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

Over 20 years of experience helping adults and couples overcome anxiety, relationship issues and emotional overwhelm.

Born and raised in Melbourne, I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AASW) and Clinical Psychotherapist (PACFA).

For over 20 years, I’ve helped adults and couples who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, relationship difficulties or overwhelming emotions.

I own Bayside Psychotherapy, offering face-to-face sessions in Melbourne’s Bayside area and surrounding suburbs.

My primary approach is Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, focused on gaining deep insights into your thoughts and behaviours. I also use Schema Therapy when needed.

To make psychotherapy accessible, I offer secure, encrypted online sessions, so you can receive care from anywhere, whether you’re in Melbourne or another location.

Therapy isn’t just about qualifications. Qualities like compassion, empathy, good communication and open-mindedness are equally important. That’s why I approach every session with a non-judgmental attitude, blending Eastern and Western methods to find what works best for you.

My clients often tell me they feel truly heard, understood and accepted for who they are.

Book a session at our Highett clinic or online

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)
• Graduate Diploma of Buddhist Psychotherapy
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Certificate of Lacanian Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice
• Golden Key Member
• Clinical and Mental Health Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
• Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)

How I can help you

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just not yourself?

I can help with:

• Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Lacanian): Lacanian Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy helps uncover unconscious thoughts through conversation. During our sessions, I pay close attention to your words, noticing subtle hints—like slips of the tongue, repeated phrases, or dreams—that might reveal deeper, hidden motivations. This therapy isn’t about giving advice or solving problems directly; it’s about helping you reflect on these unconscious signs to gain new insights.

Unlike traditional therapy, where you might expect the therapist to fix problems, Lacanian Psychotherapy sees these gaps—or this sense of ‘lack’—as a natural part of being human, not something that needs fixing.

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—a practice that helps deepen your self-reflection.

• Schema Therapy: Schema Therapy looks at how early childhood experiences can create patterns that affect your thoughts, feelings and behaviours as an adult. It combines ideas from cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment theory, and psychodynamic therapy to help you understand and change these patterns. This approach also helps couples improve how they relate to each other.

These therapies go beyond treating symptoms—they address the root causes. Regular sessions over time are key to achieving the best results.

Though deeper work takes time, many clients feel positive changes early in therapy. Even as we work toward long-term goals, you may start to feel more in control and experience symptom relief.

Choosing a psychotherapist is about finding someone who really understands what you’re going through.

Here’s why I might be a good fit for you:

• I bring a caring, non-judgmental approach to our sessions.
• Your privacy is important to me. I use secure, encrypted platforms for online sessions to keep your information safe.
• I blend Eastern and Western therapeutic practices to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
• I stay updated with the latest research and methods to make sure you get the best care. My specialties include Lacanian Psychoanalysis, Buddhist Psychotherapy, mindfulness and Schema Therapy.
• I’m committed to ongoing professional development and provide supervision to other therapists, so I’m always learning and growing in my practice.

I only take on clients who are a good fit for my methods and are committed to the therapy process. This means being open to exploring how your past affects your present and being ready to work through difficult issues.

Understanding your needs

Starting therapy can be a big step. You might be asking yourself, “Will this really help?” or “How long will it take to feel better?”.

Psychotherapy takes time. We’ll work together to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Over time, many people start to feel more in control of their lives and emotions.

If you’re curious about why you think, feel and act the way you do—and are ready to explore these questions—my approach could be right for you.

I know that symptom relief is important to you, but focusing too much on symptoms can make things worse. It’s a bit like trying to fall asleep—the more you try, the harder it can be. Instead, we’ll work on understanding you better, which can bring natural relief.

Therapy works best when you’re committed to regular sessions and open to exploring your thoughts and feelings.

If that sounds like you, I’d love to help.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Book your session: You can call me at (03) 9557 9113 or book your appointment online.
2. Prepare for your session: For online appointments, I’ll send you a secure form to fill out and a link to our virtual waiting room. For in-person appointments, you’ll get an email confirmation and an intake form to complete before your visit.

You can claim Medicare rebates with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)*. After our first session, you can email or fax your plan to 03 9124 1522. Please note, the initial session isn’t covered by the MHCP.

I also accept NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients. Please contact me before booking if you are an NDIS participant.

*Bulk billing is not available.

Is it time to focus on you?

Book appointment