An abode is a place you return to. Somewhere that holds you, even when things feel unsettled.
In therapy, we often explore an inner sense of home - how you experience yourself, your emotions, and your patterns over time. We all carry an inner space shaped by experience, relationships, and the ways we’ve learned to cope.
For many people, that internal space can feel tense, cluttered, or unfamiliar, shaped by stress, relationships, and long-standing ways of coping.
Therapy creates room to step back, make sense of what’s happening, and gradually develop a steadier internal base from which to live and relate.
ABODE PSYCHOLOGY
Kristi Lynch
Psychologist
ABODE
In therapy, I focus on creating a steady, secure, grounded space - a psychological “abode”: a place where you can pause, reflect, and work through what’s been impacting your wellbeing.
My work is practical and evidence-based. I draw from therapeutic frameworks to help you understand what’s driving your symptoms, shift unhelpful patterns, and develop skills that support day-to-day stability.
Our work focuses on understanding patterns, regulating your nervous system, and developing practical strategies that support lasting change. Sessions move at a pace that feels safe and manageable. The aim is to help you build an internal sense of structure and steadiness - a more predictable place within yourself to return to when things feel overwhelming.
What to Expect
Therapy with me is calm, steady, and down-to-earth.
My goal is to help you understand what’s going on inside your mind without making things more complicated than they need to be.
Life gives us enough of that already.
I work collaboratively …….. which means we do this together.
You’re the expert on your life.
I’m here to help you make sense of the patterns, the reactions, and the “why did I do that?” moments that keep showing up.
Your First Session
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, and it’s completely normal to wonder what it will be like.
Sessions are shaped around your goals and what feels most important to you. Whether you’re continuing previous work or starting fresh, we’ll review your history, explore current symptoms, and develop a clear treatment plan together.
Even if you’ve worked with a psychologist before, we’ll take time to clarify your goals and establish a shared approach.
I draw from EFT, EMDR, ACT, Psychodynamic and trauma-informed practice.
Whatever is the best fit for you.
Sometimes knowing where and how to start feels overwhelming.
Together we build a toolbox of strategies that help you feel better, think more clearly, and shift patterns that aren’t working
Couples Therapy
Is Couples Therapy right for us?
Couples therapy can be helpful if it seems like you are ‘cycling’ in repeated patterns, struggling to communicate, or noticing growing distance or tension in your relationship. It can also support couples navigating trust issues, major life transitions, or the impact of stress on connection. You don’t need to be in crisis - many couples come to therapy simply wanting to understand each other better and strengthen their relationship before problems become more entrenched.
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My approach to couples therapy is grounded in emotional safety, clarity, and collaboration. I work with partners to understand the patterns that keep them stuck - whether that’s repeated conflict, communication breakdowns, emotional distance, or the impact of betrayal or unresolved hurt. Together, we explore how each partner’s history, needs, attachment styles and ways of coping shape the relationship dynamic. We explore building better connection and skills to manage difficult conversations.
Many couples today are navigating significant pressures. Work demands, financial stress, parenting, digital distraction, shifting roles, and limited time for connection can all strain even strong relationships. Over time, these stressors can make it harder to feel heard, understood, or emotionally close, and small issues can begin to feel overwhelming.
Sessions are structured but gentle. I help couples slow down reactive cycles, understand what’s happening beneath conflict, and develop clearer, more respectful ways of communicating. When trust has been compromised - including through infidelity or long-standing relational injuries - my approach focuses on rebuilding safety, honesty, and connection at a pace that feels contained and manageable.
The aim of couples therapy is not to assign blame, but to increase understanding, foster curiosity, strengthen emotional attunement, and support both partners in creating a relationship that feels more secure, responsive, and sustainable over time.
I work with people looking for support with…..
