Dr. Chris Coleiro

Dr. Chris Coleiro

(he/him)
“I provide a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate space which encourages my clients to tune into and understand the processes of their own mind and internal world. I’m passionate about providing therapy which allows people to grow, heal, and empower themselves.”

Dr Chris Coleiro is a senior clinical psychologist in Melbourne
who has experience in treating a wide range of mental health issues including:

  • Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, bipolar)
  • Issues related to trauma and PTSD (complex trauma and dissociation)
  • Personality issues including treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Emotional dysregulation and emotional sensitivity
  • Identity issues; sense of self, self-esteem
  • Difficulty adjusting to or managing challenging life circumstances
  • Issues related to sexuality and gender diversity
  • Neurodiversity support; Autism, ADHD, AuDHD
  • Issues related to body image and disordered eating

Chris is passionate about getting to know the needs of his clients and collaboratively formulating a treatment plan. He brings together a range of evidence-based therapies which include CBT, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR. Chris also draws from psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches to explore how our childhood experiences may have impacted the development of our emotional patterns and personality.

Prior to going into private practice, Chris worked for over 10 years in the public and private mental health sectors of Melbourne, providing assessment and treatment for broad range of psychological issues. He has worked extensively in the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma and has been involved in setting up a range of outpatient programs which treat post-traumatic stress.

Chris has a strong commitment to supporting individuals with neurodiversity, including Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD. He is passionate about helping neurodivergent people navigate the challenges of growing up in a world largely designed for neurotypical individuals. His work often focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of the unique strengths and perspectives that accompany a neurodivergent brain, while also aiding in the healing and development of a positive sense of self and identity.

Chris is a co-director of Cova Psychology, and in addition to treating clients, he also provides supervision to Melbourne psychologists and psychologist registrars. Chris enjoys supporting psychologists with their clinical and leadership skills. Chris is passionate about cultivating a supportive and friendly team environment at Cova Psychology.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology; with Honours), Deakin University
  • Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), Deakin University

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

In his work with clients, Chris takes a holistic, collaborative, and person-centred approach. His interpersonal style balances warm and gentle with authentic and direct. He predominantly practices evidence-based therapies including:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) including Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Schema Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) – informed therapy
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  • Registered Psychologist (Clinical) with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
  • Member of the Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society
  • Member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
  • Member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC)