Psychotherapist & Counsellor
Stephen Pate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Counsellor
Josie Bowe
*Currently on Leave
Josie’s counselling philosophy is grounded in empathy, compassion, and collaboration. She believes every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, and that with the right support, healing and growth are always possible.
Drawing on her own lived experiences, Josie provides a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward wellbeing.
Her integrative approach combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
Josie is passionate about supporting individuals through a wide range of life experiences and emotional challenges. Her areas of focus include:
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Anxiety and depression, particularly in adolescents and young adults
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Identity, self-esteem, and confidence building
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Adolescent and youth wellbeing, including school stress, social pressures, and self-discovery
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Women’s mental health, including pregnancy, parenting, and menopause
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Relationship and family dynamics, communication, and conflict resolution
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Grief, loss, and adjustment
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Stress management and burnout
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Navigating major life transitions — study, work, parenting, or ageing
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Emotional regulation and resilience building
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Trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth
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Personal growth and meaning-making — supporting clients in finding direction and fulfilment
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Self-compassion and mindfulness-based approaches
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Positive psychology and strengths-based work — helping clients reconnect with their values, hope, and potential
Above all, Josie values the therapeutic relationship — ensuring every client feels seen, heard, and supported.