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Lawrence Akers – Counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on September 21, 2025

Lawrence Akers Hypnotherapist and Counsellor “With a collaborative, tailored approach to therapy, I help people break free from anxiety, build recovery from addiction, and create lasting change from the inside out.” Book a session Book a session About Me Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, held back by anxiety, or frustrated by habits that […]

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Adam Szmerling – Mental Health Social Worker & Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in Melbourne

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on September 19, 2025

Adam Szmerling Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist “With over 20 years of dedicated experience in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, I help adults and couples overcome anxiety, addiction, and relational struggles to rediscover calm and confidence.” Book a session Book a session About Me Struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or emotional overwhelm? I’m Adam Szmerling, a Melbourne psychotherapist with over 20 […]

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Bernadette Cameron – Hypnotherapist, Counsellor, NLP Master Practitioner

Submitted by Amit on July 21, 2025

Bernadette Cameron Hypnotherapist, Counsellor, NLP Master Practitioner “Rumi asked, ‘Why do you stay in prison when the door is wide open?’ I believe therapy helps us notice that open door, the moment we realise healing doesn’t mean becoming someone new, but coming home to who we already are. Through calm presence, curiosity, and compassionate guidance, […]

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Sara Herring – Experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on October 27, 2023

Sara Herring Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor, Melbourne “Healing begins the moment you believe change is possible.” Book a session Book a session About Me Greetings, I’m Sara, an experienced practitioner in Clinical Hypnotherapy, helping people overcome trauma, grief, negative patterns and emotional burdens for more than three decades. My motivation comes from supporting individuals to […]

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Natalie Szmerling – Clinical Psychologist

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on October 27, 2023

Natalie Szmerling Clinical Psychologist “As a clinical psychologist i use evidence based practice to support adults to understand and transform patterns that interfere with psychological wellbeing and meaningful living.” Book a session Book a session About Me BA (Hons) MPsych (Clinical) APS Member FCCLP Board Approved Supervisor  Natalie is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in […]

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Humaira Ansari – Hypnotherapy, NLP and Counselling

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on October 27, 2023

Humaira Ansari Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Psychotherapist and Counsellor “Even though we can’t change where we come from, therapy gives us the power to choose where we go next and the strength to walk that path, and I’m here to help you with that.” Book a session Book a session About Me Hello, and thank you […]

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Kelli Tranter – Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on October 27, 2023

Kelli Tranter Hypnotherapist & Counsellor “I’m passionate about helping people who are struggling with difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviours due to past experiences of overwhelming stress or trauma to find ways to regain a sense of control.” Book a session Book a session About Me For almost 20 years I’ve worked in a variety of […]

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Carolina Rosa – counsellor and hypnotherapist Melbourne

Submitted by Adam Szmerling on October 26, 2023

Carolina Rosa Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist, Melbourne “Hi! I’m Carolina. I work with a variety of issues, but I mostly see people with anxiety and bruxism. If you’re struggling with something, feel free to book in. We’re all friendly and here to help.” Book a session Book a session About Me You might have seen […]

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Bayside Psychotherapy Group Session
Online session
Therapists who do online
  • - Adam Szmerling
  • - Carolina Rosa
  • - Kelli Tranter
  • - Lawrence Akers
  • - Humaira Ansari
  • - Natalie Szmerling
  • - Sara Herring
  • - Bernadette Cameron
Bayside Psychotherapy Online Therapy
In-clinic session
Therapists who do online
  • - Adam Szmerling
  • - Natalie Szmerling
  • - Lawrence Akers
  • - Carolina Rosa
  • - Sara Herring
  • - Bernadette Cameron

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Lawrence Akers

Hypnotherapist and Counsellor

“With a collaborative, tailored approach to therapy, I help people break free from anxiety, build recovery from addiction, and create lasting change from the inside out.”

Book a session
Book a session
Lawrence Akers hypnotherapist icon at Bayside Psychotherapy
Lawrence Akers hypnotherapist icon at Bayside Psychotherapy

About Me

Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, held back by anxiety, or frustrated by habits that seem impossible to shift? I’m Lawrence Akers, a Hypnotherapist and Counsellor with over 10 years of experience, offering both online and in-person sessions at Bayside Psychotherapy.

