About Us

Because how you Feel Deserves Care

Welcome – it’s wonderful to meet you here.

I’m Melody Carstairs, founder of Toorak Counselling, and I’m deeply committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where you can heal, reflect, and grow.

With over 25 years of experience supporting emotional wellness, relationships, and holistic healing, I’ve witnessed the profound power of holding space with kindness, clarity, and heart. I am passionate about helping people rediscover balance, confidence, and peace within themselves.

Growth.

Clarity.

Support. Compassion.

Philosophy on Mental Wellness and Healing

Empowering Minds, One Heart at a Time

At Toorak Counselling, I believe that every individual deserves to be seen, heard and supported—especially in the times when you feel most challenged. We’re founded on the belief that everyone deserves a safe space to heal, reflect and grow. That’s not just a phrase—it’s the heart of our work.

My approach blends genuine compassion with evidence-informed counselling and holistic practices. Whether you’re exploring healing from past trauma, shifting relationship patterns, reclaiming confidence, or simply longing to reconnect with yourself, I accompany you in a way that honours your whole being—mind, body and spirit.

400+

Hearts Supported

Through one-on-one sessions, couples counselling, and holistic programs, we’ve guided hundreds of clients toward clarity, confidence, and emotional balance — one heart at a time.

25+

Years of Healing Experience

With decades of combined expertise in counselling, fitness, and holistic wellness, our work blends mind-body practices with evidence-based care for meaningful, lasting change.

100%

Client Satisfaction Rate

We’re proud to have earned the trust of every client who’s walked through our doors — a reflection of our genuine care, compassion, and the transformative results we help them achieve..

1000+

Trusted by Our Community

From Toorak to Yarrawonga and beyond, individuals, couples, and organisations continue to trust our calm, heart-centred approach to counselling and emotional wellbeing.

The Heart behind Toorak Counselling

At Toorak Counselling, we understand that life in a fast-paced world can be both rewarding and demanding, often leaving little time to pause, reflect, and truly care for yourself. This practice was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a safe space to slow down, breathe, and begin to heal.

Our space was created for you to reconnect — a calm, confidential environment where you can feel seen, supported, and free to rediscover your own balance and strength.

Our approach is grounded in compassion, presence, and evidence-based practice, blending professional expertise with genuine human care. Every conversation is held with honesty, warmth, and without judgment — so you can move at your own pace and begin to release what’s been heavy, rebuilding clarity and confidence along the way.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, or simply feeling disconnected, our focus is on supporting your emotional wellness through meaningful, achievable steps. Together, we help you build resilience, calm, and lasting change.

Healing that feels Human

Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, but it’s also one of the bravest choices you can make. Here, you’ll never be treated like a case file or a checklist. You’ll be met with empathy, honesty, and genuine care — the kind that reminds you that healing is always possible.

We walk beside you through every stage of your journey, helping you reconnect with yourself, rebuild your sense of safety, and rediscover hope again. Each session is a space to breathe, reflect, and gently come home to who you truly are.

Why People Choose Toorak Counselling

Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, but it’s also one of the bravest choices you can make. Here, you’ll never be treated like a case file or a checklist. You’ll be met with empathy, honesty, and genuine care — the kind that reminds you that healing is always possible.

We walk beside you through every stage of your journey, helping you reconnect with yourself, rebuild your sense of safety, and rediscover hope again. Each session is a space to breathe, reflect, and gently come home to who you truly are.

Expertise

Because healing isn't one size fits all

With over 20 years in health, fitness & meditation-practices, and more than 25 years supporting emotional wellness, relationships and holistic healing, I’ve walked alongside many individuals and couples as they create meaningful and lasting change.

My approach is deeply heart-led and holistic: beyond talk-therapy I incorporate mindfulness, meditation, breath-work, and embodied practices to support resilience, clarity and genuine self-connection.

I offer a nurturing space for women and couples close to Toorak Village, a calm, safe sanctuary where whether you’re healing from relationship wounds or building a new path of inner strength, you’re wholeheartedly welcome to be you again.

My Promise to You

When we work together, I promise:

To listen deeply and without judgment

To walk at your pace, honoring your story

To offer tools that empower you beyond our sessions

To remind you that growth is always possible — sometimes gently, sometimes powerfully

If you’re ready to begin the next chapter of your healing and growth, I’d be honored to hold that space for you.
You’re not alone, and your journey matters.

With heart,
Melody Carstairs

Why Choose Us at Toorak Counselling?

The Right Place for Minds That Matter

Holistic & Healing

Discover healing that honours both mind and body. Our holistic sessions combine mindful breathwork, somatic awareness, and emotional release to help you reconnect with your inner calm, reduce stress, and restore balance from within. Every breath becomes an opportunity to ground, heal, and return to yourself..

Couples & Relationships Counselling

Strengthen communication, rebuild connection, and rediscover intimacy. Whether you’re navigating conflict or want to deepen your bond, we work with both individuals and couples.

Anxiety & Stress Management

Learn tools to calm your mind, regulate your body, and find relief from constant worry or overwhelm. Practical strategies with lasting impact.

Grief & Loss Counselling

Compassionate support through bereavement, separation, or life transitions. We help you process loss and find meaning while honouring what you’ve loved.

Self-Esteem & Confidence

Reconnect with your worth and rewrite old self-beliefs. Learn to feel comfortable in your own skin and empowered in your choices.

Real People. Real Progress.

Our clients walk in with fear and uncertainty, and walk out with strength, confidence, and hope. Their stories of strength, growth, and recovery are proof.

We provide confidential, evidence based counselling services for individuals, couples, and families. Our focus is on helping you build emotional resilience, restore balance, and create lasting change in your life.