ABOUT
COUNSELING+EFT (tapping)+MINDFULNESS+BREATHWORK
I created A Friend in Melbourne so that psychological support and the development of awareness could be a possibility for everyone, not just a luxury for the few.
I am passionate about helping women to navigate the multi dimensional human experience with greater intention, and understanding of self. To do this I use a range of mind & body tools: holistic Counseling, Mindfulness, Breathwork, EFT (emotional freedom techniques).
Un’Amica a Melbourne is member of the Australian Counseling Association (ACA member # 16998).
Imagine if you could:
✔️Learn to manage your emotions
✔️Discover and practice EFT a evidence based stress reduction techniques that can literally change your life
✔️Improve your relationship with yourself and with others
✔️Increase your self-esteem
✔️ Overcome your limiting thoughts
✔️Discover your bodily resources
From today , you too can benefit from the many advantages that Mind & Body Counseling offers without ruining yourself financially and without embarrassment.
BOOK HERE FOR YOUR FIRST 15 MINS (FREE!), AND EXPLORE THE SERVICES AVAILABLE!
Counseling is a helping relationship, where a client (not a patient) seeks specific support in overcoming a problem in their present life. This is a targeted intervention and generally has a short duration.
Mindfulness means awareness. It means paying attention, but in a particular way: a) with intention, b) in the present moment, c) in a non-judgmental way ”. It can also be described as the ability to fully live one’s present life, in the here and now. Whether you are looking for help to overcome a problem or want to embark on a path of personal growth, this is the right place for you. WELCOME!
TAKE A LOOK AT MY WELL- BEING PILLS
Counseling has literally changed my life. It showed me that anyone, if put in the right conditions, can overcome difficulties, flourish and reach his/her potential, in life and in work.
Mindfulness and EFT have helped me enrich my life: “The future and the past are two thieves who steal your present” someone said. It is true: the present is the only dimension of full and possible well-being.
Find out more on the Un’Amica a Melbourne BLOG
I completed my studies in Italy and other European countries and many years after my first master degree in languages, I specialised in Body Mediation Counseling, aka Breathwork Counseling, a holistic approach that uses Mindfulness techniques and is based on the awareness that we are mind, body and spirit. Every part of us is connected and the breath is the main connecting tool. Do you want more info on how I work?
BOOK HERE FOR YOUR FIRST 15 MINS (FREE!), AND EXPLORE THE SERVICES AVAILABLE!
Counseling is a helping relationship, where the Counselor works with a client (not a patient) who seeks specific support in overcoming a problem in his present life. I work alongside Counseling, Breathwork, Mindfulness and EFT (emotional freedom) techniques, to develop precious resources to carry with you in life, every day.
Un' Amica in Melbourne is also a physical (and virtual) place, a welcoming and protected space where listening is profound and respectful and where you can find support in complicated moments. In Italian and English. Whatever your nationality, your emotions speak your language.
Do you have any questions or curiosities?
Explore the Q&A SECTION or BOOK YOUR FIRST 15 MINS FREE
If you are experiencing any of the below, then it’s the right time, it’s the right place, to begin a journey with us!
✔️ You are looking for help, as you try to navigate or overcome a specific difficulty, challenging period of your life or perceived 'problem'
✔️Your thoughts and emotions don’t get along
✔️You want to make (better) decisions
✔️You are anxious, you find it hard to enjoy the present
✔️You want to believe in yourself more
✔️You want to improve your relationships
✔️You are tired of postponing, you need it now!
Did you recognise yourself in any of these statements?
BOOK HERE A 15 MIN ‘DISCOVERY’ SESSION FOR YOU, FREE AND WITHOUT COMMITMENT
You will decide calmly later!
Maybe you are having a complicated time, or you just want to improve some aspects of your life. Something that worries you is happening right now but you don’t know where to start to fix it. You don’t know exactly what Counseling is but you wonder if it could be an option for you. Maybe you have already tried but your strategies have proved ineffective. You have thought many times about booking a session, but between work, love and the complicated life of every day, you have not found the time to take care of yourself in the right way. Or maybe you thought that asking for this kind of help is the same as being sick and you felt a sense of embarrassment or shame. You must admit that it would be a great relief to talk to an aid professional who knows how to listen and does not make you feel guilty. A person who supports you in your path of awareness and who shares and promotes your goals. But can you afford it economically? Whatever the reason is holding you back, I’m glad you’re here. Now you can begin a sustainable practice of well being. We all have the right / duty to invest in our physical and mental wellbeing.
