About Aston Psychology Clinic
At Aston Psychology Clinic, we provide a safe, compassionate space where adults can explore their experiences without judgment. Our goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported as you work through trauma and life’s challenges, so you can regain control, build resilience, and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Trauma can happen anywhere — through loss, abuse, accidents, or overwhelming life experiences. Its impact can linger long after the event, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and sense of safety.
Immediate appointments are available because your healing journey shouldn’t wait. Book online or call us to discuss your needs.
What we offer
- Individual counselling
- Medicare funded treatment
- WorkSafe/ TAC
- Relationship counselling
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – EAP Counselling Services
- Supervision
We provide psychological treatment onsite and online for individuals aged 18+ to address a range of issues including:
- anxiety and depressive disorders
- trauma
- loss and grief
- addiction (including substance use and gambling)
- obsessive compulsive and related disorders
- bipolar disorders
- other mental health issues
- chronic pain
- women’s mental health
- anger management
- stress management
- self-esteem
- general life difficulties
- relationship difficulties
- work related difficulties, etc.
Lavinia McSwain - Psychologist
I believe that everyone has a story and that each story is remarkable. I consider it a privilege to be part of your story and to support you along your journey.
I am a registered psychologist and a lecturer with more than 16 years of experience working across hospital, community mental health, forensic, and university settings.
I have provided psychological assistance to people from all walks of life. I am very aware that one size does not fit all in therapy, so I tailor individual treatment utilising evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, DBT and EMDR.
I provide individual therapy and relationship counselling both onsite and via telehealth, supporting clients through Medicare, WorkSafe, TAC-funded services, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
I have experience working with individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and other life challenges.
As a lecturer in psychology and Board Approved Supervisor, I contribute to the academic development of the next generation of mental health professionals and offer professional supervision for psychology students and other mental health practitioners. I am also a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi).
Treatment approaches
Our evidenced based treatment approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
"Small t" Traumas
Trauma doesn’t always come from major, life-threatening events. Sometimes, it comes from smaller, repeated experiences that leave a lasting impact on your emotional and mental wellbeing. These are often called “small t” traumas.
Small t trauma can include experiences such as:
- Ongoing workplace stress or bullying
- Emotional neglect or repeated criticism
- Relationship difficulties or conflict
- Minor accidents or injuries
- Feeling unsafe or unsupported over time
Even though these events may seem “small” to others, their effects can be significant. You might notice:
- Heightened anxiety or irritability
- Difficulty trusting others
- Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, or shame
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling “stuck” or overwhelmed
At Aston Psychology Clinic, we understand that everyone experiences life differently, and even smaller traumas can affect your mental health. We provide a safe, supportive space to process these experiences and build coping strategies to assist regain balance and wellbeing.
The wounded inner child
Many of us carry experiences from childhood that continue to influence how we feel, relate to others, and navigate life today. These experiences can include neglect, criticism, loss, or other difficult moments that shaped your sense of safety and self-worth.
At Aston Psychology Clinic, we support clients in connecting with and understanding their inner child—the part of you that holds past pain, unmet needs, and early emotional experiences.
Therapeutic work can help you:
- Explore how past experiences affect current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
- Reflect on old wounds and long-held beliefs
- Foster self-compassion, confidence, and emotional awareness
- Consider ways to build healthier relationships with yourself and others
Relationships difficulties
Past trauma, whether from childhood experiences, previous relationships, or other significant life events, can shape how you relate to others, trust, and respond to conflict. Trauma can make the thought of being alone feel overwhelming, leading you to accepting and staying in unsatisfying relationships.
- Low self-worth: Past experiences may leave you believing you don’t deserve love, respect, or happiness.
- Repetition of familiar patterns: Trauma can unconsciously draw you to relationships that mirror past experiences, even if they’re unhealthy.
- Difficulty setting boundaries: Trauma can make it hard to assert your needs or say “no,” keeping you in situations that don’t serve you.
- Emotional avoidance: Staying in a familiar relationship can feel safer than facing the uncertainty and vulnerability of change.
At Aston Psychology Clinic, therapy can provide a space to explore these patterns, reflect on past experiences, and consider your options. Clients often use therapy to:
- Understand relationship patterns and triggers
- Explore ways to build confidence and self-worth
- Practice setting boundaries and communicating their needs
- Consider ways to create relationships and life experiences that feel more supportive and aligned with their values
Supervision
Lavinia is an experienced Board Approved Psychology Supervisor with experience teaching in university settings. She is passionate about providing support to provisional psychologists (5+1 and 4+2), registered psychologists, social workers, counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists. She provides clinical supervision services in Melbourne and Australia-wide via Telehealth.
Lavinia believes in the importance of providing a space that is safe, supportive and encouraging and will tailor her approach depending on your learning needs and goals.
Fees & Services
Treatment
We provide psychological treatment onsite and online for individuals aged 18+ to address a range of issues including but not limited to:
· anxiety and depressive disorders
· trauma
· loss and grief
· addiction (including substance use and gambling)
· obsessive compulsive and related disorders
· bipolar disorders
· other mental health issues
· chronic pain
· women’s mental health
· anger management
· stress management
· self-esteem
· general life difficulties
· relationship difficulties
· work related difficulties, etc.
Treatment approaches
Our evidenced based treatment approaches include:
· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
· Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
· Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
· Psychodynamic therapy
· Schema Therapy
. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing(EMDR)
Fees
Psychological Session Fees
Standard individual counselling - 50 Minute Session
The standard individual counselling fee is $200 for 50-minute session. If you have a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan, the Medicare rebate for a 50-minute consultation will be $98.95 for registered psychologists.
Medicare Rebates
*$98.95 rebate with a GP provided mental health care plan and referral letter.
*You must obtain a GP referral prior to your first appointment in order to receive Medicare rebates.
*Payment in full is required at the time of your appointment.
Couples Counselling
Relationship counselling fee is $200 for 50-minute session.
*Medicare Rebate does not apply to couples counselling
Private Health Insurance
Patients without a mental health care plan may be able to claim a rebate through their private health insurer – please check with your provider for rebate amounts.
WorkCover / TAC Referrals
Are welcome – please advise our staff when making an appointment.
Fees are paid by WorkCover / TAC
Clinical Supervision
50 min appointments | $200
Clinical supervision is available in Melbourne and online for psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, mental health credentialed nurses or other practitioners.
Telehealth
Telehealth Psychology Treatment allows clients to access evidence based psychology treatment from the privacy and comfort of their home or workplace. We are excited that we can make psychology treatment more accessible to more patients through the use of telehealth treatment.
How to make referrals
Self-Referral
Contact us directly on 0499 893 636 or leave a voice message with your contact details and we will get in contact with you as soon as possible.
General Practitioner
General Practitioners (GP) can refer directly to us by emailing a referral letter and a copy of a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Correspondence can be sent to info@astonpsychologyclinic.com.au
Alternatively, your GP can provide you directly with a copy of the referral letter and your MHTP, which you can bring to your appointment or email to us. Please note that the MHTPs needs to be addressed to "Aston Psychology Clinic", include the date the plan was created and the amount of sessions for this referral.
Other Professional Referrals
Other Professionals can make referrals by contacting the office on 0499 893 636 or by leaving a voice message.
For all other services including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and supervision please call us on 0499 893 636 to discuss your needs.
Of all the things trauma takes away from us, the worst is our willingness, or even our ability, to be vulnerable.” — Brené Brown
