We are a neuro-affirming, identity-affirming and trauma informed practice based in Melbourne's Inner West, although we currently offer most of our services via telehealth. We work with everyone, but have a special interest in counselling and assessing autistic girls, women, and LGBTIQ+ individuals, especially where there’ been a late diagnosis or diagnosis is being sought.

We offer individual and relationship therapy. We work with couples and other relationship types, often where one or more partners are autistic (including self-diagnosed). Philomena and Alex are both Level 2 Gottman (relationship therapy) trained.

We assess Autism in children, adolescents and adults using the neuro-affirming MIGDAS-2, as well conducting and cognitive assessments for 7-16 year olds.

Anyone who engages with Sea Spray Psychology in any way will be treated with respect, inclusion, collaboration and compassion. We take our ethical responsibilities seriously and act with integrity at all times.

Where difference is celebrated

Neuro-affirming individual and relationship therapy, child and adolescent cognitive assessment, and child, adolescent and adult autism assessment

Welcome to Sea Spray Psychology

Frequently asked questions

  • First and foremost, neuro-affirming practice recognises and accepts various neurotypes and values the individual as they are. This means recognising strengths and differences, and acknowledging the challenges of being neurodivergent in a word designed for neurotypcial brain styles. If eye contact is difficult for you, that’s fine. If you need to use a fidget, that’s also fine. Alex and Philomena both have lived experience of neurodivergence, Philomena with caring for neurodivergent family members, and Alex being an AuDHDer.

  • Traditional therapy often focusses on helping people appear more "typical".. Neuro-affirming therapy recognises neurodivergence as natural brain style rather than something to be fixed and use that as it’s starting point.

  • We support anyone who walks through the theoretical doors (we’re currently telehealth only for counselling). Have a look at our issues we work with page to see if we can help you, and which of us might be the best fit.

  • We offer child and adult Autism assessments and child cognitive assessments. Please see here for more information about cognitive assessments and here for information about autism assessments. Note that child Autism assessments include a cognitive assessment.

    • You can use a MH plan with Philomena for counselling.

    • Autism and cognitive assessments for children and young people up to 25 attract a rebate, but the treatment plan must come form a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

    • As Alex is a provisional psychologist, she doesn’t attract a MH plan. Counselling will be fully out of pocket.

    • Adult autism assessments and relationship therapy don’t attract a medicare rebates and are fully out of pocket.

    Please see our Fees page for more information, noting Alex offers a 30% discount for valid concession cards,

  • We currently do counselling sessions and adult Autism assessments via telehealth. We do child cognitive and Autism assessments at the child’s school.

  • We ensure our assessments are as thorough as possible and follow best practice. For children, that means taking an extensive history from a parent, visiting the school , using an autism test and a cognitive test, collecting a number of questionnaires from teachers and parents, then interpreting all that information into an excellent report! You can see these phases in more detail here for Autism assessments and here for cognitive assessments..

  • Gottman Therapy (or the Gottman Method) is an evidence based framework for relationship counselling. It aims to help partners improve communication, increase intimacy, deepen empathy, and effectively manage conflict. Alex and Philomena have both completed Level 2 Gottman Therapy training and are working towards accreditation. You can read more about our relationship therapy here and a bit about Gottman therapy here.

  • Alex works with all kinds of relationships. She is also kink friendly and welcomes clients as they are. More information about our relationship therapy can be found here.

  • 100% yes, absolutely, definitely! And if you are seeking a diagnosis, you’re in the right place. We do neuro-affirming adult Autism assessment currently via telehealth (so you can stay in your pajamas)

  • Masking is so ingrained in Autistic peeps it’s even got itself into the DSM-5!‍ ‍So it’s not surprise that a lot of people fly under the radar for so long. But when masking starts to feel exhausting, or when you’re feelings of difference is coming to the fore, it might be time to speak to someone about it.

  • We use a neuro-friendly tool called the MIGDAS-2. For adults, its structured in a conversational style and encourages you to talk about your interests and play with fidgets/sensory modulation tools throughout the session.

  • TOYS! SO MANY TOYS!!!!! We introduce lots of toys to see which ones interest you, and we talk about what you’re passionate about.

Have More Questions?

Get in touch if you’d like to learn more or you feel like there’s something we can help you with. We will get back to you within 2 business days. If you have a preferred day and time, we will endeavor to get back to you then. Let us know if you prefer phone (if so, leave your number!) or email.