psychotherapy - EMDR - Counselling
Finding your way through — with care, compassion, and expertise
Finding your way through — with care, compassion, and expertise
You don't have to carry this alone
Dr Frank Valzano, PACFA Reg. Clinical (No. 27495)
Practicing Psychotherapist
Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling
BSc(Hons), PhD (Natural Sciences)
My Practice
My Experience
Therapy here is shaped around you — what feels safe, what's manageable, and what matters most to you. Together, we gently explore the experiences and patterns that may be influencing how you think, feel and relate.
In a calm, non-judgemental space, I draw on person-centred, trauma-informed and systemic ways of working, alongside evidence-based therapies including EMDR. My focus is on creating safety, steadiness and understanding, particularly when life has felt overwhelming or unsettled.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties or periods of deeper change, our work together is about strengthening your capacity to heal and move forward — with care, support and compassion.
My Experience
My Experience
I have worked with many adults experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, often shaped by trauma, long-standing stress, or significant life events. This includes supporting people navigate PTSD, relationship and family challenges, experiences of domestic violence, suicidal distress, self-harm, and the emotional impact of grief and loss.
Alongside my private practice, I have worked across community and crisis-based settings, including Lifeline and a walk-in service in Darlinghurst. These experiences continue to inform a steady, grounded and compassionate approach to therapy.
I aim to meet each person with care and respect, supporting safety and stabilisation while remaining responsive to individual needs and circumstances.
My Qualifications
My academic journey has unfolded over many years of university study, leading to a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University, completed with Distinction and recognised on the Dean’s Merit List. This period of learning supports a thoughtful, reflective approach to clinical work.
I teach and coordinate subjects in the Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling program at Western Sydney University, and have also taught at ACAP. Teaching keeps me closely connected to current theory, research and reflective practice, and to the evolving needs of students and practitioners.
Before training as a psychotherapist, I completed a first-class honours degree and a PhD in Natural Sciences at the ANU. This background continues to shape my evidence-informed approach to my work.
My certifications
---------------------
I’m a Registered Clinical Therapist and Certified Practising Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. I’m also a 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
---------------------
---------------------
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.
---------------------
---------------------
---------------------
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.