My approach to therapy begins with a simple belief: every person is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so I take the time to understand your specific experience and tailor an approach that works best for you.

My journey into hypnotherapy began through a desire for my own personal change. Back in 2013, I found myself deeply unhappy, battling panic attacks, and realising that something had to change. That turning point led me to explore hypnotherapy and mindfulness, and to discover how life changing and transformative they can be. The changes I made set my life on an entirely new course, and they continue to inspire the work I do with clients today.

Since then, I’ve become a Hypnotherapist through the government-accredited Academy of Hypnotic Science, and earned a Diploma of Counselling through the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. I’ve studied NLP, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other therapeutic modalities to deepen and broaden my practice. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients and have particular experience supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Currently working Mondays between 1pm and 8pm online and face to face.

Book an Appointment

Expert Profile

Expertise:

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
ACT
Counselling

Can help with:

Relationship Difficulties
Anxiety
Addictions

Available:

Online
In-Clinic

Fees: $170 per 50-min session (Individuals)

Qualifications

  • Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy – Academy of Hypnotic Science
  • Diploma of Counselling – Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
  • NLP Practitioner – James Tsakalos
  • ACT: ACT for Beginners – Dr Russ Harris

Member of the Guild of Australian Hypnotherapists (GOAH)

How I can help you?

My role is to help you understand this ‘lack’ in a new way. Instead of trying to figure out your unconscious alone, you share it with me, and together we can turn that understanding into lasting change. We begin with conversation, and as trust builds, you might be invited to lie on the couch when timing is right to deepen your self-reflection.

Here are some of the ways I work with clients:

Hypnotherapy: I see hypnosis not as a mysterious state, but as a process. It’s a series of steps that guide you into focused, receptive states of awareness. Everyone has the capacity to become a better hypnotic subject over time. In these states, you can build better communication with your unconscious mind, making it easier to create lasting change around habits, behaviours, and emotional responses.

Tailored Therapeutic Approaches: Alongside hypnotherapy, I integrate techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and NLP to design a therapeutic approach that fits you.

Habits, Addiction and Compulsive Behaviours: Whether it’s substance use, digital habits, or behavioural compulsions, we’ll look beyond the surface to understand the drivers and build healthier ways of coping.

Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it’s often a signal rather than an enemy. Together, we’ll explore its origins and develop tools to respond differently, creating space for calm and clarity.

Performance and Confidence: From public speaking to creative pursuits, I help people move past self-doubt and perfectionism so they can perform at their best without fear holding them back.

Fears and Phobias: Irrational fears and phobias have a remarkable ability to prevent people from enjoying life fully and avoiding circumstances where their fears are triggered.  Hypnotherapy can help people reclaim back their sense of control.

 

Why work with me?

While some might view therapy as being a set of techniques, it really is a collaborative process built on trust, curiosity, and understanding.

Here’s what you can expect when working with me:

  • A compassionate, judgement-free space where your story is heard and valued.
  • A flexible, tailored approach — because no two people or problems are exactly alike.
  • Integration of evidence-based methods with the art of hypnotherapy to support deep, sustainable change.
  • Experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Secure, encrypted online sessions for your privacy and convenience, as well as face-to-face appointments in Melbourne.

I work best with people who are ready to engage with the process, to explore how their past shapes their present and to create new ways of thinking, feeling, and living.

Understanding your needs

Often, the problem that people come in to change is not actually the problem, but more a symptom of something under the surface.  The work we do is to gain a deeper understanding of what is below the surface and to help create a different relationship with how we think, feel, and act. 

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but many people notice shifts early in the process. Over time, clients often describe feeling more in control, more confident, and more aligned with the life they want to lead.

Getting started

Therapy works best when approached with openness and commitment. If you’re ready to make space for that process, I’d love to help.

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Book your session: Call (03) 9557 9113 or book online.

  2. Prepare for your appointment: For online sessions, you’ll receive a URL for your session 24 hours prior to your appointment. For in-person sessions, you’ll get an email confirmation and intake form before your visit.

