Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Happiness and Life, Our Focus
Life Focus was established in 1996 by Patricia Michalka and Donatus Michalka, a husband-and-wife team with over 45 years of combined experience in psychology and counselling. Our practice specialises in individual, couple, and family therapy, utilising evidence-based approaches such as Imago Relationship Therapy, Psychodrama, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. We are committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest advancements in therapeutic techniques. Our mission is to create emotionally safe environments where clients can explore challenges, gain self-awareness, and develop practical strategies for lasting change.With a focus on relationship healing and personal growth, we have supported thousands of individuals and families in Western Australia and beyond. Our expertise extends to corporate consulting, helping organisations foster productive workplaces. We prioritise client confidentiality, empathy, and tailored support to address diverse mental health and relational needs.
Services
Individual Counselling
Couple Counselling
Life Coaching
Family Therapy
Psychodrama Therapy
Trauma Therapy
Corporate Consulting
Midlife Coaching
Men's Counselling
Imago Relationship Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of combined experience in counselling and therapy.
- Certified in Imago Relationship Therapy and Psychodrama.
- Offer a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
- Experienced in both individual and couples counselling.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Associations and certifications
- Australian Psychological Society
- Association of Imago Relationship Therapy
- Psychodrama Association of Australia and New Zealand
What people say
Life-changing support
Empathetic and skilled therapists
Effective relationship strategies
Safe and non-judgmental environment
Profound healing outcomes
Services
Individual Counselling
Our individual counselling sessions provide a safe space to address mental health challenges, trauma, and personal growth. Using tailored approaches like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Trauma Therapy, we help clients gain self-awareness and develop coping strategies. With over 45 years of combined experience, our therapists ensure personalised care that fosters emotional resilience and lasting change.
Couple Counselling
Specialising in Imago Relationship Therapy, we help couples rebuild trust, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. Our evidence-based methods address issues like infidelity, communication breakdowns, and emotional disconnection. With a focus on creating emotional safety, we guide partners toward deeper intimacy and mutual understanding through structured, compassionate sessions.
Life Coaching
Life coaching empowers individuals to achieve goals in relationships, career, and personal growth. Using techniques like Neuro Linguistic Programming and mindfulness, we help clients overcome procrastination, build self-esteem, and create actionable plans. Our coaches, with decades of experience, provide accountability and support to unlock your full potential.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses conflicts in blended families, parent-child dynamics, and generational trauma. Utilising systemic approaches and Psychodrama, we foster healthier communication and resolve disputes. Our therapists, trained by leaders in family systems theory, help families create nurturing environments where all members feel valued and understood.
Trauma Therapy
Specialised trauma therapy integrates the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) and EMDR to heal complex trauma. Our certified practitioners use somatic and cognitive techniques to process distressing memories, reduce anxiety, and restore emotional stability. This neuroscience-backed approach bridges healing and spirituality for profound, lasting recovery.
People
Patricia Michalka
Counsellor & Author
Patricia Michalka is a certified Imago Relationship Therapist and Psychodramatist with over 35 years of experience. She co-authored 'Is It Me or My Hormones?' and specialises in midlife transitions, family therapy, and trauma recovery. Her compassionate approach empowers clients to rediscover self-worth and build fulfilling relationships.
Donatus Michalka
Psychologist & Coach
Donatus Michalka, a registered psychologist, has over 25 years of experience in corporate consulting and relationship therapy. Certified in Imago Therapy and Psychodrama, he helps men navigate modern challenges and supports businesses in creating productive workplaces. His work blends clinical expertise with practical life coaching strategies.
Questions
What types of issues can counselling address?
Counselling helps with relationship conflicts, mental health challenges, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, and family dynamics using evidence-based therapies.
Do I need a referral for counselling?
No referral is required, though a GP referral may allow access to Medicare rebates under the Better Access Mental Health Plan.
What is Imago Relationship Therapy?
Imago Therapy focuses on healing relationships through structured communication tools, addressing childhood influences and fostering emotional safety between partners.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes, sessions are confidential, with exceptions only for legal requirements or immediate safety risks as per ethical guidelines.
How long are counselling sessions?
Individual sessions are 60-75 minutes; couple sessions vary but typically last 90 minutes, with flexible options discussed during initial consultations.
Can I get a Medicare rebate?
Registered psychologists may offer Medicare rebates with a GP referral. Private health funds may also provide partial coverage for counselling services.
