Dan Lobel

D.Couns., B.Couns., AC. Couns, MCouns.

‍ ‍dan@themelbournecounsellor.com.au

0467 477 786

Dan embodies a demeanour that is welcoming, empathic, embracing of diversity, with a profound respect for others.

He has extensive knowledge exploring the complexities of behavioural psychology.

Dan skilfully and compassionately navigates the complexities of human behaviour, human emotions and mental health.

Applying Contemporary Integrative Counselling methodologies in his therapeutic practice.

Dan's insights are sophisticated and viewed through an intricate comprehension of life experiences.


Dan’s Areas of Specialisation :

  • Money and emotions are deeply intertwined.

    Monetary Psychotherapy is intended for individuals who experience emotional and psychological stress related to financial matters.

    Financial behaviours develop over time, shaped by personal experiences, familial influences, and cultural contexts. 

    Each individual possesses a financial narrative, and it is essential to understand your own, the factors that contributed to its development and the underlying emotional & psychological factors influencing your financial behaviours.

    The emphasis of Monetary Psychotherapy lies in the ability to comprehend and navigate the emotional and psychological dimensions of an individual's relationship with money, facilitating the cultivation of a more constructive mindset and enabling more rational financial choices.

    In the world of finance, significant attention is given to financial literacy and financial planning. 

    However, there is a notable lack of exploration into how an individual's emotions influence their financial behaviours.

    Financial Independence, Financial Caregiving, Financial Compatibility, Financial Infidelity, Financial Control, Financial Exploitation are essential concepts with which we must all become well-acquainted.

    Monetary Psychotherapy differs from the roles of a financial advisor or financial counsellor, as it does not involve providing financial and investment advice.


  • Trauma counselling, also referred to as trauma therapy, facilitates the exploration, processing and healing of psychological and emotional repercussions stemming from past traumatic experiences.

    Trauma counsellors facilitate a safe environment for individuals to articulate their experiences, ensuring they are received with understanding rather than judgement or dismissal. Methodically and cautiously delving into their recollections of the distressing incident, enabling them to fully comprehend their experiences and emotions.

    The objective is to assist individuals in reclaiming a sense of autonomy, controlling their nervous system, and nurturing adaptive coping strategies. Restoring their dignity and developing post-traumatic growth, thereby fostering an innate feeling of resilience and empowerment.

    Dan provides a safe, confidential space that allows people to contemplate their past experiences at their own pace, gain understanding of their emotions and associated behaviours, and develop effective coping mechanisms.

  • Grief is a normal reaction to loss, especially the death of a loved one. It includes a wide spectrum of emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural responses. Understanding grief's multidimensional character and using supportive measures may help people navigate this difficult life journey.
    Emotional reactions of grief may be: sadness, despair, anger, frustration, guilt, regret, anxiety and fear.
    Physical reactions of grief may be: fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, somatic symptoms.
    Cognitive reactions of grief may be: disbelief, denial, confusion, preoccupation.
    Behavioural reactions of grief may be: social withdrawal, changes in routine, searching.
    Grief counseling may be quite effective when dealing with the wide spectrum of grieving feelings.

    The experience of losing a loved one, regardless of whether the departure is abrupt or foreseen, presents a significant and complex challenge.

    Professional grief counselling offers a nurturing and empathetic setting, allowing individuals to navigate their emotions and develop approaches to manage their loss.

    Dan's professional expertise, combined with his personal experiences and background in grief counselling, can play a vital role in guiding individuals towards a sense of regularity and peace of mind, particularly when their sorrow feels overwhelming. Dan can provide you skills and methods to help you mourn in your own manner and at your own pace while working through your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. There is no timetable for grieving.

  • Across cultures, societies, generations and communities, Family Structures can exhibit a significant degree of variation. Examples of family structures include nuclear, combined, extended, single-parent, step-family, divorced, childless, same-sex, foster, and grandparent arrangements.

    Intra family dynamics refers to the complex interactions, relationships, and patterns of behavior that occur within any particular family unit. These dynamics can involve various aspects such as communication styles, power structures, roles and responsibilities, money dynamics, conflict resolution methods, and emotional connections among family members.

    Fairness: The perception of fairness in family units is subjective and often results in conflicts if not openly and honestly discussed.

    Close relationships are often a source of profound joy and happiness. Unfortunately, even the most close of relationships may involve conflict, stress, and alienation. A dispute is a disagreement, conflict, or argument between two or more parties or individuals, typically arising from differences in opinions, interests, rights, or claims.

    Disputes can occur in various contexts, including legal, business, family, personal, or interpersonal relationships. They often require resolution or negotiation to reach a mutually acceptable outcome or resolution.

    Internal family disputes can involve issues related to raising children, relationships, contracts, property, finances, interpersonal conflicts, legal matters, and more. They may be resolved through counselling, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or legal proceedings, depending on the nature and complexity of the dispute.

    Dan works with you to untangle the complex networks of behavioural patterns, history, emotions, personal characteristics and expectations that are often at the cause of the disputes.

  • Anxiety/Depression: Different periods of life often bring about existential questions and transitions, which can contribute to mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression.

    Depression represents a condition that can hinder an individual's capacity to navigate life.  Identifying the indicators of depression is an essential component in the process of addressing it effectively. 

    Counselling for depression and anxiety represents a methodical and nurturing approach to therapy, designed to assist individuals in navigating  the multifaceted emotional, mental, and physical consequences of these conditions. It emphasises the exploration of underlying factors, the transformation of detrimental cognitive patterns, and the development of adaptive strategies.

    Working with an experienced mental health professional, whose deep understanding and perspective form the foundation for fostering a healthier and more resilient mindset, is crucial.  This type of professional guidance can significantly influence individuals in navigating a path towards well-being and fulfilment.

    In the context of Life’s Challenges, Dan is committed to be a beacon of support for you, a trusted guide through life’s transitions, helping you redefine priorities and discover new paths forward.

  • Guardianship of the Person is a legal arrangement in which the guardian is accountable for the personal care of an individual, which includes the decision-making process regarding living arrangements, healthcare, and daily activities.

    Guardian of Financial Affairs is responsible for the financial affairs of an individual, which encompasses handling income, managing assets, and paying expenses. The guardian of the Person and the guardian of Financial Affairs may or may not be the same individual. Each situation is unique, may be highly complicated and may depend on whether spouses, family members or any children, siblings or dependants are alive and involved in the person's life.

    The Mental Health of a guardian/carer is an important often overlooked consideration. Taking on the responsibility of caring for another individual can have significant emotional and psychological impacts.

    Emotional Burden: Guardians of family members may experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression related to the responsibility of making decisions for another person's well-being. 

    Social Isolation: Caregiving responsibilities can limit a guardian's ability to socialise and maintain connections with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. As a carer, learning how to care for yourself in such demanding circumstances is vital for maintaining positive physical and mental health.

    Dan offers carers and guardians a safe space to explore emotions, confront challenges and attempt to make sense of the many mixed emotions that may occur in a caring role which may or may not be a family member. Dan’s insight into Guardianship assists in the comprehension and identification of practical solutions during emotionally charged circumstances including elders with various physical and psychological ailments.


Dan’s contemporary integrative counselling employs a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to therapy, integrating various elements and modalities to adapt to a constantly evolving environment.

Dan has a person-centered, intuitive approach that places a great focus on candid communication accompanied by an acute empathy and profound awareness of people.

He promotes the importance of expressing feelings, fostering personal growth, addressing issues realistically, whilst always prioritising mental health.

Dan offers valuable insights, resources, and strategies to help you navigate obstacles associated with long-term emotional and psychological well-being.