ADHD
Anxiety (social, public speaking, panic attacks , compulsions, avoidance, procrastination, perfectionism)
Couples Therapy
Depression and Mood Disorders
Disordered Eating and Body Image Struggles
Family Estrangement and Attachment Wounds
Grief, Loss, and Life Transitions
Loneliness
Navigating the Dating World
NDIS psychological support
Recovery from Divorce and Separation
Relationships
Self Esteem and Identity
Stress Management
Trauma and PTSD
WorkCover and Work-Related Injuries
Please note that Abode Psychology is unable to provide a crisis service. For 24-hour support, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee. Please be aware that rebates through Medicare or private health insurance are not available for cancelled or unattended appointments. This is to ensure that we have sufficient notice to offer this time to other clients also in need of support.
Book An Appointment Today
Taking care of your mental health and relationships has never been more important.
It’s time to create the life and relationships that you need
Many clients appreciate the warmth and ease of meeting from home- no travel, no rushing between appointments, just a quiet moment in your day to slow down and focus on yourself. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, living outside Melbourne, travelling, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space, Telehealth makes it easier to stay supported and connected.
All you need is a private spot, a device with a camera, and a steady internet connection.
Personalised, evidence-based support to help you understand your experiences, reduce distress, and create meaningful change in your life. A one-to-one space designed to help you understand your experiences, navigate challenges, and build skills that support emotional wellbeing. Sessions are tailored to your goals and guided by evidence-based approaches.
A supportive space to strengthen communication, repair trust, and rebuild connection. I work with couples navigating infidelity, communication issues, disconnection, and the challenges that affect closeness and understanding.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee. Please be aware that rebates through Medicare or private health insurance are not available for cancelled or unattended appointments. This is to ensure that we have sufficient notice to offer this time to other clients also in need of support.
Practical Information
This page covers some of the practical details about appointments, fees, Medicare rebates, and policies. If you’re unsure about anything or would like to talk it through before booking, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Sessions
Appointments are 50 minutes in duration.
Payment is required on the day of your booking and can be made via EFTPOS or credit card.
Your Medicare rebate will be processed by me on the day of your appointment
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you’re welcome to raise this with me - while I can’t always offer reduced fees, I’m open to discussing options where possible.
Appointments & Bookings
Appointments are available in person and via telehealth.
Bookings can be made through this website, and sessions are scheduled by appointment only.
Telehealth sessions are conducted via secure video and are suitable for many areas of concern. If you’re unsure whether telehealth is right for you, we can discuss this together.
Private Health
A partial rebate may be available through private health insurance such as BUPA.
It is important to contact your insurance provider to discuss whether your policy has psychological counselling extras. Rebates through private health insurance are not available on consultations where a Medicare rebate is being claimed.
Cancellations and Changes Policy
I understand that life happens and plans sometimes need to change.It’s OK to make changes to your appointment or re-schedule but if you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee. This is to ensure that we have sufficient notice to offer this time to other clients also in need of support.Please be aware that rebates through Medicare or private health insurance are not available for cancelled or unattended appointments.
Medicare
Many clients attend sessions using a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP under the Better Access initiative.
With a valid plan and referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate per session. Medicare rebates are processed after your session and deposited into your nominated bank account.
With a referral and Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare will rebate $96.65 per session, for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year.
MHCP-ED are available through your GP for Clients struggling with diagnosed Disordered Eating patterns - these sessions are rebated for upto 40 sessions per year
Three Medicare funded sessions per calendar year are available through your GP for pregnant women and new mothersPlease note:
Rebates are set by Medicare and subject to change.
A referral is required prior to your first Medicare-rebated session.
It’s your responsibility to check your remaining eligible sessions for the calendar year.
If you’re unsure whether Medicare applies to your situation, I’m happy to clarify this with you.
Confidentiality & Privacy
Your privacy and confidentiality are taken very seriously. What we discuss in sessions remains confidential, except in specific situations where there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose information, such as serious risk to you or others.
If you would like more detailed information, a full Privacy Policy is available on request.
Referrals
A referral is not required to book an appointment unless you are claiming a Medicare rebate.
Referrals are welcome from GPs, psychiatrists, and other health professionals, and self-referrals are also very welcome.
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Abode Psychology is located in Narm and acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we live. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. This land was never ceded.
Abode Psychology is an inclusive practice. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, bodies and abilities
