Psychotherapy and Counselling Services
Melbourne

Vanessa Cavanagh

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Vanessa Cavanagh is a psychotherapist and credentialed mental health nurse, with over 20 years experience of working in mental health in the UK, New Zealand and here in Melbourne.  Vanessa has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, community mental health teams, not for profit organisations and private practice. She currently works in private practice located in Malvern. 

Vanessa has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, across the lifespan and with presentations including, but not limited to;

• anxiety

• depression

• grief

• trauma

• psychosis

• mood disorders

• relationship difficulties

Vanessa has a special interest using a Lacanian psychoanalytic approach. This is typically a longer term treatment where a person attends regular sessions to explore their own unique experience. During this process the person may uncover knowledge about themselves, what they do, why patterns in life are often repeated and assist in identifying their desire.

The therapeutic aspect of the work occurs in the transference, that is the relationship that is developed between analyst and patient. This allows for safe exploration of events, often from early life, that leave a mark on the patient that extends and continues to impact in adult life; often without the awareness of the patient.  This work occurs as the patient speaks with the therapist, the patient brings forth material that may present as a symptom, anguish or conflict. The therapist works with the patient to uncover and explore the subjective truth and meaning that has been attached to experiences and with this comes the possibility of making new choices and alleviating the suffering. 

Vanessa is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulations Agency (AHPRA) and a member of Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

Vanessa also provides clinical supervision.