Please note that Medicare rebates are not available. Some private health funds may provide rebates — please check directly with your provider.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to explore the unconscious mind to understand and address emotional and psychological issues. It focuses on uncovering underlying conflicts and patterns of behaviour that may contribute to current difficulties.

Therapists adopt various approaches, but common elements include creating a safe and non-judgmental space, exploring emotions and thoughts, and developing coping strategies. Each therapist may have their unique style and techniques.

Therapists may have a special interest in various areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and more. This often aligns with their training, experience, and areas of interest.

Therapists typically have relevant qualifications in psychology, counselling, or a related field, along with practical experience gained through internships, supervised practice, and ongoing professional development.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to induce a trance-like state in which individuals are more open to suggestion and can access their subconscious mind to address various issues such as anxiety, smoking cessation, and phobias.

Therapists may integrate counselling techniques with hypnotherapy or other therapeutic modalities to address clients' needs. They often emphasise empathy, understanding, and collaboration to facilitate positive changes in clients' lives.

Therapists employ a range of techniques and interventions, including cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and psychodynamic approaches, tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.

Some therapists may enjoy working with specific communities or addressing particular issues such as LGBTQIA+ concerns, trauma, addiction, body image issues, or cultural considerations. Their interest reflects their training and experience.

Therapists differentiate themselves through their approach, expertise, empathy, and commitment to helping clients achieve their therapeutic goals. They create a supportive and empowering environment for clients to explore and address their concerns.

Therapists adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines to protect clients' privacy and ensure a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. They discuss confidentiality policies and limitations with clients at the beginning of therapy.

Time to start therapy?

  • Email Us

Sidebar Contact Form

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • Call Us

03 9557 9113

Reception Phone Hours

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • Book Online

Choose your own date and time for an online or in-clinic session

Therapist Hours

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 6:00pm
View therapists who do online
In-clinic session
In-clinic session

Lawrence Akers

Hypnotherapist and Counsellor

“With a collaborative, tailored approach to therapy, I help people break free from anxiety, build recovery from addiction, and create lasting change from the inside out.”

Book a session
Book a session
Lawrence Akers hypnotherapist icon at Bayside Psychotherapy
Lawrence Akers hypnotherapist icon at Bayside Psychotherapy

About Me

Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, held back by anxiety, or frustrated by habits that seem impossible to shift? I’m Lawrence Akers, a Hypnotherapist and Counsellor with over 10 years of experience, offering both online and in-person sessions at Bayside Psychotherapy.

My approach to therapy begins with a simple belief: every person is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so I take the time to understand your specific experience and tailor an approach that works best for you.

My journey into hypnotherapy began through a desire for my own personal change. Back in 2013, I found myself deeply unhappy, battling panic attacks, and realising that something had to change. That turning point led me to explore hypnotherapy and mindfulness, and to discover how life changing and transformative they can be. The changes I made set my life on an entirely new course, and they continue to inspire the work I do with clients today.

Since then, I’ve become a Hypnotherapist through the government-accredited Academy of Hypnotic Science, and earned a Diploma of Counselling through the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. I’ve studied NLP, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other therapeutic modalities to deepen and broaden my practice. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients and have particular experience supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Currently working Mondays between 1pm and 8pm online and face to face.

Book an Appointment

Expert Profile

Expertise:

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
ACT
Counselling

Can help with:

Relationship Difficulties
Anxiety
Addictions

Available:

Online
In-Clinic

Fees: $170 per 50-min session (Individuals)

Qualifications

  • Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy – Academy of Hypnotic Science
  • Diploma of Counselling – Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
  • NLP Practitioner – James Tsakalos
  • ACT: ACT for Beginners – Dr Russ Harris

Member of the Guild of Australian Hypnotherapists (GOAH)

How I can help you?

My role is to help you understand this ‘lack’ in a new way. Instead of trying to figure out your unconscious alone, you share it with me, and together we can turn that understanding into lasting change. We begin with conversation, and as trust builds, you might be invited to lie on the couch when timing is right to deepen your self-reflection.

Here are some of the ways I work with clients:

Hypnotherapy: I see hypnosis not as a mysterious state, but as a process. It’s a series of steps that guide you into focused, receptive states of awareness. Everyone has the capacity to become a better hypnotic subject over time. In these states, you can build better communication with your unconscious mind, making it easier to create lasting change around habits, behaviours, and emotional responses.