TAKE A LOOK AT MY WELLNESS PILLS OR BOOK HERE A 15 MIN SESSION FOR YOU , FREE AND WITHOUT COMMITMENT.
Un’Amica a Melbourne is a private practice whose services include a fee. However, I have chosen to practice “Fair Counseling”, i.e. to allow as many people as possible to benefit from this wonderful experience through affordable rates and flexible payment conditions.
Let’s start with us, let’s take care of our light and our shadows within, let’s help improve the lives of those around us by building more serene families and more integrated and happy communities.
Are you interested in these topics and would you like to learn more? Take a look at Un’Amica a Melbourne BLOG or CONTACT ME, I will answer you as soon as possible!
Services
Girlfriends in Melbourne Online
Do you want to participate in our online meetings?
Girlfriends in Melbourne is a self-help group for Italian women in Melbourne that I have been facilitating since 2019.
My aim is to build a network of support, listening and sharing with women for women and deepen the theme of emotions management.
The pandemic and the long lockdown of 2020 have prompted us to meet online for several months.
It was a humanly very fulfilling experience that helped many to overcome moments of personal difficulty through spontaneous sharing and building precious new friendships, so important when families are often far away.
If you like to join us, you are welcome!
The meetings take place online on zoom and are free.
You will receive communication of the next meeting through the social media channels of A Friend in Melbourne and via email.
My aim is to build a network of support, listening and sharing with women for women and deepen the theme of emotions management.
The pandemic and the long lockdown of 2020 have prompted us to meet online for several months.
It was a humanly very fulfilling experience that helped many to overcome moments of personal difficulty through spontaneous sharing and building precious new friendships, so important when families are often far away.
If you like to join us, you are welcome!
The meetings take place online on zoom and are free.
You will receive communication of the next meeting through the social media channels of A Friend in Melbourne and via email.
GUIDED MEDITATIONS
See the list of my guided meditations
Get to Know me
Have a look at my 2021 Brochure!
# 1 mistake you make to get stuck in life
Welcome to my site! I'm Barbara, aka A Friend in Melbourne
ITALIAN:
How many times have you felt stuck? How many sleepless nights before making a decision or after making a decision? Today I propose you a very effective practical tool to use whenever you feel this way. I called it "Unlock-me"
ENGLISH:
How many times have you felt stuck? How many sleepless nights before making a decision or after making a decision? Today I offer you a very effective practical tool to use as often as you like. I called it "Unstuck-me"
Blog
I want to know more
A little exercise to take stock of the state of our boundaries in the important relationships of life: family, love, work, friends!
Read More
A revolutionary tool to take your life in hand today and build the best version of you tomorrow!
Read More
A revolutionary tool to take your life in hand today and build the best version of you tomorrow!
Read More
Mindfulness: instructions for use!
Read More
a short video that explains what are the 10 things you need to know about counseling to make an informed choice!
Read More
What makes happy people happy?
Read More
How do you take care of your needs? But above all, can you recognize when your need is not satisfied?
Read More
Mindful parents and self-esteem
Read More
How to stop being your worst enemy, day by day.
Read MorePills
The answers to your questions..in pills!
Q&A
Clear and concise information that helps you decide!
Do I need a psychiatrist?
Do I need a psychiatrist?
You may need to consult a psychiatrist if:
Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychiatry
You may need to consult a psychiatrist if:
- Your symptoms are severe
- If symptoms persist for a long time or continue to occur
- have tried other therapies but they don't work
- you are thinking of self-harm or suicide
- the doctor thinks you should see one
Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychiatry
Seeking help for a psychiatric problem
In Australia: first contact your GP who will assess your condition and refer you to a psychiatrist doctor with whom you can book a consultation.
Or visit the Australian government's mental health website
Or visit the Australian government's mental health website
I feel the need to talk to someone but I'm ashamed
Rest assured, it's pretty normal. It is difficult and ashamed to ask for help, and when you need emotional or psychological support, it is even more difficult to do so.
Shame arises from the widespread prejudice that those who need this type is not "normal", is "sick".
If it were true all humanity would be sick, because sooner or later in life we are confronted with complicated emotions such as the pain of loss, the fear of future, anger etc ..
If you feel this way too, let me clarify a fundamental thing about the counseling model that I practice at A Friend in Melbourne: counseling is an intervention that aims to achieve your well-being through verbal interviews and conscious breathing practices. You will never be given tests, you will not be diagnosed. These are interventions that only a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can perform.
