Marlena

Accredited Social Worker and Counsellor Melbourne CBD

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Relationship Therapist in Melbourne

Fully registered AMHSW, BSW, PostGrad Dip Edu, M Econ.

She/Her/Hers.

Hart Centre Certified   

100% Trust and Satisfaction Guarantee In Relationship
Accepted Insurance Funds
  • Medicare
  • BUPA
  • ARHG Group (St Luke’s Health, Police Health, GMHBA, Westfund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, see- u by HBF (previously CUA) , AIA Health, Mildura Health, Teachers Union Health, Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health and Unihealth)
Specialised Training
  • Internal Family Systems Course ( with Derek Scott, CA)
  • Internal Family Systems ( intro to IFS- Simon D’Orsonga)
  • Intimacy From the Inside Out, IFS for couples (IFIO- Courage and
    Compassion in Couples Therapy) by Liz Phillips
  • Healing The Fragmented Selves: Trauma-Informed Treatment by Dr Janina
    Fisher
  • Specialised Training – 6-month training in Couples Therapy by Relationship
    Australia.
  • The Relational Life Therapy for Couples (level 1 and 2) by Terry Real
  • Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) by Stan Tatkin
  • Psychosomatic Therapy workshop by Pat Ogden
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy by Dr. S. Johnson
  • Desire Discrepancy by Martha Kauppi
  • Sex and Relationships by Barry McCarthy
  • The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, by Dr. Elly Bader and Peter
    Pearson
  • Collaborative Couple Therapy – Turning Fights into Intimate Conversations by
    Dan Wile
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), by Rus Harris
  • Depression, Anxiety and the Brain by Margaret Wehrenberg
  • Loss and Grief by Christopher Hall
  • Applying Counselling and Therapeutic skills – Addictions Training
Areas of Interest
  • Couples from all ages and sex orientation
  • Communication breakdowns & recurring conflicts
  • Rebuilding trust after infidelity or betrayal
  • Intimacy & sexual concerns
  • Parenting, co-parenting & blended family challenges
  • Navigating major life transitions
  • Non-monogamous relationship dynamics
  • Co-dependency & attachment wounds
  • Pre-marriage counselling
  • Stress, Anxiety, Depression
  • Anger and other difficult emotions management
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma
  • Self esteem
  • Extended families / in-laws
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Addictive behaviours
Types of Therapy (Modalities)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO- IFS for Couples Therapy)
  • The Relational Life Therapy, RLT
  • Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy ( PACT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy, (EFT)
  • Attachment- Based and Somatic techniques
  • Gottman Method
  • Trauma-Informed and Strength-Based Practices
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-based techniques
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
About Marlena

With over 25 years of experience, Marlena brings both professional expertise and life wisdom to her practice. She welcomes every part of her clients with care and curiosity, no matter how complex or difficult those parts may feel. Her approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based, non-pathologizing model that fosters deep self-understanding and transformation.

Marlena takes a warm, empathic, and non-judgmental approach to therapy, creating a safe and supportive space for individuals and couples to heal, grow, and strengthen their relationships. She feels deeply honoured when clients share their vulnerable and sensitive parts, working together toward healing and transformation.

With her authentic and curious style, Marlena encourages self-exploration, and facilitates meaningful relationship repair. Whether clients are struggling with disconnection, communication, trust, intimacy, or navigating major life transitions, she guides them with compassion and respect.

Her work helps individuals and couples gain insight into their most challenging emotions and relational dynamics. Through exploring difficult feelings and recurring patterns with curiosity, clients cultivate emotional safety, deepen connection, and
create lasting change. Individuals develop greater self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and emotional well-being, while couples rediscover their bond, heal past wounds, and build the tools for a resilient future.

Passionate about inclusivity, Marlena creates a respectful and affirming space where all individuals and couples feel valued, seen, and supported. She welcomes people of all genders, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, honouring their unique
identities and challenges. Whether clients seek to strengthen their relationships, feel more at ease within themselves, manage intense emotions, or heal past wounds, she is committed to guiding them toward a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Marlena is bilingual and can counsel in both English and Polish.

She is a registered Medicare Provider

Hart Centre located in Melbourne CBD, VIC

Ready to book with Marlena?

Accredited Social Worker and Counsellor Melbourne CBD


Or call us at 1300 830 552

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We’ll schedule your session and handle all the details so that you can focus on feeling better. Our dedicated support team is available daily to help with anything you need.


Learn more about Marlena
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More about Marlena

How many years counselling experience do you have?

Over 25+ years.

Parking & Accessibility

Several parking stations in the vicinity; street parking is 1 hour.

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Why choose The Hart Centre for therapy?

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  • Expert-vetted therapists

    We only work with the best. All Hart Centre therapists go through a rigorous vetting process that includes ongoing training and continuous feedback monitoring from our clients.

  • Unrivaled matching process

    We get to know what’s important to you. From your schedule and budget, to your preferences on counselling styles, we take extraordinary care to match you with a therapist that truly understands your needs and fits into your busy life.

  • Satisfaction guaranteed

    We proudly offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If we match you with a therapist that you don't feel is the right fit after the first session, we'll rematch you and cover the cost of your next session, so you're not out of pocket.