About Us
Emotion Focused Psychology & Counselling is a private practice based in Caulfield South in Melbourne, offering individual therapy and couples counselling. We work in a calm, considered way, with attention to safety, pace and what feels manageable for each person or couple.
Our work is grounded in evidence-based therapy and shaped by many years of clinical and organisational experience. We support people who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or caught in patterns that no longer serve them, and who want a clearer, steadier way forward.
We also welcome clients from nearby Melbourne suburbs including Brighton, Bentleigh, Elsternwick, Elwood, Hampton, Gardenvale, Ormond and Carnegie.
Lisa is a registered psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working with adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, chronically stressed, or uncertain about their direction in life.
Much of her work is with women who are managing a lot on the surface but feel tense, exhausted, or stuck on the inside. This may show up as anxiety, overthinking, burnout, low confidence, or difficulty making sense of past or current relationship experiences.
She works in a calm, warm and thoughtful way, offering a steady space where people can talk things through, make sense of their experiences and reduce the mental load they’ve been carrying. Her approach is strengths-based and practical, helping people build resilience, clarity and a greater sense of wellbeing over time.
Lisa’s work draws on Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative approaches and mindfulness-based practices. She also brings extensive experience from leadership, talent development, consulting and human resources, which informs her understanding of work stress, burnout and career transitions.
Lisa Schafer
Qualifications
Master of Organisational Psychology – Monash University
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology – Swinburne University
Bachelor of Science (Psychology double major) – The University of Melbourne
Additional training
Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (AIEFT) – Levels 1 and 2
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) Attachment Science in Practice – Dr Sue Johnson
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Dr Russ Harris
Narrative Coach Enhanced Practitioner Training – The Moment Institute
Registrations and memberships
Registered Psychologist – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Member – Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (AIEFT)
Professional Member – Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA)
Availability
Lisa works Monday to Friday, with some after-hours appointments available.
She offers face-to-face and telehealth sessions.
Carlos is a registered psychologist specialising in couples counselling. He works with couples who want to improve communication, repair emotional distance, and develop a stronger, more secure connection in their relationship.
Carlos’ work focuses on helping couples slow down repetitive patterns of conflict, withdrawal and misunderstanding. He helps them understand what’s happening and to respond more constructively and supportively.
He works in a calm, structured and collaborative way, creating a non-judgemental environment where both partners can feel heard and understood. Couples are supported to explore emotional dynamics, build empathy for one another and develop new ways of relating that feel more secure and connected.
Carlos’ approach draws primarily on Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), alongside experiential psychology and cognitive-behavioural approaches. This allows him to work flexibly with different couple dynamics, while keeping the focus on emotional connection, communication and lasting change that extends beyond the therapy room.
Carlos Schafer
Qualifications
ET Master of Psychology
Bachelor of Psychology
Additional training
Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (AIEFT) – Levels 1, 2 and 3
Couples Emotion-Focused Therapy – Levels 1, 2 and 3
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) Attachment Science in Practice – Dr Sue Johnson
The Gottman Method – Levels 1 and 2
Registration and memberships
Registered Psychologist – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Member – Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (AIEFT)
Languages
English and Spanish
Availability
Carlos works Monday to Friday, with some after-hours appointments available.
He offers face-to-face and telehealth sessions.