about.
I am a psychotherapist and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and provide psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy. I have expertise in working with trauma, abuse and related complications, emotional dysregulation, and preoccupation with sexual activities.
My clinical experience includes working in public mental health at a psychiatric unit at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, community mental health programs, and substance dependence services. I have also worked in LGBTIQA+ health support programs and sexual assault services. I currently work in private practice and at The Royal Children’s Hospital where I conduct assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with complex needs.
I am trained in trauma-focused therapy and am also undergoing further theoretical studies in Psychoanalysis at the Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis can help people with a range of issues including depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive thinking, grief and loss, family conflict, issues with sexual intimacy, sexual identity, gender questioning, relationship difficulties, and cross-cultural issues.
Also, I am part of a network of mental health specialists who operate in Melbourne's inner north and are undergoing study and training in psychoanalysis. For more information, please, visit: Inner North Psychoanalytic
Prior to my career in mental health, I had worked as a consultant in creative industries including arts & culture and community-based projects in Spain.
Medicare rebates and sliding scale fees are available.
psychoanalytic psychotherapy
My practice is psychoanalytically oriented and focuses on the notion of listening deeply to each person and their uniqueness. It offers a space in which their sadness, despair and anxieties, but also enjoyment and desires, are heard and collaboratively reflected upon.
The person is encouraged to speak openly about whatever comes to mind. This method, ‘the talking cure’, assists the person to increase their capacity to recognise and change how they experience themselves, others and the world.
My approach is also oriented to understanding how aspects of the person’s identity such as gender, class, sexuality, culture, language, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, and mental & physical health combined create and shape their unique personality.
I also provide psychotherapy in Spanish and Catalan.
qualifications & associations.
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Master of Social Work (Monash University, Melbourne)
Program of Theoretical & Clinical Studies in Psychoanalysis (current - Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis)
Member of Australian Center for Psychoanalysis (Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis)
Trauma-Focused Therapy (Phoneix, Australia)
Introductory course in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists)
Foundation Studies in Gestalt Therapy (Gestalt Therapy Australia)
Bachelor of Arts, Media Studies ( CEU Cardenal Herrera University, Spain)
Useful links.
The Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis is a not for profit incorporated association dedicated to the practice, study and teaching of psychoanalysis the training of analysts and research in the psychoanalytic field established by Sigmund Freud and extended by Jacques Lacan.
Australian Association of Social Workers Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) use a range of strategies to support people experiencing mental health issues. These social workers have completed advanced training and education in mental health and are recognised providers with Medicare Australia.
Inner north psychoanalytic is a network of mental health specialists who operate in Melbourne's inner north: Julian Cerreto and Claire Baxter
Mental health helplines
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services
Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline is Australia's only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. Call 1300 726 306
QLife provides nationwide telephone and web-based services for peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527.
Paco Romeu-Soler
AMHSW & Psychotherapist.
