Ripple Counselling Melbourne

Katalina Montaigue

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to share the weight? You’re in the right place.I’m Katalina, an integrative psychotherapist offering home visits, Walk & Talk Therapy (hello, fresh air!), or clinic sessions in Carlton.
My goal? To help you find clarity and resilience—without adding to the chaos.If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, let’s chat. I offer free 15-minute calls to see if we’re a good fit.

A little something About Me

Answering the call of kindred spirits.The seekers, the misfits, the ones who question 'why doesn't this feel right?

Letting gentle ripples of healing find their way to the corners of your being.

As an integrative psychotherapist:
I believe true healing happens when therapy adapts to you, not the other way around.
That’s why my practice extends beyond the traditional clinic walls. Whether we’re sitting in your living room during a home visit, walking side-by-side through nature, or meeting in my Carlton office, the space we create together becomes part of the therapeutic process itself. Different phases of life call for different approaches, and I’m here to honor that fluidity.When I’m not in sessions: you’ll find me on long walks (often pushing Charlie, my elderly dog, in his pram—his retirement plan is everything I aspire to), reading teen fiction without apology, because life's too short for performative reading preferences, and tending to my accidental tomato plants who stubbornly thrive while all but a few of my intentional sunflowers wither.I’m continually working toward my best self, while making peace with the version of me who shows up each day, including the one who gets unreasonably crabby when my chosen library workstation is unexpectedly closed. After all, growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, pram and all.

I’m here for everyone, but I have a soft spot for those kindred spirits who just need to move and play outside.

accessibility options

Walk & Talk
This is my personal preference wherever possible. As you can read below, the benefits of Walk & Talk are huge and I simply love the agency my clients can achieve by using nature and movement as their therapist.

Home Visits
Many therapists don't offer home visits. I for one would love nothing more than to meet you in the comfort of your home. This will also afford me greater insight into your daily life, rather than the tinny snapshot I get from clinic settings.

Clinic Setting
Wanting something more traditional?
I have a room at The Spring Clinic in Carlton on Sunday mornings.

Main tools of therapy

Creativity
We all know the power of creativity on the developing mind. The problem is, we seem to have forgotten that our minds don't just stop developing when turn eighteen.

Play
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."George Bernard Shaw

Think of the happiest people you know, are they serious adults? or do they still giggle like children when opportunity strikes?

Curiosity
Curiosity responds with a tilt of the head, a crinkle to our brow and a, "huh", when big emotions like anger arrives.
Unafraid, Curiosity instead asks Anger "Hi, what are you doing here? and what do you need?"

Walk & Talk Therapy

What is Walk & Talk Therapy?

Walk & Talk Therapy is exactly that, walking and talking in nature. The ebb and flow of conversation is met with the ebb and flow of walking pace, sometimes taking on a steep incline to meet the need for movement, other times stopping to admire a beautiful view or sitting in stillness on a bench. As a completely modifiable practice, calling on nearly any modality of psychotherapy and adapting for varying physical abilities, Walk & Talk Therapy has shown to be highly effective across a huge range of demographics. I’m here for everyone, but I have a soft spot for those kindred spirits who just need to move and play outside.

The Three key components of walk & talk therapy:

Nature
Connecting with our sense-of-self as it pertains to the environment around us, grounds our practice in something real. Conducting therapy in the natural environment, can help us bring our awareness to our present experience, which is a necessary tool for regulating the nervous system.

Movement
Moving our bodies releases endorphins, which help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve our sense of well-being. The rhythmic nature of walking also helps move things which are stuck, such as our thinking or emotions.

Talk Therapy
I studied talk therapy, because I believe in the power of human connection. Imagine telling someone about a hard experience and they stopped, looked at you, and validated your experience by saying simply: “thank you for sharing that with me”.

“Live your life to the fullest; and then, and only then, die. Don’t leave any unlived life behind." Irvin D Yalom

Getting to KNow eachother

Almost all therapists offer a free 15 minute introduction call.
I implore you to use it!
I hope to think most of us are invested in getting you matched with the right therapist, whether that's us or someone else.
Here is my recommendation:
Speak to three therapists before choosing one.

Pricing & Hours of Practice.

Pricing
50 minute session $125
Concession $80.

Practice Hours
8am – 8pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday.
(Sunday by Appointment )

Contact
Email:[email protected]
Phone: 0490 468 379

Confidentiality Policy

Purpose:
Ripple Counselling is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all clients in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). This policy outlines our approach to confidentiality within our Walk & Talk therapy model.Privacy in Sessions:All information shared during Walk & Talk therapy sessions remains confidential.Conversations will take place in discreet outdoor settings to minimize the risk of being overheard.Limits to Confidentiality:
Confidentiality may be breached only in the following circumstances:If there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.If there is a legal obligation to report (e.g., subpoena, mandatory reporting requirements).If child abuse or neglect is disclosed (as per mandatory reporting laws).With your written consent to share information with a specified third party (e.g., GP, psychiatrist).Secure Record-Keeping:Minimal session notes will be stored securely in compliance with privacy laws.Electronic records are password-protected, and physical documents are kept in a locked filing system.Third-Party Discussions:If sessions involve coordination with other professionals (with your consent), only necessary information will be shared.Unexpected Encounters:Due to the nature of Walk & Talk therapy, there is a possibility of being seen in public. Therapists will not acknowledge clients unless initiated by the client to maintain discretion.Client Rights:You may request access to your records at any time, subject to legal exceptions.Concerns about confidentiality can be discussed with your therapist or escalated to PACFA.