Ilana Laps Counselling & Pyschotherapy

Welcome...

My name is Ilana Laps and for a decade I've been a passionate Melbourne counsellor in private practice. With broad training and life experiences spanning eight countries, no matter your personal issue or background, a Counselling or Psychotherapy session with me is just what you need.

Using a combination of Western and Eastern psychology, Ilana can help you to attain emotional clarity, to rise up and to experience more of your human potential. This is powerful work and is recommended for people of all ages who are ready to make a real change. So if you feel unable to live a full and meaningful life, then just give me a call today and we'll organise your next session!

Services On Offer

• Person Centered Psychotherapy
• Emotional Focused Therapy
• Existentialist Counselling
• Jungian Analysis
• Transpersonal Counselling
• Relationship Counselling

A range of Workshops and sessions are also available and are perfect for people of all ages to enjoy. To find out more information just click here or send us a message instantly by clicking on the 'Make an Enquiry' button below.

About Me - Ilana Laps

I have spent over 17 years studying human and cultural dymanics. Early on, I discovered that psychological processes obey an underlying emotional logic, which is stored in the body as energy. I became fascinated with modern and ancient techniques for healing these hidden emotions we carry deep inside ourselves.

My commitment to psychotherapy is powered by one core belief: that becoming self-aware and discovering your own true nature is the great opportunity of your life.

Western Training Meets Eastern Philosophy:
After growing up in Australia, I spent many years studying, working and traveling abroad. While at the University of Toronto, I attended courses in Psychology, Philosophy and Literature. Relocating to London, I completed a BA in Literature (Hons) from the University of London. I went on to complete a specialised MA from New York University's school of Culture, Education & Human Development.

At that time New York was in the midst of the internet boom, and I launched a successful six-year corporate career working for Yahoo and R/GA. Literacy being a serious concern in Harlem's schools, I volunteered over eight years in New York City teaching children to read and write. Later, I started a freelance writing business called Freshly Squeezed Ideas.

In 2006 I underwent a major life transition, and my own healing journey began. I relocated to South-East Asia for three years where I was fortunate enough to learn from living masters of Buddhism, Taoism and Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism). Living in monasteries and jungles, studying in schools and temples, a more holistic view of myself had emerged.

Psychotherapy & Counselling:
In 2009, I returned to Melbourne to become a professional psychotherapist. I completed a Diploma at the Phoenix Institute with a special interest in Jungian Analysis, and received additional training in Existential Counselling, Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Sandplay. Currently, I'm undertaking an MA in Counselling and Human Services at La Trobe University.

I see my ongoing development as both a benefit and a responsibility of my profession. I travel nationally and internationally each year to meet with thought leaders and professionals in my field. I attend conferences and retreats for my own balance and growth.

Perhaps the most valuable thing I bring to my private and group work is my vast life experience, and the intensity, passion and empathy it has instilled in me. I never cease from exploring the human psyche, and my clients benefit from my thirst for knowledge.


Testimonials

"My first professional interaction with Ilana was in Feb 2011 when I attended her workshop. I was extremely impressed with not only her knowledge and experience, but also she how she facilitated. I began seeing Ilana for therapy soon after... She created a space where I was able to feel totally safe and supported. It is obvious Ilana is extremely passionate about what she does and really cares about helping others. Having also worked with people in a counselling capacity, I was impressed with Ilana's professional boundaries and high level of integrity. I saw Ilana weekly for approximately 6-months and believe she was instrumental in some extremely profound healing in my life."
- K.


"For many years I have struggled with depression. Recently, I was fortunate enough to undertake therapy with Ilana. I've never come across a counsellor who shows so much respect for the client and for the healing process. Her receptiveness and intuitive insight allowed me to explore and work through some extremely difficult aspects of my illness. Bringing a gentle wisdom to our sessions, Ilana creates a space where I can feel safe and heard."
- M.


"Ilana has a strong grounding in practical spirituality. I felt we were on the same page, and that I didn't need to educate her in my spiritual orientation. I knew from the onset that she held my best interests at heart, and felt very supported and accepted during some difficult processes."
- M.


"This is a special person with a special gift for healing. I am extremely grateful for my time spent with Ilana. The future looks different now."
- I.


"I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you so much for yesterday's workshop. I got so much out of it and it was a pleasure to meet you, who conveyed all this wonderful information with such grace and ease. I found you truly inspiring! ...It was as if a light had switched on, and my dreams, which for a long time have been largely forgotten and ignored, were clear and easier to recall. Just amazing! Please place me on your email list for future dream workshops and dream circles, as it was just such an enjoyable and enriching experience!"
- B.

"I am struggling to put into words what happened for me during the workshop as it was quite remarkable, and I doubt whether I can give justice to how amazing the day was for me. Ilana created a very comfortable and sacred space in which I felt very safe in journeying deeply into an area that has been calling me for some time. Her passion for this work is obvious. I was totally engaged for the entire workshop. I will be strongly recommending Dream Lab to anyone who is interested in understanding themselves better and will definitely be doing the whole workshop series."
- K.


"You are a healer, teacher and holder of sacred space. It's a true honor to walk this path with you."
- D.

"Ilana's workshop provided an excellent understanding of the science associated with dreaming, as well as theory about the meaning of dreams. In this way, it covered left and right brain approaches to dreaming and provided a whole approach to understanding dreams. So much information was covered that made me realize just how important and instructive dreams are and I was inspired to get back into looking into the 'evening mail' from my dreamscapes. The atmosphere was very warm and nurturing and encouraged exploration of dreams without ever being invasive. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and the entire experience. Thank you Ilana!"
- T.