Dudley Benson, psychotherapist in Melbourne

Life can be tough…

… and there are times when we all need some help. Many people find therapy to be a powerful experience in rebuilding, and bringing about meaningful change. I'm a psychodynamic psychotherapist - this means that together, we work to understand how you move through the world, and who you are in relationship to yourself and others. What patterns and behaviours take place outside of your control or awareness? With care, we explore these ideas, look at the life you’ve lived, and imagine the life you want for yourself.

Is therapy right for you?

If you're experiencing any of the following challenges, we can chat about therapy together.

  • depression, anxiety or mood imbalance

  • loneliness, shame & isolation

  • grief & loss

  • a sense of feeling stuck, or ‘not myself’

  • difficulty in relationships

  • self-harm & suicidal ideation

  • conflicts with sexuality and/or gender dysphoria

  • childhood trauma

  • addiction & substance misuse

  • diagnosed disorders such as BPD & dissociation

The Conversational Model

My practice is based on the Conversational Model: a psychoanalysis-informed treatment with evidential success in working with a range of people and challenges. It's a warm, relaxed and highly-focused relational therapy in which we de-mystify and process your experience together.

Generative change doesn’t always come about through band-aid solutions or short-term techniques that some therapies offer. Conversational Model therapy works to bring about lasting insight, and is built on attachment, trauma, and self psychology theories, with a strong emphasis on relationship. Through a safe and trusting therapeutic connection, we can begin to ask ‘why’, and together understand and strengthen your core sense of self. The fruits of our work offer the deeper understanding you need to ‘be yourself’ and live well.

  • sessions are weekly, in-person or tele-health, for 50 minutes

  • sessions take place in Carlton, Melbourne

  • the setting is private, comfortable and close to public transport

  • fees: $140 per session. Though I don't offer a Medicare rebate, my ongoing fee is stable, no matter how many sessions we have. I try to keep this rate affordable, as I believe in accessible therapy

Be in touch

Let me know a little about what’s going on for you, and I’ll respond within a day or so.