Down to earth therapy in Essendon, Melbourne & online with Aylin Shilling.
Integrative, evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy, thoughtfully tailored to you.
Our Services
Individual Counselling
Warm, authentic, and non-pathologising evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents (16+).
Group Therapy
Strengthen resilience & develop practical coping skills in a safe, supportive group environment.
Supervision & AMHSW Mentoring
Professional supervision for allied health professionals, and AMHSW mentoring for social work students and accredited social workers.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”
Understanding before change
Rather than asking, "What's wrong with you?" We’re interested in understanding the experiences that have shaped the way you relate to yourself, others, and the world around you.
We believe that our thoughts, emotions and relationship patterns don't develop in isolation. They are often understandable responses to our life experiences, relationships and environments. Therapy is an opportunity to explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, so that together we can build greater flexibility, self-understanding and lasting change.
We work with
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Including panic attacks, climate anxiety, health anxiety and academic anxiety.
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Including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
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Including complex PTSD and vicarious trauma.
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Including bereavement, career changes, prenatal and postpartum periods, fertility, chronic health conditions, adjustment disorder and terminal illness.
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Including sexuality, spirituality, gender, privilege, existential concerns, diversity and otherness.
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Including attachment and belonging, conflict and repair, separation and estrangement, social isolation and loneliness.
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Including overwhelm and burnout.
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Including making sense of suspicions or diagnoses.
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Including comparison to others, self-limiting beliefs and general dissatisfaction with life.
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Navigating bicultural identity and intergenerational patterns as a second-generation Australian
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Professionals feeling uncertain about their future - navigating career anxiety, instability, and the weight of a rapidly changing world
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New parents feeling the weight of competing responsibilities - at work, at home, and in between.
New parents who find that painful or unresolved experiences from their own childhood resurface during the postpartum period.
Inner Worlds Counselling & Psychotherapy provides evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents (16+) in Essendon, Melbourne. We offer in-person counselling in Essendon alongside secure Telehealth sessions Australia-wide. Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP.
Therapists
Aylin Shilling
Director & Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
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Schema Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
Experienced, person-centred & trauma-informed, Aylin integrates a range of therapeutic frameworks to offer a holistic and sustainable path to healing.
Book a free 15 minute chat
We understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting, and it’s not always easy to know where to begin. We’re here to guide you and answer any questions you may have. Simply send us an enquiry, and we’ll be in touch to arrange your free 15-minute consultation.
Recent Articles
FAQS
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We take an integrative and multidimensional approach to therapy, paying attention to the emotional, psychological, relational, physical, and social aspects of your experience. Rather than viewing concerns in isolation, we explore how these different areas interact and influence one another.
Many of the concerns people bring such as anxiety, self-criticism, relational difficulties, burnout, or a sense of disconnection are understood within the context of how we come to relate to ourselves and others. In therapy, we pay close attention to what is happening in the present moment, while also remaining mindful of the patterns and experiences that have shaped it, so that change can unfold in a grounded and meaningful way.
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Yes! Inner Worlds Counselling & Psychotherapy accepts Mental Health Treatment Plans, and rebates are available under Medicare. If you are unsure about the process, you are welcome to get in touch and we can help guide you through the next steps.
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We provide counselling and psychotherapy for adolescents (16+) and adults experiencing a range of mental health and life challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, perfectionism, burnout and life transitions.
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An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a qualified social worker who has completed additional rigorous training and accreditation in mental health practice. This accreditation is approved by Medicare and requires demonstrated advanced clinical experience, ongoing supervision, and continued professional development in evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
AMHSWs are trained to provide counselling and psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship difficulties, and emotional overwhelm. Their work is guided by both clinical expertise and a holistic understanding of wellbeing, considering the emotional, psychological, relational, and social factors that shape a person’s experience.
The director of Inner Worlds Counselling, Aylin, is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, bringing this specialist training and clinical experience into all aspects of practice. This ensures therapy is grounded, ethical, and informed by a strong understanding of both evidence-based treatment and the broader context of each person’s life. You can read more about her here.
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The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to share what’s bringing you to therapy at your own pace. We’ll talk about what feels most important for you right now, and you’re welcome to speak about as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
I may ask some gentle questions about your current situation, background, and what you’re hoping for from counselling. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out — many people come to their first session feeling unsure about where to start.
Together, we’ll begin to make sense of what’s going on for you and discuss how we might work together moving forward. The aim is to create a space that feels safe, steady, and supportive as we begin the process.
We actually wrote an article covering this if you want to read more: Here
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Inner Worlds Counselling & Psychotherapy is based in Melbourne, Victoria, and offers both in-person counselling sessions and online therapy for clients across Australia.
In-person sessions are held in a private, comfortable space in Essendon, Melbourne. Online sessions are available via secure video conferencing, making therapy accessible and flexible regardless of your location.
If you’re unsure whether online or in-person therapy is the best fit for you, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss what might work best for your needs.
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Yes. Secure Telehealth appointments are available Australia-wide for clients who prefer to attend remotely or are unable to attend the Essendon practice in person.
Contact
Let’s start with a conversation.
Reaching out can be a big step. Whether you’re ready to book or just have a question, you’re very welcome here.
Complimentary 15-minute consultation
Let’s have a quick chat to explore whether Inner Worlds feels like the right fit for you.
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What happens next?
Reach out
Send an enquiry or directly book a complimentary consultation.
We’ll have a chat
We’ll discuss what you’re looking for and whether we’re a good fit
Begin your journey
If it feels right, we’ll arrange your first session together.
Location: 1 Woodland st, Essendon Vic, Melbourne 3040
(Just a walk across Strathmore Train Station)
E: hello@innerworldscounselling.com.au
Ph: 0427 793 347
Face to Face, Telehealth, Online
After hours sessions available, more info here
If you are in crisis, feel unsafe or need immediate assistance, please dial 000. If you are in crisis and need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. We are not a crisis service.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am, then I change”