Mary Barillaro

Mary Barillaro

“I aim to create a warm, supportive space where you feel safe to explore your concerns. I take a client-centred approach to work collaboratively alongside you. Together we’ll explore different strategies to target your struggles whilst harnessing your personal strengths.”

I have experience working with adults of all ages. I have worked mostly in public mental health services, including community and residential settings. I have worked with people across all stages of recovery, including during times of crisis. I am a strong advocate of the recovery model and believe that everyone has the capacity to lead a meaningful life, including those experiencing mental health conditions.

I have skills to work with people experiencing:

  • Anger issues
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Carer-related concerns
  • Depressive disorders
  • Difficulties with assertiveness, boundaries, perfectionism, and/or self-esteem
  • Family violence
  • Grief and loss
  • Life transition and adjustment issues
  • Neurodiversity (ADHD; Autism)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders
  • Personality vulnerabilities (including Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD)
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Self-harm and suicidality
  • Sleeping issues
  • Stress
  • Trauma (including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD; Complex PTSD, c-PTSD; Dissociative Disorders)

I am passionate about providing trauma-informed and holistic care. I ground my approach in attachment theory, working to help you make sense of how your early life experiences may be informing your current struggles. I appreciate that therapy can be a daunting space for everyone, but especially those who have experienced trauma; I use a client-centred and relational approach to help me attune to your needs, so that we can pace therapy in a way that feels safe. I work to create a therapy space that empowers you to find ways to identify and vocalise your needs.

I enjoy working with people of various backgrounds. I am experienced in supporting people from culturally/linguistically diverse groups, neurodiverse people, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I work continuously to educate myself so that I can provide culturally-safe and neuroaffirming care.

In my spare time, I enjoy animal watching, spending time in nature, travelling, and going to the local cinema. I also like trying new cafes and restaurants, particularly if there’s matcha involved!

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

I work collaboratively with clients to tailor my therapeutic approach to their needs and preferences. This can include drawing upon one or more of the following therapies:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), including CBT for ADHD
  • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Schema Therapy
  • Solutions Focused Therapy

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master of Psychology (Clinical)
  • Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Arts

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  •  Registered Psychologist (Clinical) with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Union Member of Victoria Psychologists Association