Integrative Therapy

Making sense of experience
and moving towards wholeness

A safe, compassionate space where you can explore your inner world, work through difficult experiences, and reconnect with your own strength and resilience.

Get in Touch
Telehealth across Australia | Based in the Northern Rivers (Byron Bay / Lismore)
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Valentina Bongiorno - Registered Psychologist
About Me

Hi, I'm Valentina.

Registered Psychologist

I work with adults experiencing emotional difficulties, unresolved experiences, and periods of change. I offer space to reflect and better understand what is shaping current patterns and challenges, including how experience is held in the nervous system over time, informed by neuroscience and shared human wisdom.

Areas commonly addressed include anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional regulation difficulties, interpersonal issues, and life transitions.

I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing on schema therapy and attachment-based approaches to understand long-standing patterns, alongside Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Originally from Argentina, I bring a multicultural perspective to my work and offer therapy in both English and Spanish.

I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society and am involved in the APS North Coast Committee.

“Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you.”

— Gabor Maté
The Process

How We Work Together

Therapy is a collaborative process. Here is what working together typically looks like.

01

Initial Consultation

The first session focuses on understanding what brings you to therapy, what you're hoping to work on, and whether the approach feels like a good fit. You're also welcome to ask questions about the process.

02

Assessment & Planning

We explore relevant experiences and develop a shared understanding of what may be contributing to current difficulties, then outline a clear direction for the work.

03

Therapeutic Work

Sessions build on one another over time. We work at a steady pace, drawing on approaches that suit your needs and adjusting focus as understanding develops.

04

Integration

As the work progresses, attention turns to how insights and changes can be integrated into daily life, relationships, and ongoing ways of coping.

Funding & Access

Services

I provide individual therapy and accept referrals through a range of funding and access pathways.

Medicare

Sessions are available with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP. Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative are currently about $98.95 per 50-minute session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Referrals and rebates are managed through your GP.

NDIS

I work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Referrals are reviewed to ensure the work aligns with the scope of funded supports.

WorkCover NSW

I am registered with SIRA and accept approved WorkCover NSW referrals.

Victims Services NSW

I accept referrals funded through Victims Services NSW, Telehealth only.

Private Sessions

Private sessions are available without a referral.

Location

Where to Find Me

Telehealth (Primary Practice)

This practice operates primarily via secure telehealth. Most sessions are offered online, allowing continuity and flexibility for clients across Australia.

In-Person Sessions

Limited, external to this practice

I offer face-to-face sessions on Tuesdays at The Health Cove, Brunswick, NSW. These sessions are not booked through this website and are currently subject to a waitlist. For enquiries regarding in-person availability, please contact The Health Cove directly.

Public / Community Mental Health

I also work as a psychologist within a Medicare Mental Health Centre (former Head to Health), providing publicly funded mental health care in a community setting. This role allows me to contribute to the community and work with individuals who are often more vulnerable or face barriers to accessing mental health care.

This service operates separately and is not available for referral or booking through this website.

Let's Start Your Journey

Get in touch

Taking the first step can be the hardest part. Reach out today for a confidential conversation about how I can support you.

Phone 0494 394 068 Please note I may not be able to take calls immediately. Email is often the best first point of contact.