Currently at capacity – taking new clients from July. Waitlist open.
Stronger relationships.
Deeper connection.
A more fulfilling life.
I help couples and individuals break the patterns that are keeping them from having the love they deserve. Whether that's years of conflict, the aftermath of an affair, a slow drift into disconnection, or repeating the same relationship dynamics alone, this is exactly the work I do, and I know how to help.
I'm Vanessa Wylie, a relationship therapist working with clients in South Yarra and Toorak, and online across Australia. I'm trained in Terry Real's Relational Life Therapy and Gottman and other models. Alongside my training I bring warmth, honesty and a clear framework to every session. You'll always know what we're working on and why.
If you're ready to do things differently, let's talk and let's see if we're the right fit.
Who I Work With
My clients are people who sense something isn't working in their relationship, in their patterns, in the distance that's grown between them and the life or love they want. They don't need to have it all figured out. They just need to be open to change.
Some come as couples, reeling from an affair, locked in the same fight for years, or feeling the slow erosion of connection after kids and the long drift of time together.
Some come alone, working through betrayal, disconnection, or patterns they're tired of repeating, even when they can't yet name exactly how they got here.
What makes the work possible isn't having answers. It's being open to them.
Clients describe me as warm and direct, someone who challenges and encourages in equal measure, and who makes them feel genuinely seen in the process.
Is This Right For You?
This is a good fit if you:
Are ready to look honestly at your own patterns, not just your partner's
Want real tools and a clear framework, not open-ended exploration
Can handle direct feedback delivered with genuine care
Are in it for lasting change, not a quick fix
My approach is firm and loving. Most clients leave with something they didn't walk in with: clarity, and often, hope.
“… intimacy is not something you have; it's something you do. And you can learn to do it better."
— Terry Real
About Vanessa
I’ve always been fascinated by relationships, particularly the ones that survive, that get tested, almost to breaking point, and somehow find their way through.
I grew up with a very different blueprint and the message I absorbed early was simple: relationships were to be endured until they eventually fail. Choosing to build a lasting one of my own has taken real work, honest self-reflection, and a willingness to recognise my own beliefs and patterns and change them. My relationship of over 30 years is something my husband and I are genuinely proud of, and it's taught me more than any training ever could.
That curiosity about people and their stories has shaped my whole career. After a rewarding corporate career, becoming a parent of two made me reconsider my purpose and step outside the life I had carefully built. I began working with diverse communities, and later as a writer creating digital life stories with older adults. Sitting with people reflecting on their lives, it was almost always about love, connection and regret. I had first been drawn to this work over 20 years ago, volunteering in mental health, and went on to complete a Master of Counselling.
I'm trained in Terry Real's Relational Life Therapy, Gottman and EFT, and I've worked across aged care, early parenting support, universities and private practice. But beyond the frameworks, I bring my own life into the room. I'm not a blank slate, and my clients tell me that matters.
People describe me as warm, direct and real. I'll challenge you, but you'll always feel seen. I take the work seriously and I don't take myself too seriously. If there's a moment of humour to be found, we'll find it.
I believe change is possible, even when it feels very far away. I know that because I've lived it.
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
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No need to bring anything, just bring yourself/yourselves.
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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.
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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.
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My practice is guided by fairness, trust, and non-judgement. As a sex-positive therapist, I welcome all identities and relationships with openness and respect.
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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
122 Toorak Road,
South Yarra, VIC, 3141
459 Toorak Road,
Toorak, VIC, 3142
FAQs
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I conveniently offer both in-person sessions in Toorak, Melbourne, and HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions within Australia.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:Relational Life Therapy (RLT) Level 1 & Level 2 - Terry Real, Relational Life Institute
Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy – The Annandale Institute, NSW
Emotion-Focused Couple Work – The Annandale Institute, NSW
Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy – ICEFT, International
Gottman Method Level 1 - Relationship Institute Australasia, VIC
Gottman Couples Therapy Core Principles – Drs. J&J Gottman, International
Gottman Treating Affairs and Trauma - The Gottman Institute
Working with Difficult Couples - Jacqueline McDiarmid, AUS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy – Dr Russ Harris, AUS
Trauma-Informed Practice: Safety and Stabilisation – Blue Knot, AUS
EMDR: Level 1 - Caroline Burrows, VIC
Accreditation:
Registered Counsellor, Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 4NDIS - Worker Screening Clearance Approved 80372469