Psychotherapist & Counsellor
Stephen Pate
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My journey into counselling and psychotherapy grew naturally from my years of work as a Chinese Medicine Practitioner. After graduating from RMIT University in 2007 with a double degree in Human Biology and Chinese Medicine, I opened Peninsula Acupuncture and Natural Medicine in 2011. Since then, I have supported thousands of clients across the Mornington Peninsula, helping them restore their health and wellbeing through acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Over time, I observed a consistent pattern — many of the physical conditions people experienced, such as pain, digestive issues, and chronic tension, were closely connected with emotional and psychological wellbeing. This inspired me to further my training, completing a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy to better support the whole person.
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My Therapeutic Approach
I work with people from all walks of life, and my style is gentle, collaborative, and compassionate. I am particularly drawn to supporting people with:
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Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
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Depression and low mood
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Grief and loss
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Men’s mental health and emotional expression
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Teenage wellbeing, including school stress and motivation
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Burnout and life transitions
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Chronic illness and pain
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A sense of feeling “stuck” or disconnected
I integrate a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic elements. This flexibility allows me to adapt therapy to each client’s needs — whether that’s practical strategies, a space for reflection, or deeper exploration of emotional patterns.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
A strength of mine is sitting calmly and supportively with whatever emotions arise — there is no need to hide or rush through discomfort. I see emotional patterns as important signposts: they show us where we’ve come from, what we’re holding, and what may be asking for acceptance or change.
My outlook is positive and resource-oriented. I gently help clients identify their inner strengths and capacities, even when life feels heavy. My aim is to offer a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported as you explore, heal, and move toward what matters most to you.
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Counsellor & Hypnotherapist
​Ali Lyubimova​
My work with people is deeply personal, shaped by lived experience and a genuine respect for the complexity of emotional and relational life. I’m local to the Bayside and Mornington Peninsula and care deeply about supporting people in this community. My background began in community services and grew into training in psychology at Deakin University, a Master of Counselling through the University of New England, clinical hypnotherapy with the Institute of Applied Psychology, and behaviour support training through Monash University.
I offer a calm, supportive space where you can slow down and make sense of what’s happening within you and in your relationships. People often come to counselling during times of anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, burnout, emotional overwhelm, or major life transitions. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples, supporting emotional balance, deeper connection, and meaningful change that feels grounded and authentic.
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My Therapeutic Approach
My approach is warm, gentle, and collaborative, focused on creating safety, understanding, and the experience of being truly heard. I support clients with concerns including anxiety and overthinking, trauma and unresolved past experiences, relationship and attachment challenges, women’s health and self-worth, parenting stress, grief and loss, and teenage anxiety or withdrawal.
I integrate evidence-based approaches including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and mindfulness-based practices, working at each client’s pace. Clients often tell me they feel seen, understood, and able to finally exhale in sessions. I see symptoms not as problems to eliminate, but as meaningful signals that invite deeper understanding. My aim is to help clients feel more emotionally safe, steady, and supported, so change can unfold naturally and sustainably.
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What It’s Like to Work With Me
Clients often feel truly heard and understood, with space to explore emotions like anxiety, grief, shame, or anger in a safe, compassionate environment. I focus on helping clients regain control, emotional stability, and inner balance, supporting change in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and long-lasting.
Anna Badcock - Psychotherapist & Counsellor
(Telehealth Appointments Only)
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Anna is a trauma-informed, person-centred therapist who provides a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood.
My Therapeutic Approach
Anna works collaboratively with clients, tailoring therapy to their individual needs and circumstances. Her approach draws on evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT) and attachment theory.
Anna supports clients experiencing a range of challenges, including:
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Anxiety, worry and overthinking
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Perfectionism, self-doubt and low self-esteem
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Stress, burnout and workplace difficulties
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People-pleasing, boundary-setting and assertiveness
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Emotional overwhelm and difficulties with emotional regulation
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Relationship difficulties and attachment patterns
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Life transitions and self-identity
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Low mood, difficulties with motivation and feeling stuck.
At the core of Anna’s work is a deep belief in each person’s capacity for growth, resilience, and healing. Beyond supporting clients through current challenges, she is passionate about equipping them with practical skills and insights they can carry forward, empowering them to navigate life with greater confidence and self-understanding long after therapy has ended.