In the case of an internal conflict, a discomfort triggered by a significant event (for example a separation, an illness, a bereavement, the loss of a job) is perfectly normal to feel the need for help. The Counselor helps you to help you, through the understanding of your problems and the emotions connected to them in your interpersonal or social sphere, in your love or professional relationships, in your self-realization. In short the Counseling intervention is limited to the specific area that you perceive as problematic. The Counseling relationship is based on empathy and trust.
Shame arises from the widespread prejudice that those who need this type is not "normal", is "sick".
If it were true all humanity would be sick, because sooner or later in life we are confronted with complicated emotions such as the pain of loss, the fear of future, anger etc ..
If you feel this way too, let me clarify a fundamental thing about the counseling model that I practice at A Friend in Melbourne: counseling is an intervention that aims to achieve your well-being through verbal interviews and conscious breathing practices. You will never be given tests, you will not be diagnosed. These are interventions that only a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can perform.
In the case of an internal conflict, a discomfort triggered by a significant event (for example a separation, an illness, a bereavement, the loss of a job) is perfectly normal to feel the need for help. The Counselor helps you to help you, through the understanding of your problems and the emotions connected to them in your interpersonal or social sphere, in your love or professional relationships, in your self-realization. In short the Counseling intervention is limited to the specific area that you perceive as problematic. The Counseling relationship is based on empathy and trust.
I was diagnosed with a mental disorder, can Counseling help me?
In case of diagnosis of mental disorders it is always advisable to have a psychiatrist or a psychologist / psychotherapist follow you. The counseling model of a friend in Melbourne in this case is NOT the most appropriate tool.
I always experience the same problems since I remember
In some cases no one has ever diagnosed you with a mood or behavior disorder, yet your life does not go as you would like: relationships are a disaster, the problems are always the same since you remember
Do you have behaviors and emotions that worry you and that characterize your days? Are you unable to live your emotions normally or is some sector of your life blocked by pervasive anxiety, fear, anguish?
If the disorder is pervasive and disabling it is advisable to contact a psychiatrist doctor or a psychologist / psychotherapist first. Counseling can sometimes be useful but it is not the most suitable main support tool.
Do you have behaviors and emotions that worry you and that characterize your days? Are you unable to live your emotions normally or is some sector of your life blocked by pervasive anxiety, fear, anguish?
If the disorder is pervasive and disabling it is advisable to contact a psychiatrist doctor or a psychologist / psychotherapist first. Counseling can sometimes be useful but it is not the most suitable main support tool.
I feel the need to talk to someone but I'm ashamed
Rest assured, it's pretty normal. It is difficult and ashamed to ask for help, and when you need emotional or psychological support, it is even more difficult to do so.
Shame arises from the widespread prejudice that those who need this type is not "normal", is "sick".
If it were true all humanity would be sick, because sooner or later in life we are confronted with complicated emotions such as the pain of loss, the fear of future, anger etc ..
If you feel this way too, let me clarify a fundamental thing about the counseling model that I practice at A Friend in Melbourne: counseling is an intervention that aims to achieve your well-being through verbal interviews and conscious breathing practices. You will never be given tests, you will not be diagnosed. These are interventions that only a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can perform.
In the case of an internal conflict, a discomfort triggered by a significant event (for example a separation, an illness, a bereavement, the loss of a job) is perfectly normal to feel the need for help. The Counselor helps you to help you, through the understanding of your problems and the emotions connected to them in your interpersonal or social sphere, in your love or professional relationships, in your self-realization. In short the Counseling intervention is limited to the specific area that you perceive as problematic. The Counseling relationship is based on empathy and trust.
Shame arises from the widespread prejudice that those who need this type is not "normal", is "sick".
If it were true all humanity would be sick, because sooner or later in life we are confronted with complicated emotions such as the pain of loss, the fear of future, anger etc ..
If you feel this way too, let me clarify a fundamental thing about the counseling model that I practice at A Friend in Melbourne: counseling is an intervention that aims to achieve your well-being through verbal interviews and conscious breathing practices. You will never be given tests, you will not be diagnosed. These are interventions that only a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can perform.
In the case of an internal conflict, a discomfort triggered by a significant event (for example a separation, an illness, a bereavement, the loss of a job) is perfectly normal to feel the need for help. The Counselor helps you to help you, through the understanding of your problems and the emotions connected to them in your interpersonal or social sphere, in your love or professional relationships, in your self-realization. In short the Counseling intervention is limited to the specific area that you perceive as problematic. The Counseling relationship is based on empathy and trust.
What is the difference between Counseling and Psychotherapy?
ultati della traduzione
It is important to underline that in Australia there are some differences compared to Italy regarding what is meant by Counseling, and what are the specific areas of intervention.
