Ms Maria Papoulias Social Worker

Maria is an experienced and skilled Counsellor and Social worker specialising in Relationships and Couples Counselling. She spent many years at Relationships Australia and has run a successful private practice for over 22 years. She works with both couples and individuals. Maria also brings extensive experience in counselling for clients presenting with grief, loss, and trauma. Maria completed her training at the University of Melbourne and later at Relationships Australia. Alongside her private practice, she has held a range of roles, including Senior Social Worker in the Mental Health inpatient Unit at Epworth Hospital At Epworth, Maria facilitated group programs and provided individual counselling to patients presenting with anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health conditions. Maria utilizes a variety of counselling modalities including Cognitive Behavioural therapy; ACT, (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy); Mindfulness; Psychodynamic psychotherapy; Trauma informed practice; Systemic Practice; Solutions focused Therapy; and Coaching. Maria also likes to include psychoeducation and skill building in her sessions supporting clients to develop strategies they can apply independently moving forward. Grounded in an empathic, compassion focussed, strengths-based approach, Maria collaborates with clients to create a safe space for change, healing, growth and recovery. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and her cat, Aurora. She also enjoys travel, musical theatre, and dance. Maria’s area of focus: Grief and Loss Trauma Relationships Anxiety Depression Maria’s treatment modalities are: CBT ACT Mindfulness Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Trauma Informed Practice Systemic Practice Coaching Solutions Focused Therapy