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.”


About Me
BA (Hons) MPsych (Clinical) APS Member FCCLP Board Approved Supervisor
Natalie is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the health sector. She completed her Masters (Clinical Psychology) training at Swinburne University. Natalie is currently a Senior Clinical Psychologist at The Melbourne Clinic in the Addictive Behaviours Program and is experienced in providing group and individual therapy. She previously worked providing treatment for personality disorders and trauma in an outpatient setting.
Natalie’s approach involves listening carefully to the individual’s presenting difficulty to help them develop a more adaptive way of coping with and thinking about their inner experience. Her interventions are primarily drawn from CBT, DBT, schema therapy and psychodynamic principles. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and its Clinical College and is also a Board Approved Supervisor.
Available Wednesdays 12:30 pm-6:00 pm and Thursdays 8 am-12 pm
Expert Profile
Expertise:
Can help with:
Fees: $235 per 50-min individual session.

Clinical Psychology Rebate $145.25
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Board Accredited Supervisor
APS Member
How I can help you
As an experienced clinical psychologist I aim to form a thorough understanding of the concerns that have led you to sought treatment and what your goals might be in attending psychology sessions.
Through listening carefully to your concerns, my role is to notice patterns in thinking, relating, behaving and coping that may be barriers psychological wellbeing and barriers to engaging in a meaningful life. These ways of thinking, relating and managing difficult experiences can be explored in a safe environment and their ongoing efficacy can be evaluated.
I am available to work in both a long term and short term capacity depending on what’s bringing you to psychology sessions and what your goals may be. My approach is collaborative and will require active work outside of sessions to implement new ways of thinking, relating and coping to help bring about meaningful and lasting change. Some common presentations:
Anxiety
Stress and stress management
Depression/Low Mood
Grief and loss
Binge eating
Bulimia
Trauma & PTSD
Poor self-esteem
Relationship difficulties
Life transitions and adjustments
Why work with me
I’m an experienced clinical psychologist and hold a senior role at a private psychiatric hospital. I regularly engage in professional development and also provide supervision to psychology students and junior psychologists. I have close to two decades of experience in the health industry.
My clinical work tends to draw from Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Understanding your needs
An important pillar of psychological therapy is understanding what your needs are and how these may evolve over time. This will involve direct conversations and encouraging reflection on your part. In order for your needs to be met, a mutually active therapeutic process is required involving motivation and commitment from you to bring on lasting change.
Getting Started
You are welcome to make an appointment via email, telephone (03 9557 9113) or online. If you’re unsure I can help please feel free to send a brief email and I will do my best to advise if I think I will be a suitable clinician for you.
I am able to meet face to face in Highett or via Zoom Australia wide. Please note I cannot work with anyone located outside of Australia.
You will be sent a consent form prior to your initial session. If you are meeting via Zoom you will typically receive a link for the session the day before the appointment.
If you have a mental health care plan please email it. Private health rebates are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
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.
How do therapists approach therapy?
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.
What issues do therapists have a special interest in?
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.
What qualifications and experience do therapists have?
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.
What is hypnotherapy?
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.
How do therapists approach counselling and hypnotherapy?
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.
What techniques do therapists use in therapy?
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.
Do therapists have a special interest in any particular community or issues?
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.
What sets therapists apart in their practice?
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.
How do therapists ensure confidentiality and privacy?
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
- 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