To learn more about this issue, I invite you to visit the site Health Direct by the Australian Government
Counseling and Psychotherapy are professional interventions that could be confusing even if of fact are different in method, purpose and study paths. It is good to clarify.
1) Counseling is a helping relationship , where the Counselor works with a client (not with a patient) seeking specific support in overcoming a problem in his present life. The client has an active position. In fact, it is the client who chooses to ask for help, support, guidance of a practical nature and with the awareness of having a goal to achieve.
2) Counseling is also a non-therapeutic intervention or that its goal is to achieve the health and well-being of the individual.
3) The counseling is based on an equal help relationship (adult-adult) and has as its goal the improvement of the quality of life of the client, whose strengths and abilities of self-determination he supports.
4) The counselor never replaces the person who helps and restores the responsibility of taking the own decisions, while understanding it empathically.
5) I The counseling is a short professional intervention, divided into a limited number of interviews with specific objectives established by the client.
6) The counselor does not deal with diagnosis, administ ration of personality tests and is not a doctor. Therefore, in the presence of an ascertained psychiatric pathology or if he detects the signs, it is the duty of the counselor to refer the client to another specific professional.
psychotherapy is a relationship of care, is a therapeutic intervention and aims at healing through a global process of growth and care. In psychotherapy the patient asks for help for his psychopathological suffering: he knows and feels sick. He confides, explores, clarifies, confronts his difficulties. He regresses to reconstruct and rework the past. Ulteriori informazioni su questo testo di originePer avere ulteriori informazioni sulla traduzione è necessario il testo di origine Invia commenti Riquadri laterali
To learn more about this issue, I invite you to visit the site Health Direct by the Australian Government
Counseling and Psychotherapy are professional interventions that could be confusing even if of fact are different in method, purpose and study paths. It is good to clarify.
1) Counseling is a helping relationship , where the Counselor works with a client (not with a patient) seeking specific support in overcoming a problem in his present life. The client has an active position. In fact, it is the client who chooses to ask for help, support, guidance of a practical nature and with the awareness of having a goal to achieve.
2) Counseling is also a non-therapeutic intervention or that its goal is to achieve the health and well-being of the individual.
3) The counseling is based on an equal help relationship (adult-adult) and has as its goal the improvement of the quality of life of the client, whose strengths and abilities of self-determination he supports.
4) The counselor never replaces the person who helps and restores the responsibility of taking the own decisions, while understanding it empathically.
5) I The counseling is a short professional intervention, divided into a limited number of interviews with specific objectives established by the client.
6) The counselor does not deal with diagnosis, administ ration of personality tests and is not a doctor. Therefore, in the presence of an ascertained psychiatric pathology or if he detects the signs, it is the duty of the counselor to refer the client to another specific professional.
psychotherapy is a relationship of care, is a therapeutic intervention and aims at healing through a global process of growth and care. In psychotherapy the patient asks for help for his psychopathological suffering: he knows and feels sick. He confides, explores, clarifies, confronts his difficulties. He regresses to reconstruct and rework the past. Ulteriori informazioni su questo testo di originePer avere ulteriori informazioni sulla traduzione è necessario il testo di origine Invia commenti Riquadri laterali
What is the purpose of Counseling?
Mine is a helping profession. A particular type of support because I help you to find within yourself the resources you need to overcome a complicated moment of your life. I am also a communication and relationship expert able to facilitate a path of self-awareness. The purpose of Counseling is to offer you the opportunity to explore and recognise your patterns of action and thought and increase the level of awareness, so that you can make the best use of your resources to manage your life effectively and achieve greater well-being.
How do you become a Counselor?
Both in Italy and Australia you need to study for at least 3 years + training
I never spoke to a Counselor before, is this a problem?
Differences
How does a Counseling session work?
A mindfulness counseling session includes a part of dialogue and verbal interaction to address the problem and help clarify the most complex or difficult aspects for the client. I often propose a part of body work. It can be a short guided meditation or breathwork.
How long does a Counseling session last?
A session lasts about 1 hour.
How much does a Counseling session cost?
For costs and payment methods, I refer you to the Services section: click here for details. Thank you!
What is Breathwork Counseling?
Breathwork is a conscious breathing practice. Discover its advantages here: Breathwork: 5 conscious breath benefits
What is the duration of a Counseling therapy?
From a methodological point of view, counseling is a brief professional intervention divided into a limited number of interviews. It implies the definition of a concrete objectives. On average, a path can be divided into about 12-15 sessions, but there is no fixed rule, it depends on the client's needs. During the process there are various moments of verification in which the clients are invited to offer their point of view on the progress made and on their feelings.
