Samantha Payne
Counsellor, Relationship Therapist
The Connection Room
Essendon, Melbourne VIC 3040
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Reaching out for counselling can feel like one of the hardest steps, so my priority is creating a space where you feel welcomed, respected and never judged. I have a particular passion for helping individuals and couples build stronger, healthier relationships through better communication, deeper understanding and emotional connection. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions or feeling overwhelmed, we’ll work together to understand what’s happening, identify unhelpful patterns and create meaningful change.
Using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, Person-Centred Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Gottman-informed relationship principles, I tailor each session to your unique needs. My hope is that you’ll leave each session feeling heard, supported and empowered to move forward with greater confidence and connection.
Background
Before establishing The Connection Room, I spent more than 25 years working in leadership, business ownership, mentoring and community service. Throughout my career I supported, guided and developed people through challenging situations, helping them build confidence, navigate change and strengthen relationships. My personal experiences of grief and anxiety, together with my passion for understanding human behaviour and connection, inspired me to retrain as a counsellor. Today, I combine my life experience with evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support individuals and couples in creating healthier relationships, improving communication, overcoming life’s challenges and building meaningful, lasting change.
Services
I provide counselling for individuals and couples in a warm, supportive and confidential environment where you can feel safe to explore whatever is happening in your life. I work with relationship challenges, communication difficulties, anxiety, grief, life transitions, self-esteem, stress and personal growth. Sessions are tailored to your unique needs using evidence-based approaches including Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Gottman-informed relationship principles. My focus is on helping you gain insight, strengthen resilience, improve relationships and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
Quality Provision
I am committed to providing ethical, compassionate and evidence-based counselling in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics. I participate in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure my practice remains current, safe and client-centred. Every client is treated with respect, dignity and without judgement.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Diploma of Counselling - 2026 - AIPC
- Gottman Level 1 and Level 2 - 2026 - Gottman Institute
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - Gottman Method - Marriage and Family - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Solution Oriented - Strengths-Based
Therapy Approach
I believe lasting change happens when people feel genuinely safe, heard and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to each individual or couple, recognising that every person’s story is unique. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we work together to understand the underlying patterns, emotions and experiences that influence your relationships, wellbeing and daily life. I integrate evidence-based approaches including Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Gottman-informed relationship principles to help clients strengthen communication, build emotional resilience, deepen connection and create meaningful, lasting change.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
Practice Locations
Suite 260, 59 Rose Street
Essendon VIC 3040
Appointments
Appointments are available for both in-person and online counselling. I offer flexible appointment times throughout the week, including daytime and selected evening sessions where available. Current availability can be viewed through my online booking system, or please contact me directly to discuss a suitable appointment time.
Fees & Insurance
Individual counselling: $120 Telehealth or $130 in person (50 mins). Couples counselling: $260 (60 mins). Medicare rebates are not available. A complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is available to discuss your needs and answer any questions.
Payment Options
A $50 deposit is required for individual in-person sessions and a $100 deposit for couples counselling. Telehealth sessions are payable in full at the time of booking. Secure online payments are accepted.
Contact Samantha
Please book online to make an appointment