Areti Alexova
Ms Areti Alexova
Phone
0432 872 996
Mobile
0432 872 996
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://www.closeconnection.com.au/

Professional Profile

Qualification(s)
Graduate Diploma in Counselling, Level 1 Gottman Method training
Registration Number
28869
Registration category
Certified Practising
Additional PACFA credentials

College of Counselling
Offers telehealth
Yes

* Certified Practicing PACFA members have studied at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or above, with a minimum of 400 hours instruction in counselling or psychotherapy subjects, plus have a minimum of 40 hours client contact, and 10 hours of supervision.

Clinical PACFA members have met the education standards above and have accrued a minimum of 750 client contact hours, including 75 hours of supervision.

About me

My practice
I work with high-functioning individuals and couples who are successful on the outside but feel "stuck," "flat," or caught in a logic loop on the inside. You might be the person everyone else relies on, yet you find yourself navigating high-functioning anxiety, burnout, or a sense of disconnection from your own spark.

I believe therapy should be more than just "coping"—it should be about mental fitness and leadership. I provide a jargon-free, relatable space where we don't just talk about your problems; we build the skills to transform them.
Specialist Expertise: IFS and The Gottman Method

My practice is grounded in evidence-based frameworks that address both the individual's internal world and the dynamics of their relationships:

Internal Family Systems (IFS): We work to identify and understand the "Internal Protectors" and scripts that keep you in cycles of anxiety or shutdown. By accessing your "Self," we can transform internal friction into clarity and calm.

The Gottman Method: For couples, I focus on the "Small Things Often" approach. We navigate the "Protector Clash" to move past repetitive arguments and rebuild a foundation of friendship, trust, and shared meaning.

Adult Education & Synthesis: Drawing on my background in education, I ensure our sessions result in tangible growth. To bridge the gap between the therapy room and real life, I provide a post-session synthesis email—a supportive summary of our key work that acts as a roadmap for your week ahead.

A Space for Real Connection

Seeking support is a vulnerable step, but it is also the most proactive one you can take for your future. Whether you are seeking to heal the "silent" moments in your relationship or wanting to stop simply "managing" your life so you can start leading it, I am here to collaborate with you.

My goal is to help you build a life that feels as grounded and genuine on the inside as it looks to the world on the outside.
Why this is a strong update for PACFA:

Professional Depth: It highlights your specific training in IFS and Gottman (which PACFA peers and clients value).

The "Protector Clash": This is a great way to describe relationship issues without using dry, clinical terms.

Synthesis Emails: Mentioning your summary emails again is vital—it’s your "signature move" that sets you apart from other therapists on the registry.

Mental Fitness: This framing appeals to the high-functioning clients who might be wary of the "medical model" of therapy.
Practice opening hours
Monday - Sunday 8am - 8.30 pm
Issues I can help with
Childhood or adolescent issues, Existential or spiritual issues, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Relationship issues, Trauma recovery
Type of therapy offered
Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Brief therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Couples therapy, Emotion-Focussed Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapies, Person-centred counselling, Psycho-education, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Solution-focussed therapy

Practice addresses

Practice NamePractice AddressSuburbStatePostcode
Areti Alexova8 James StreetMillgroveVIC3799