Elan Zavelsky
I see psychotherapy as the third chapter of my professional life. The first was in the performing arts, with the second in health and fitness. Each shaped me in deep and lasting ways. Theatre instilled in me the importance of presence, connection, and embodiment, while fitness educated me in the power of healthy striving, challenge, and team support. All of this has lead to where I feel most myself, working as a psychotherapist.
Every day, I am moved by the privilege of listening to the most intimate stories of people’s lives. In this space of trust, I am invited to witness their wounds and sticking places with fresh eyes and an open heart, together finding our way across new thresholds that offer choice and possibility.
This work, which now feels like home, first began as a dream—one that demanded significant academic and personal development. Whilst completing my graduate and post-graduate study, I worked deeply with my own therapist to navigate the unknown and difficult places within myself. Her support, care, and challenge formed the foundation of my belief in the power of psychotherapy. It is now my great joy to carry that generosity forward.
Vital in shaping my perspective as a therapist was my work in the NGO and not-for-profit sectors. This time brought me into connection with lives and communities profoundly different from my own—foster children in out-of-home care, the gender-diverse community, people living with HIV, those navigating addiction, and individuals at the end of life. These experiences deepened my understanding of resilience, loss, identity, and healing, shaping the way I now hold space for others.
My work as a counsellor and psychotherapist is grounded in kindness and compassion. As a Gestalt therapist, I take an embodied and experiential approach to working with individuals, couples / relationships, and groups. Together, in a confidential and courageous space, we will explore the possibilities for healing and change.
Drawing on a range of therapeutic frameworks, the latest insights from attachment theory and neuroscience, as well as the creative arts, I aim to support you in moving toward greater meaning, connection, and wholeness.
For more on Elan, head to elanzavelsky.com.au or click the button below.
Therapy with me
Starting with a conversation
Before we book anything, I like to begin with a phone call. It's a chance for you to tell me a little about what's bringing you to therapy, and for both of us to get a sense of whether working together feels right. There's no pressure in this.
Our first session
If it feels like a good enough match, we'll arrange an initial session. This is where we start to get to know one another properly: what's been happening for you, what you're hoping for, and how I work. By the end of it, we'll both have a clearer sense of whether continuing together feels supportive. Though this can take a few sessions.
Finding a rhythm
When people choose to continue, I usually see them weekly for a period of time. I've found that a consistent weekly rhythm is what allows the work to deepen and hold — it gives us continuity, and it means we're not starting from scratch each time we meet.
As trust and momentum build, the rhythm can ease. Sessions may move to fortnightly on occasion, and over the longer term — once we've been working together for some years — a more spacious cadence can make sense. But in the earlier stages, regularity is part of what makes the work possible.
The way I work
My approach is relational and grounded in Gestalt therapy. That means I'm less interested in analysing you from a distance and more interested in what happens between us, in the room, in the present moment. We pay attention to what's alive for you — not only the story, but how it lives in your body, your relationships, and your contact with the world.
Therapy with me is a space to slow down, to notice, and to meet yourself with more honesty and compassion. You don't need to arrive with the right words or a tidy explanation. We'll find our way together.
Education
Masters of Gestalt Therapy; Gestalt Therapy Brisbane, 2024
Graduate Diploma of Gestalt Therapy; Gestalt Therapy Brisbane, 2020
Bachelor of Counselling; Australian College of Applied Psychology, 2019
Diploma of counselling; Australian College of Applied Psychology, 2015
Advance Diploma of Fine Arts; West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, 2007
Trainings
Gottman Method for Couples Therapy - Level 1
Pacific Gestalt Institute Residential Program; Mexico (2024)
Family Constellations Therapy (2024)
Gestalt Supervisor Training (2025)
Gestalt Therapy Brisbane; Summer Group Intensive (2025)
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I see clients in clinic every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Please enquire to learn more about my current availability.
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Individuals | 50 minutes
$190 (GST inclusive)
Couples/ Relationships | 50 minutes
$245 (GST Inclusive)
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I am able to offer rebates with the following providers.
Medibank
HCF
BUPA
ARHG
AHM
Specific provider numbers are included on all invoices.
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I am a Level 3 member of the Australian Counselling Association and adhere to the Code of Ethics and Practice of the Association for Counsellors in Australia.
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.
