invalidation
Healing the imprint of childhood trauma on current relationships and emotional wellbeing
Managing anxiety, work-related stress, family conflict, retirement, and major life transitions particularly from midlife onwards
Rediscovering your authentic self by reconnecting with identity, purpose, and vitality, especially in midlife and beyond
Grief, loss, and major transitions including empty nesting, retirement, and caring for ageing parents
Navigating ageing, shifting body image, and health changes with resilience and compassion
Change, while challenging, can also be a profound opportunity for growth.
With the right support, you can create deeper connections, cultivate greater self-trust, and build a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Stronger relationships. Deeper connection. A more fulfilling life.
Feeling stuck or unsure of what comes next? Whether you’re navigating a stagnant relationship, coping with betrayal, or simply feeling disconnected from who you are, you don’t have to face it alone. Maybe you’re craving deeper connection, a renewed sense of purpose, or just want to rediscover yourself.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve spent years prioritising others. But it's never too late to take that next step toward a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationship or reconnect with yourself, with the right support, you can create the life and connections you’ve been longing for.
“Your story is still unfolding, and a beautiful new chapter awaits.”
Vanessa Wylie
Vanessa Wylie
After a rewarding corporate career in Marketing, becoming a parent was a life-changing experience that inspired me to rethink my path. My journey into wellbeing began more than twenty years ago when I worked as a volunteer with refugees in education. Another key moment was writing life stories for older adults. These diverse experiences, along with candid conversations and transformative relationships, sparked something in me, leading me to complete a Master of Counselling.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supporting others in many ways, from working with an esteemed University developing and assessing mental health programs for aged-care residents, guiding young mums and their babies, throught to counselling adults with their life’s challenges such as grief, anxiety, and relationship struggles.
These experiences taught me a fundamental truth: healthy, respectful relationships, both with yourself and others, are at the heart of wellbeing. As a counselling therapist, I work with mid- to later life adults at crossroads in their lives, helping them make sense of themselves and the world around them. Together, we explore the connection between mind, body, spirit, and environment—clarifying confusion, fostering growth, and creating space for authentic, trusting relationships.
My approach combines curiosity and compassion, inviting clients to explore their inner and outer lives in a way that feels safe and empowering. Whether navigating life’s challenges or celebrating its joys, I’m here to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and embrace meaningful, sustainable change. Together, we’ll work towards a life that truly reflects who you are and what you deserve.
Therapy that fits your life
I offer both in-person and Telehealth sessions, making it easy to fit counselling into your schedule. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy or couples counselling, this is your opportunity to take the first step toward the future you deserve.
Individual Counselling
In-person and Telehealth
$145
Couples/ Marriage Counselling
In-person and Telehealth
$225
A warm and supportive approach.
Clients describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to connect with. I’m here to listen to your story, explore what’s working and what’s not, and help you find clarity. Together, we’ll work on building resilience, improving relationships, and rediscovering who you are, so you can live a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values.
I know reaching out for help can be hard, especially if previous efforts didn’t bring the change you were seeking. That’s why I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and judgement-free space where you can feel seen and supported.
What to expect
-
No need to bring anything, just bring yourself/yourselves.
-
The first session is all about getting to know you. We’ll discuss what’s brought you to counselling, touch on mood, sleep, and wellbeing, and review some background like work, family, social support, and any relevant medical or therapy history.
-
That’s completely normal. Many people feel the same way at first. I will be guided by you and ask questions that create a comfortable, safe space. We’ll go at your pace—there’s no rush to share everything straight away.
-
My practice is guided by fairness, trust, and non-judgement. I welcome all identities with openness and respect.
-
Everything we do in our sessions is based on proven methods. I blend different therapy approaches tailored to your needs.
I often use an Emotion-Focused approach with individuals and couples. I draw from relational/attachment-based techniques including: The Gottman Method, Psychodynamic Therapy and EMDR to guide our work together.
Book a FREE discovery appointment
Contact
vanessa@vanessawylie.com.au
03 96053530
459 Toorak Road,
Toorak, VIC, 3142
FAQs
-
I conveniently offer both in-person sessions in Toorak, Melbourne, and HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions within Australia.
-
Counsellors cannot accept MHCPs. As such, you are not required to see a GP for a referral. By seeing a therapist without an MHCP, you will not receive a diagnosis that may be labelling or affect other areas of your life , and your treatment will not be recorded in your medical records.
-
Rebates are available through most major Private Health Funds. You just need to contact your Health Fund to check your coverage and rebate amount before booking an appointment.
-
I offer a free 15-minute enquiry call so we can discuss how counselling might meet your needs. After that, we’ll arrange a 50-minute session at a time that works for you.
-
Post-Graduate Studies:
Master of Counselling – Swinburne University, VIC
Graduate Diploma in Counselling – Swinburne University, VICFurther Training:
I value ongoing professional development and continue to update my education in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My training is extensive; therefore, I’ve only listed some of the more relevant courses below:Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy – The Annandale Institute, NSW
Emotion-Focused Couple Work – The Annandale Institute, NSW
Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy – ICEFT, International
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy – Dr Russ Harris, AUS
Gottman Couples Therapy Core Principles – Drs. J&J Gottman, International
Trauma-Informed Practice: Safety and Stabilisation – Blue Knot, AUS
EMDR: Level 1 - Caroline Burrows, VIC
Accreditation:
Registered Counsellor, Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 3NDIS - Worker Screeing Clearance Approved 80372469