The Team

Meet the Hearts Behind the Healing

At the core of Toorak Counselling is a team driven by purpose and compassion. Every counsellor brings not just professional skill, but genuine heart a shared belief that healing begins with being truly seen and heard. We’re here to listen without judgement, to walk beside you through change, and to create a space where growth and peace can take root. Our work is personal, heartfelt, and centred entirely around you.

Growth.

Clarity.

Support. Compassion.

Melody Carstairs and Geoffrey Williams

Toorak to Yarrawonga Counselling

Melody Carstairs

Melody is a counsellor with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging transitions. Known for her calm, grounded presence and genuine compassion, she creates a space where clients feel seen, heard, and deeply understood. Her approach blends traditional counselling methods with mindfulness, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed care offering a safe and empowering environment for healing and self-discovery.

Throughout her career, Melody has worked across diverse settings, from private practice to community outreach, helping people navigate anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and the complex impacts of trauma. She believes that therapy is not about “fixing” people it’s about guiding them back to their own strength and helping them find peace in who they are.

Clients describe Melody as warm, intuitive, and refreshingly authentic. She meets each person exactly where they are, helping them move forward with clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose..

Geoffrey Williams

With over 10 years of experience in counselling, Geoff brings a unique blend of empathy, insight, and authenticity to every session. His approach is deeply human—rooted in understanding that life’s most difficult moments often carry the greatest potential for growth. Clients describe Geoff as calm, genuine, and unwaveringly supportive, with an ability to help people feel grounded and safe while exploring life’s deeper challenges.

Geoff’s work spans trauma, anxiety, self-worth, and relationship dynamics, offering both individual and couples counselling. Drawing from a person-centred and evidence-based framework, he focuses on helping clients build resilience, find clarity, and reconnect with their sense of self.

Known for his compassionate nature and gentle humour, Geoff believes that healing starts with trust and open conversation. His goal is simple to walk beside clients as they rediscover their confidence, strengthen their emotional wellbeing, and build a life that feels balanced and fulfilled.

1. What is counselling, and how is it different from psychology or psychotherapy?

Counselling is a collaborative process focused on improving emotional wellbeing, relationships, and coping skills. It’s often more conversational and practical than psychology, which tends to focus on assessment, diagnosis, and structured treatment plans. At Toorak Counselling, we focus on helping you understand yourself better, process what’s weighing you down, and find a clearer path forward.

2. Do I need a referral or a GP mental health plan to see a counsellor?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with us — no paperwork or GP approval required. Some clients choose to see us alongside their GP or psychologist, but it’s entirely optional.

3. Can I get a Medicare or private health rebate for sessions?

Counselling sessions are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates. However, some private health funds cover counselling under “extras” policies we’re happy to provide invoices for you to claim directly with your insurer.

4. How often should I attend sessions?

It depends on your goals and situation. Many clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum, then move to fortnightly or monthly as things improve. You and your counsellor will find the right rhythm together.

5. What happens during the first session?

Your first session is about getting to know you what’s been happening, what’s important to you, and what you’d like to work toward. There’s no pressure to share everything straight away. It’s a gentle introduction where we build trust and talk about how counselling can best support you.

6. Do you offer online or virtual therapy sessions?

Yes, we offer both in-person and secure online sessions to make care accessible and flexible based on your comfort.

7. Are sessions confidential?

Yes. Everything shared in your session is private and confidential. The only exceptions are where the law requires us to act such as when there’s a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, or when information is subpoenaed by a court

With Heart, Always

Every healing journey begins with a simple conversation.
If you’re ready to talk, our compassionate Support Angel assistant is here to listen — day or night.

Whether you’re reaching out for the first time or continuing your journey with us, we’re here to guide you toward calm, clarity, and connection — one conversation at a time.

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.