Counselling for women in midlife and beyond
The Midlife Well is a practice dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based counselling for women to explore change and reclaim purpose.
Midlife can be both a challenging and transformative time of life
In a culture that idolises youth, midlife is often portrayed as the beginning of decline – a stage marked by loss rather than possibility. But the truth is far more nuanced. Rather than a period of diminishing, midlife can become a turning point—a time of integration, where life experience and self-awareness come together.
The Midlife Well is focused on providing caring and compassionate counselling to all women, regardless of your journey through womanhood
With years of experience supporting women through life’s transitions, The Midlife Well understands the emotional complexity that can accompany this stage of life. We provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs in navigating this territory.
The Midlife Well offers sessions in Malvern in Naarm/Melbourne and via telehealth across Australia.Medicare rebates available.
It's never to late to be what you might have been.- George Elliot -
Midlife has long been misunderstood
Too often, it is reduced to stereotypes — a narrow narrative that overlooks the wisdom and resilience that comes with lived experience. Instead of being recognised as a natural and meaningful transition, it is frequently framed as a crisis; or something to resist, conceal, or “get through".Yet for many women, midlife can be anything but a diminishing chapter. It can be a time of re-evaluating priorities, rediscovering parts of yourself that have been set aside, and stepping into a more authentic way of living.While every woman’s experience is unique, this phase of life often brings particular challenges and themes: physical changes, shifting roles, significant life events, and deep reflection on identity, purpose, and direction.
You may be experiencing:
Changes in physical health and energy
These can also be related to perimenopause and menopause, as well as changes in your body over time. They may be both visible and invisible challenges.
Re-evaluating relationships with partners, family, and friends
Reassessing what you need from these connections and how they support your wellbeing.
Reflecting on career and purpose
Considering past achievements, current fulfilment, or the desire for a new direction. This may include navigating retirement, whether planned or unexpected.
Parenting transitions
Such as adjusting to a changing relationship with children as they grow more independent or leave home.
Increased caregiving responsibilities
Especially for aging parents, often alongside continued care for children or even grandchildren.
Grieving significant losses
Whether through bereavement, divorce, or other life changes.
Every woman's experience of menopause is different
For the women that go through menopause, it's the natural end of the menstrual cycle when the ovaries reduce oestrogen and progesterone production (although it can happen earlier due to medical treatment or surgery). Fluctuating and declining levels of these hormones during perimenopause and menopause can trigger a host symptoms - physical, psychological, and emotional.Around 20% of women experience no symptoms, while 40–60% have mild to moderate ones. For another 20%, the symptoms can be severe and significantly impact daily life.Just to name a few there's...hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, low mood, depression, anxiety, irritability/frustration/anger, sleep disturbance, difficulty focusing, brain fog, reduced sex drive, fatigue, joint pain, weight gain….
There are various treatment options available to help manage menopausal symptoms. Seeking support and ensuring you receive the best possible care during this time is crucial, and counselling can be a valuable part of that support.
Midlife can be a time of significant psychological transition
Alongside the challenges, opportunities for growth and self-discovery may arise in midlife. What once felt familiar may no longer fit, leaving you questioning who you are, what you need, and what comes next. Rather than prioritising caring for others and/or striving to prove yourself, the focus may move toward meaning, authenticity, and balance. Relationships, purpose, and personal values may take on new importance.
Midlife can be a turning point – a time to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level and move forward with renewed clarity and intention. Counselling with The Midlife Well offers a space to explore this terrain with care and compassion.
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm
learning how to sail my ship.- Louisa May Alcott -
With many years of experience in counselling and fostering therapeutic relationships, The Midlife Well provides a space where you can feel supported to express yourself openly and authentically
Therapy is a unique process that can support you in the areas of your life where you feel stuck and increase your understanding of the way you engage with the world and with yourself.Drawing on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies, our approach is tailored to meet your individual needs. With care and empathy, we strive to create a collaborative relationship in which we can work together to enhance awareness, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and create meaningful change.
Frequently asked questions
What are your fees?
Fees are $210 for a 50 minute session. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or cash at the time of the consultation.
Where are you located?
The Midlife Well offers in person sessions in Malvern in Naarm/Melbourne and via telehealth across Australia.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required, however, you will need a referral with Mental Health Care Plan from your GP if you wish to claim a rebate from Medicare.
Which rebates can I claim?
With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, a rebate of $98.95 per session is available under Medicare, with a total of ten rebates per calendar year. Depending on your cover, you may be eligible to claim rebates under private health insurance.
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to explore whether we are a good fit for working together, and start forming a collaborative and respectful counselling relationship. We will discuss what is currently happening for you, what you hope to gain from counselling, and begin developing a plan for moving forward.
How often will I need to attend counselling?
How counselling progresses depends on your needs and goals, and how you decide to engage with the process. Sessions can be made weekly, fortnightly or on an as needs basis. Typically, the earlier sessions will be more frequent and will lead to longer periods between sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
If you would like to address a single discrete problem with relatively straightforward causes, then shorter term therapy, such as 3-6 sessions, is likely to be a reasonable length of time for you. If you would like to change lifelong or entrenched patterns, with more complex causes, it may be helpful to attend therapy for a longer period of time.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to change or cancel an appointment, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required or a fee will be charged.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?- Mary Oliver -
Hello, I’m Julia, a psychologist who is passionate about supporting women to create lives of meaning, connection and authenticity.
My path into this work was shaped by a belief in the human potential for growth and change. Over nearly three decades in the mental health field, the work I’ve found most rewarding has been supporting women in midlife as they navigate transition, reconnect with their true selves, and embrace the next chapter of their lives with confidence.Like many of the women I work with, my own midlife journey has brought both challenges and profound opportunities for growth. This personal experience has deepened my commitment to helping others move through this transformative stage.Throughout my career I’ve worked across the government, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors, and have worked in private practice for the past 15 years. I’m registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Psychology Board of Australia and I’m a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists.
It's a privilege to do this work and I look forward to connecting with you.
Book a free 15 minute enquiry call on 0490 912 604
Finding a therapist who is a good fit can be daunting but starting with a phone conversation can help. It’s an opportunity to briefly chat about what you are seeking from counselling and I can answer any questions you may have. If it seems we are not the best fit, I will assist in connecting you with a therapist who might better suit your needs.To arrange an enquiry call, send a text message or leave a voicemail message with your name and contact number, as well as few days/times you’re available. I will reply via text to confirm a time.