I feel the need to talk to someone but I'm ashamed
Often we are ashamed to ask for help, when we then need emotional or psychological support, it is even more difficult to do so.
Shame arises from the widespread prejudice that those who have a need of this type are not "normal" or "sick".
If true, all humanity would be ill, because sooner or later in life we are confronted with complicated emotions such as the pain of loss, fear of the future, anger, etc.
If you feel this way too, let me clarify a fundamental thing about Counseling: counseling is a non-therapeutic intervention or that has the goal of achieving your well-being.
For example, if you have an internal conflict, an uneasiness triggered by a significant event (for example a separation, an illness, a mourning, the loss of a job) it is perfectly normal to feel the need for help. The Counselor helps you to help you, through the understanding of your problems and the emotions connected to them in your interpersonal or social sphere, in your love or professional relationships, in your self-realization. In short, the Counseling intervention is limited to the specific area that you perceive as problematic. The Counseling relationship is based on empathy and trust.
Shame arises from the widespread prejudice that those who have a need of this type are not "normal" or "sick".
If true, all humanity would be ill, because sooner or later in life we are confronted with complicated emotions such as the pain of loss, fear of the future, anger, etc.
If you feel this way too, let me clarify a fundamental thing about Counseling: counseling is a non-therapeutic intervention or that has the goal of achieving your well-being.
For example, if you have an internal conflict, an uneasiness triggered by a significant event (for example a separation, an illness, a mourning, the loss of a job) it is perfectly normal to feel the need for help. The Counselor helps you to help you, through the understanding of your problems and the emotions connected to them in your interpersonal or social sphere, in your love or professional relationships, in your self-realization. In short, the Counseling intervention is limited to the specific area that you perceive as problematic. The Counseling relationship is based on empathy and trust.
I have an anxiety problem
Let's be clear, there are 2 types (or more types) of anxiety.
Anxiety can be pervasive and prevent you from living your life freely Anxiety can also be related to circumstances, for example, you feel anxious if you have to speak in public, if you have to take a job interview or an exam at the University. In this case, the counseling I propose can help you better manage this emotion and turn it into a precious ally!
Learn more ù
Learn more ù
I can't make myself heard
Self esteem
Sometimes I can't handle anger
Anger
It seems to me that I never live up to situations
Self esteem
I struggle to express anger
Repressed anger and passive-aggressive behaviour
We are in a relationship crisis, can Counseling help us?
Couple Counseling
I feel alone
Relationship counseling
I know it's over but I don't accept it
Acceptance
My relationships are a disaster
Counseling
I am perpetually dissatisfied
Work
Do you have a specific question I haven't answered?
Write to me and I will reply
I would like to do some sessions but I live in Italy
You live in Italy and would like to do Breathwork Counseling sessions with me, but you don't know if the time zone could be a problem. It is not, just get organized!
Depending on the time of year, in Melbourne we are at + 8h or + 10h
When in Italy it is 10 in the morning, in Australia it is 18, or 20.
Properly organized and planned the sessions are absolutely feasible. Obviously online!
Depending on the time of year, in Melbourne we are at + 8h or + 10h
When in Italy it is 10 in the morning, in Australia it is 18, or 20.
Properly organized and planned the sessions are absolutely feasible. Obviously online!
I don't have a good relationship with my parents
Parents and children
I want to be a mother
Parents and children
I don't want children and I feel judged
You decided not to become a mother and you feel judged for it. A path of Counseling and above all the daily practice of awareness can help you find a better balance.
Book your free call here today!
Book your free call here today!
I would like to do some sessions but I live in Italy
Vivi in Italia e ti piacerebbe fare delle sessioni di Mindfulness Counseling con me, ma non sai se il fuso orario potrebbe essere un problema. Non lo è, basta organizzarsi!
A seconda del periodo dell'anno, a Melbourne siamo a + 8h o + 10h
Quando in Italia sono le 10 del mattino, in Australia sono le 18, oppure le 20.
Opportunamente organizzate e pianificate le sessioni sono assolutamente fattibili. Ovviamente online!
Scrivimi o chiamami, qui i miei contatti!
A seconda del periodo dell'anno, a Melbourne siamo a + 8h o + 10h
Quando in Italia sono le 10 del mattino, in Australia sono le 18, oppure le 20.
Opportunamente organizzate e pianificate le sessioni sono assolutamente fattibili. Ovviamente online!
Scrivimi o chiamami, qui i miei contatti!
