Deep listening, solid ground.

Counselling & Psychotherapy

In-person and online

Who are we?

We’re a community of psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists who believe therapy should be just like us, imperfectly human.

Our team supports people navigating a wide range of experiences, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity exploration, relationship challenges, life transitions and more. We welcome all individuals and relationships to our inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed practice. We are committed to creating a space where all bodies, identities, and stories are met with respect and care.

At The Place Within, we approach client support collaboratively to offer meaningful care—online or in person—for those seeking clarity, healing and a place to land.

How we came to be.

The Place Within was built out of a deep desire to establish a space that welcomes you home.

The first space I ever had the privilege of working from was Dadirri House in Taringa. The owner, Robyn, created a practice where the space itself felt like an act of love. When it closed in 2023, I couldn't find anything that replicated its tender heart. So I decided to build it.

Every object at The Place Within tells a story — special items of furniture from the magic that was Dadirri House, art from my travels, plants from friends, rugs from family, beach treasures from Burleigh and Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), books filled with poetry and wisdom that have supported my life, a sketch from a treasured day with my sister who helped me build this place. The space isn't decorated. It's lived-in. It's full of the intimacy of relationship and memory.

When you walk into The Place Within you're not entering treatment rooms. You're being welcomed into a part of my world. I hope this invitation supports whatever it is you need to do the work that brings you here.

And, my final wish is that this place stays within you. When life gets tricky, and the sun slips behind the clouds, I hope you remember what it felt like to be held in these rooms, to carry it inside you. A refuge you can return to in your heart and mind, anytime you need.

Elan Zavelsky | Founder

Meet our team

  • Elan Zavelsky

    PSYCHOTHERAPIST

  • Leticia Santana Santos

    COUNSELLOR

  • Kali Lohman

    PSYCHOLOGIST

  • Bradley Benson

    COUNSELLOR

  • Pema Tolstrup

    COUNSELLOR

  • Nathan Dick

    PSYCHOTHERAPIST

  • Lou Aylward

    PSYCHOTHERAPIST

  • Belinda Thurlow

    PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Learn more

The Place Within operates on the land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal Peoples. We acknowledge these peoples as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ wisdom, culture, dreaming and ongoing connection to Country. Sovereignty was never ceded.

We also recognise the strength and diversity of all marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+ people, and are committed to fostering an inclusive, affirming space for all.