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Melbourne
,
VIC
Funding options accepted:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Mindfulness-based therapy
Motivational interviewing
Solution-Focused Approach
Narrative Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy

Arlene Diston

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Arlene Diston is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Counsellor and Psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience supporting children, adolescents and adults across a broad range of mental health settings. She provides a warm, compassionate and practical approach, helping clients navigate life's challenges while building resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Professional summary

Arlene brings over 25 years of experience working across community mental health, crisis response, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), schools, universities, aged care, Child Safety and corporate settings. Her extensive experience enables her to support people across the lifespan, from adolescents experiencing school and family challenges through to adults managing workplace stress, life transitions and ongoing mental health concerns.

Her approach is person-centred, strengths-based and collaborative, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. Arlene works alongside clients to identify practical, manageable strategies that promote lasting change and improved wellbeing.

How

Arlene

can help

Arlene supports people experiencing:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression and mood disorders
  • Grief and loss
  • Neurodivergent support
  • Child and adolescent mental health
  • Workplace stress and burnout
  • Leadership and workplace challenges
  • Chronic pain
  • Student wellbeing
  • Life transitions and adjustment difficulties
  • Self-esteem and confidence concerns
  • Bullying and parent coaching

She has particular experience supporting adolescents with peer relationships, school refusal, family conflict, emotional regulation and coping skills, while also working with adults navigating workplace pressures and major life changes.

Therapeutic approach

Arlene tailors therapy to the individual, drawing on evidence-based approaches that recognise each person's strengths, goals and unique circumstances. She works collaboratively with clients to build practical skills, improve emotional wellbeing and develop sustainable coping strategies.

Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Qualification & accreditation

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
  • Master-qualified Mental Health Social Worker
  • Counsellor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Advanced training in Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
  • Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

Personal Approach

"I believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative and strengths-based, helping people discover practical ways to navigate life's challenges, build confidence and create meaningful, lasting change."

Why ASPL for social worker?

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. Information shared in sessions is confidential and handled in line with our privacy obligations. We will let you know in advance about the small number of circumstances where we are required to share information (for example, where there is risk of serious harm).

Are sessions in person or online?

Both. Telehealth is available across Australia. In-person sessions are available in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

You do not need a referral to book with us. A Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP may allow you to claim a Medicare rebate for sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. If you would like one, your GP can prepare it for you.

How much does a session cost?

Our session fees and current Medicare rebate amounts are available on our booking page. For some clients, seeing an AMHSW under Medicare may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Is this clinical care or wellbeing support?

This is social work support delivered within a supervised practice. Medicare-funded clinical care is available with our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. If you are looking for non-clinical wellbeing support, our Wellbeing Coaches sit in a separate service.

Is your social work support trauma-informed?

Yes. Our practice is trauma-informed and recovery-oriented. You are never pushed to share more than you are ready for, and we work with you at the pace that feels right.

What is the difference between a social worker and a psychologist?

Both can support people experiencing mental health challenges. Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare rebates may be available with eligible psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. A social worker often brings a particular strength in working with trauma, family and relationships, and in helping you navigate the systems and services around your situation. A psychologist often brings particular depth in diagnosis, assessment and structured therapy. We can help you think through which suits you best.