Attachment-Based and Somatic Psychotherapy in Melbourne

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, ongoing stress, relationship difficulties, or emotional patterns that feel difficult to shift.

You may understand why these reactions happen, but still find yourself pulled into the same responses, such as overthinking, shutting down, becoming highly self-critical, or feeling constantly on edge.

Therapy can help slow these reactions down so they become easier to understand and less automatic over time.

In our sessions, we pay attention to these reactions as they are experienced emotionally, physically, and relationally, rather than focusing on insight alone.

Therapy works best when there is enough safety, trust, and space to slow things down together.

In-person sessions in Thornbury and online across Australia.
Master of Counselling (Deakin University). PACFA Certified Practising member.

A man with dark hair smiling outdoors, wearing a dark zip-up jacket with a small logo on the chest, and a background of green foliage.

Josh Wasniewski
‍ ‍Psychotherapist

You might notice things like:

  • anxiety that is hard to switch off

  • overthinking and constant self-monitoring

  • relationship conflict that keeps repeating

  • emotional shutdown or numbness

  • harsh self-criticism

  • difficulty feeling secure or settled in relationships

  • stress responses that feel automatic or overwhelming

Why these patterns can feel difficult to change

Many emotional reactions develop gradually through repeated experiences, particularly within close relationships or environments where stress has become ongoing or difficult to escape.

You may know logically that something is safe, while another part of you still responds as though it is under threat.

Therapy can help create new experiences that allow these reactions to become less automatic over time.

My approach

My work is informed by:

  • attachment theory

  • developmental neuroscience

  • somatic therapies such as Somatic Experiencing

Alongside talking and reflection, we may also pay attention to:

  • tension or activation in the body

  • impulses to withdraw, appease, or react

  • emotional shifts as they happen

  • patterns that emerge within relationships, including the therapeutic relationship itself

The aim is not just symptom reduction, but to develop greater emotional regulation and capacity within daily life and relationships.

Practical details

  • 60-minute sessions

  • In-person in Thornbury and online across Australia

  • Session fee: $165

    If you’d like to get a sense of how I work and whether this feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute intro call.

If you’re considering therapy

If you’d like to enquire or book a session, you can use the form or contact me directly. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a time or answer any questions.