Tailored Therapeutic Approaches: Alongside hypnotherapy, I integrate techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and NLP to design a therapeutic approach that fits you.

Habits, Addiction and Compulsive Behaviours: Whether it’s substance use, digital habits, or behavioural compulsions, we’ll look beyond the surface to understand the drivers and build healthier ways of coping.

Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it’s often a signal rather than an enemy. Together, we’ll explore its origins and develop tools to respond differently, creating space for calm and clarity.

Performance and Confidence: From public speaking to creative pursuits, I help people move past self-doubt and perfectionism so they can perform at their best without fear holding them back.

Fears and Phobias: Irrational fears and phobias have a remarkable ability to prevent people from enjoying life fully and avoiding circumstances where their fears are triggered.  Hypnotherapy can help people reclaim back their sense of control.

 

Why work with me?

While some might view therapy as being a set of techniques, it really is a collaborative process built on trust, curiosity, and understanding.

Here’s what you can expect when working with me:

  • A compassionate, judgement-free space where your story is heard and valued.
  • A flexible, tailored approach — because no two people or problems are exactly alike.
  • Integration of evidence-based methods with the art of hypnotherapy to support deep, sustainable change.
  • Experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Secure, encrypted online sessions for your privacy and convenience, as well as face-to-face appointments in Melbourne.

I work best with people who are ready to engage with the process, to explore how their past shapes their present and to create new ways of thinking, feeling, and living.

Understanding your needs

Often, the problem that people come in to change is not actually the problem, but more a symptom of something under the surface.  The work we do is to gain a deeper understanding of what is below the surface and to help create a different relationship with how we think, feel, and act. 

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but many people notice shifts early in the process. Over time, clients often describe feeling more in control, more confident, and more aligned with the life they want to lead.

Getting started

Therapy works best when approached with openness and commitment. If you’re ready to make space for that process, I’d love to help.

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Book your session: Call (03) 9557 9113 or book online.

  2. Prepare for your appointment: For online sessions, you’ll receive a URL for your session 24 hours prior to your appointment. For in-person sessions, you’ll get an email confirmation and intake form before your visit.

Please note that Medicare rebates are not available. Some private health funds may provide rebates — please check directly with your provider.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to explore the unconscious mind to understand and address emotional and psychological issues. It focuses on uncovering underlying conflicts and patterns of behaviour that may contribute to current difficulties.

Therapists adopt various approaches, but common elements include creating a safe and non-judgmental space, exploring emotions and thoughts, and developing coping strategies. Each therapist may have their unique style and techniques.

Therapists may have a special interest in various areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and more. This often aligns with their training, experience, and areas of interest.

Therapists typically have relevant qualifications in psychology, counselling, or a related field, along with practical experience gained through internships, supervised practice, and ongoing professional development.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to induce a trance-like state in which individuals are more open to suggestion and can access their subconscious mind to address various issues such as anxiety, smoking cessation, and phobias.

Therapists may integrate counselling techniques with hypnotherapy or other therapeutic modalities to address clients' needs. They often emphasise empathy, understanding, and collaboration to facilitate positive changes in clients' lives.

Therapists employ a range of techniques and interventions, including cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and psychodynamic approaches, tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.

Some therapists may enjoy working with specific communities or addressing particular issues such as LGBTQIA+ concerns, trauma, addiction, body image issues, or cultural considerations. Their interest reflects their training and experience.

Therapists differentiate themselves through their approach, expertise, empathy, and commitment to helping clients achieve their therapeutic goals. They create a supportive and empowering environment for clients to explore and address their concerns.

Therapists adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines to protect clients' privacy and ensure a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. They discuss confidentiality policies and limitations with clients at the beginning of therapy.

Time to start therapy?

  • Email Us

Sidebar Contact Form

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • Call Us

03 9557 9113

Reception Phone Hours

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • 8:30am to 5:30pm
  • Book Online

Choose your own date and time for an online or in-clinic session

Therapist Hours

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • 8:30am to 6:00pm
View therapists who do in-clinic

Start Your Therapy Journey Today. Choose Online or In-Clinic Above