psychotherapy - EMDR - Counselling
Psychotherapy and counselling for mental health and life challenges
Psychotherapy and counselling for mental health and life challenges
A transformative journey towards healing...
Dr Frank Valzano, PACFA Reg. Clinical (No. 27495)
Practicing Psychotherapist
Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling
BSc(Hons), PhD (Natural Sciences)
My Practice
My Experience
My clients often come to me at a turning point—when old coping strategies no longer work, and the desire to live more fully begins to outweigh the fear of change. They want to understand themselves, not just “fix” symptoms. They seek therapy not as a quick fix, but as a meaningful process of healing, integration, and growth.
If this resonates, you don’t need to go it alone. Together, we’ll work gently and respectfully to make sense of your story, reclaim parts of yourself that have been silenced or shamed, and move toward the life you want to live—with more ease, depth, and authenticity.
My Experience
My Experience
I’ve had the privilege of working with many adults facing complex mental health challenges, often shaped by experiences of trauma. I also support people dealing with relationship struggles, domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and the deep pain of grief and loss.
In addition to my therapy work, I teach and coordinate subjects in the Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling program at Western Sydney University. I’ve also taught at ACAP, spent several years as a Lifeline crisis counsellor, and worked as a psychotherapist in a walk-in centre in Darlinghurst.
My Qualifications
My academic journey has taken shape over 12 years of university study, culminating in a Master’s in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University, awarded with Distinction and a place on the Dean’s Merit List.
Before stepping into the world of psychotherapy, I completed a first-class honours degree and a PhD in Natural Sciences at the ANU. This grounding in research and critical thinking continues to enrich my work in mental health. Along the way, I was grateful to receive a bursary, as well as scholarships and grants supporting my doctoral research.
My certifications
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I’m a Registered Clinical Therapist and Certified Practising Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. I’m also an associate member of the EMDR Association of Australia and a Griefline Accredited Counsellor, with additional training in Advanced Grief Theories.
Alongside this, I’ve completed Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training—important tools that help me support clients through some of their most vulnerable moments.
My lived experience
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Before becoming a therapist, I found meaning in a range of roles—working as an academic and scientist at ANU and UNSW, leading an overseas company as CEO, mentoring teenagers, and caring for my elderly mother as her primary support.
During my time in science, I contributed to international journals and presented my work at conferences, experiences that continue to inform my reflective and grounded approach to therapy today.
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My work with teens was all about encouragement and empowerment—offering them meaningful roles and responsibilities within my organisation to help them grow in confidence and purpose.
Every step of my journey has shaped and strengthened my practice. I bring care, commitment, and persistence to all that I do. I don’t give up easily—on challenges, on growth, or on people. And I won’t give up on you.
