Our Team
of YOUth specialists
Elana Volanakis (she/her)
Hi I'm Elana, and I've been working with Young People for over a decade. I'm a PACFA registered Clinical Counsellor who specialises in working with young people.
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Read more about me below!
Elana's Story
Hi, I'm Elana and I have been working with young people for over ten years. I've always been passionate about helping young people and I think that comes from my own experiences growing up when mental health was much more stigmatised than it is today. I witnessed friends and family members struggle with mental health and not know how to get help or where to turn. Today, mental health stigma has definitely improved, but I still think we have a way to go.
Over the past decade I have met and worked with many different young people and communities. I have been so privileged to have had a glimpse into these young people's worlds, and they have taught me so much, but mostly, to be humble. I may specialise in youth mental health but I am not an expert in every individual's life. I believe that YOU are the expert in your own life, experiences and struggles.
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I have worked with youth in different capacities including; at headpace, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, homelessness services, and with remote and city-based First Nations communities. I have worn many hats as a counsellor, clinical manager, youth worker, service manager, and community development leader.
I'm a trained clinical counsellor specialising in young people and I studied a bachelor of arts-psychology with a diploma of education. I then went on to do my post-graduate diploma in Clinical Counselling specialising in child and adolescent counselling.
What is a session like?
Now that you've read the boring stuff, let's get to the interesting part - what are my sessions actually like?
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I believe that the therapeutic relationship is really important and so you can expect a lot of 'getting to know what makes you... you'. When appropriate, I find that humour is also really important and can actually make more difficult topics approachable and easier to talk about. Of course, there is a serious side and I tailor each session to the individual, using a range of therapy modalities (sometimes, more than one in a session) to help you through really difficult stuff. I also use different physical tools and like to be creative in this way, again, to suit your needs eg. videos, drawing, walk & talk etc.
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I think that it's really important to meet the client where they're at and I don't subscribe to a 'one size fits all' approach'. Full disclosure though - I do like to challenge you a little bit and am transparent with the fact that therapy isn't an easy journey, but one of the best steps you can take.
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Starting therapy with someone you don't know can be scary but I'm here to support you every step of the way!
What am I like?
I like to think I have a good sense of humour and love to have a laugh. I don't drink coffee which shocks a lot of people as I naturally have a lot of energy. But don't let that fool you.. I also love my sleep and I am not a morning person.
My hobbies include; listening to music, beach swims, reading a good book and walks with my mini Labradoodle, Banjo.
I am a huge advocate for marginalised communities including First Nations people, people who use AOD (alcohol and Other Drugs) and LGBTQIA+ communities. I have a sneaker obsession and my friends would say I have a big collection, but I could always add another pair (of course). I have a huge sweet tooth and my favourite food is ice-cream but I'm lactose intolerant - go figure!
Call, text, DM or email today!
Starting therapy can be nerve-wracking!
Let's have a chat so that I can answer any questions you may have and book you in.
0424 525 654
