MELBOURNE-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPIST, DREAM ANALYST & EDUCATOR

Real. Non-judgemental. Transformative.

Welcome, 
I’m Ilana Laps

A psychotherapist with over 15 years experience, and deep grounding in Eastern healing traditions.

My approach is warm, grounded, and emotionally honest.

I’ve learned from teachers and traditions around the world - studying in cities, working in clinics, and living in monasteries and jungles.

But most of what I’ve learned has come from sitting with my clients.

I believe therapy should feel real. Not clinical, not scripted. A place where you can bring your whole self; the grief, humour, rage, confusion, and be met with curiosity and care. 

Book your free intro call →

Real change reveals itself when we feel safe, seen and understood.

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Real change reveals itself when we feel safe, seen and understood. //

  • "Hollywood has the trainer to the stars and you are the therapist for the therapists. You should see the text messages I get from people after their sessions with you. Waxing lyrical. Of course! Now all my students also want your name (because I’m always banging on about how amazing my therapist is and how important it is to do your own therapy)"

  • "I can’t thank you enough for your time and wisdom this year. I feel like I finally found someone to talk to who relates on many levels. I’ve grown as a person from our work this year and I’m very very appreciative of our relationship. Thank you."

  • "You are a special person and gifted healer with the ability to get to the very core of a person. You created a space of trust, respect and caring between us that will endure. I hope our paths will intersect again as they have done before."

  • "Wow! I feel like a revelation has been made about another facet of myself that I have been touched out of since I was a teenager… ! It feels so right and has me connecting dots everywhere! Thank you!"

My Approach

Meeting at Depth

My approach gently and intentionally engages the unconscious, making this deep, transformative work. Recommended for those who feel ready for change.

I offer a space where you can exhale—where there’s no need to perform, explain, or hold it all together. A space that is warm, grounded, and emotionally honest. I believe we need more than coping strategies from therapy.  It’s not too much to ask to feel seen  and understood.

Together, we’ll turn toward what matters most: the need for safe connection, the alchemy of grief, and the unexpected growth that can follow pain. Slowly and steadily, we’ll clear the way for a life shaped by meaning, purpose, and presence.

Book your intro call →

How Therapy Works

Reach out

Book a short discovery call and let’s feel for that fit. There’s no pressure. Just a first step.

Begin where you are

Sessions are available online or in person. You don’t need to have the words. It’s okay to begin where you are.

Connection & Deepening

Clients often describe feeling lighter, clearer, more connected. We let things unfold, everyone’s journey is unique.

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What you will find here

  • A space without judgment

  • Clarity around emotional patterns

  • An unrushed space for grief

  • Support through identity shifts, such as motherhood, bereavement and social displacement 

  • Permission to speak the unspoken

  • A space grounded in care, not scripts

  • A connection to something deeper

  • Dreamwork, if you're curious

  • Focused on meaning, not just symptoms

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FAQS.

Questions you might have.

  • Possibly. Some clients claim under extras – check with your provider to see if you’re eligible.

  • Sometimes, yes. But you can still book a free 15-minute intro call to stay connected and express interest.

  • Start by booking a free 15-minute intro call. From there, Ilana will guide you through the next steps.

  • Ilana blends depth psychology, embodied awareness, and a soulful, non-judgemental presence. You’re not here to be fixed. You’re here to remember who you are, make meaning of your journey so far, and remove blocks to building an authentic life rich with purpose and fewer regrets.

  • Counselling often focuses on specific issues in the short term. Psychology usually involves structured, clinical approaches and can include Medicare rebates. Psychotherapy is more relational and long-term, looking at patterns, meaning, and the deeper layers of change. My work is psychotherapy — warm, grounded, and transformative.

  • That’s a common experience. The right fit between therapist and client makes a big difference. Ilana’s approach is relational and paced to you — not a set method or quick fix. Many clients who felt stuck elsewhere find this way of working helps them go deeper and finally create lasting change.

  • That’s okay. You don’t need a plan. We start with where you are now, and explore gently from there.

  • Not at all. Dreamwork is always optional. Some clients love it, others prefer to focus on what’s happening in daily life. We follow what feels most alive for you.

  • No, psychotherapy isn’t eligible for a Medicare rebate. If you have private health cover, rebates may be available. Because we aren’t required to adhere to Medicare’s cognitive emphasis, Ilana is able to offer longer session times (60, 75 or 90 mins) and a more relational focus. Some clients find this to be a more personal and flexible experience.

Ready to Begin?

If you're looking for a safe, steady space to do honest work—this might be it.You don't need to be ready for everything. Just ready to begin.

Book your intro call →