Manuela Sberna

B.Psych.Sc., M.Clin.Psy.

Registered Psychologist

Manuela provides telehealth sessions only.

She is a fully registered bilingual psychologist and can conduct sessions in both Italian and English (AHPRA No. PSY0002283248). She qualified in Italy in 2010 after completing a Bachelor Degree in Psychological Science and a Master Degree in Clinical Psychology. Manuela has experience working in a variety of roles across different community and health services in Australia and overseas. In addition to private practice, Manuela also works as a counsellor at a specialist trauma service. She has particular experience working with people affected by multiple, severe and/or chronic psychological, physical and psychosocial concerns, which contributes to her clinical skills in the treatment of complex presentations. Manuela is confident in working with people from different cultural backgrounds and incorporates cultural awareness and sensitivity in her clinical work.

She is particularly interested in supporting people who struggle as a result of distressing life events or traumatic experiences in adulthood or earlier in life, emotional regulation and self-identity concerns. Manuela uses an integrated therapeutic approach that combines solution-focus strategies and more in-depth reflection, with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship with her clients.

Manuela worked in Australia for several years and has returned to spend some time in Italy. She now provides telehealth consultations from overseas.

Manuela provides treatment for adult issues including:

Adjustment to major life events such as leaving school, parenting, separation and retirement
Issues around identity
Stress and coping
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The impact of difficult early life experiences
Grief and loss
Difficulties with emotional regulation including anger
Self-harm
Parenting and family relationships, including the impact of culture

Therapeutic approach

Manuela is an empathic, non-judgemental and gentle therapist. She is dedicated to building a warm therapeutic relationship with her clients, which she values as the most important element for positive change. Manuela integrates different therapy models to better meet the unique needs and qualities of each person she works with. She has a holistic view of the person that goes beyond the symptoms presented to understand them in the context of the person’s intrapsychic and interpersonal functioning and effectively support individual strengths and coping strategies.