Are You Feeling Overwhelmed, Stuck, or Not Quite Yourself?
Maybe you're exhausted from holding everything together. Maybe your child is struggling and you don't know how to help. Maybe you're navigating a life transition, relationship strain, burnout, or anxiety that just won't switch off.
You don’t have to work it out alone.A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
A practice which is grounded in a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to therapy.
• Evidence-based therapeutic strategies
• Emotional regulation skills
• Nervous system support
• Practical problem-solving
• Nature-informed or creative approaches
Therapy is not about "fixing" you. It's about understanding the challenges you face, building capacity, finding balance & creating sustainable change.Areas of Support
As a qualified social worker with a background in mental health, I provide evidence-informed counselling for:
• Anxiety and chronic stress
• Depression and low mood
• Emotional overwhelm and dysregulation
• Parenting challenges
• Adolescent mental health concerns
• Relationship difficulties
• Self-esteem and identity struggles
• Burnout and compassion fatigue
• Life transitions and adjustment challenges
Who I Work With
Adults
Youth
12-18 years
Parents
Flexible & Outreach Counselling Options
This is an outreach-based counselling service designed to make support more accessible and adaptable to real life.
Traditional therapy doesn't work for everyone. Research suggests that therapy in natural environments can reduce anxiety and increase engagement, particularly for adolescents, and those who find clinical settings intimidating.
Together, we choose the format that feels safest, most practical, and most supportive for you.
Available in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs. Sessions may be offered in your home, in community settings, at your childs school, or outdoors (where clinically appropriate).
In-Person Sessions
Secure online counselling is available Australia-wide, offering flexible and convenient access to therapy from your own space.
Telehealth
Outdoor and creative sessions can be offered where suitable, providing a more relaxed and grounded therapeutic experience.
Walk & Talk or Creative Therapy
Emily Smolenaars - Registered Social Worker & Mental Health Clinician
Master of Social Work | Bachelor of Health Science - Psychology
Australian Association of Social Work Member with 8 years of experience in Mental Health.
Support should feel safe, practical, and genuinely helpful, not clinical or intimidating. This is a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to move forward in a way that makes sense for your real life.
Learn More
Ready to Move Forward?
Starting therapy can feel daunting.
A brief Meet & Greet appointment allows you to ask questions, explore whether we're a good fit, and feel comfortable before committing to ongoing sessions.
In-person appointments are available within 30 minutes of Mill Park in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs.
Telehealth counselling is available for clients anywhere in Australia.
Fill out the form below and I will be in touch.