Growing Together - Early Career Counsellors
Fostering the future generation of professional counsellors and psychotherapists.
At ALY'S PLACE, we are proud to be a teaching practice supporting early career counsellors and psychotherapists.
Our early career practitioners are Master-level professional counsellors, coming to private practice after years of tertiary education and rich life experience.
While they are still building their client base, they are able to offer reduced rates for counselling for clients that have a Health Care Card, or are in a situation of financial hardship.
The reduced rates are:
$120 for 60-minute individual sessions* and
$210 for 90-minute couples sessions.
*Please note, discounts to child/adolescent sessions do not apply.
All our early career counsellors hold professional registrations and attend regular supervision and debriefing sessions with our Lead Counsellor, Alyona Cerfontyne.
Meet Holly,
Early Career Counsellor passionate about helping individuals, and couples
Hi, I’m Holly.
Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, I’ve also spent time living in the United States and Japan before settling in Melbourne to pursue my Master’s of Counselling at Monash University. These cross-cultural experiences have shaped my deep appreciation for the richness of human difference, and have allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life.
With a professional background that has brought me into contact with a wide range of individuals, I’ve developed a strong respect for the unique stories people carry. I’m passionate about supporting others in navigating life’s transitions—whether in romantic relationships, workplace dynamics, or personal challenges.
In our sessions, you can expect a safe, supportive space where we explore your experiences together with empathy, curiosity, and an open mind.
Outside of counselling, I love spending time in nature, trekking, and discovering new places.
My Qualifications
I am currently completing my Master's Degree in Counselling at Monash University. I hold a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication with Honours.
I can help with
> Couples relationships
> Life transitions and challenges
> Interpersonal communication
> Anxiety and stress
> Individual counselling
CLIENT DAYS: Thursdays & Fridays
Meet Amar,
Early Career Counsellor passionate about helping individuals, couples, and teens
Hi, I’m Amar! My pronouns are they/them.
I was born and raised in India, but I have lived in Melbourne for more than half my life.
My educational and professional experience is quite varied starting off with a bachelor’s degree in science to completing my PhD in 2022 exploring the experiences of family violence within the Indian community in Australia and their help-seeking behaviours.
Moving to Melbourne as a young teen, I struggled with identity and belonging, forming relationships (platonic and romantic), and understanding myself. Through life experiences and my support network, I have realised the importance of relationships – with self and with others – and how they are paramount to our overall wellbeing.
Counselling to me is about creating a safe space for my clients with a particular focus on empathy and comfort. My counselling approach is a mix of friendly, empathetic, and analytical. I am very committed to making sure that my clients feel heard and seen and feel safe and comfortable working with me.
During my downtime, I practice self-defence martial arts, going for rides on my motorbike along the beach, and getting cozy with a book and my cats.
My Qualifications
I hold a PhD in Family Violence and a Master’s in Secondary Teaching, and I am currently completing a Master's Degree in Counselling at Monash University. I also have a Graduate Certificate in Educational Research and a Bachelor of Science.
I can help with
> Couples relationships
> Adolescent counselling (12+ years)
> LGBTIQA+ counselling
> Grief and trauma
> Individual counselling
CLIENT DAYS: Fridays
