Poncho Rivera-Pavon, integrative counsellor, Melbourne

A bit about me

Most people I work with have already spent a long time trying to sort this out on their own.

They've tried to understand it, push through it, or wait for it to pass. And yet nothing really changes.

Before training as a counsellor, I spent years working inside high-pressure environments, across professional services, coaching, and people-focused roles of all kinds. I've worked alongside people under pressure to perform, fit in, and keep it all together.

It's the reason this work makes sense to me.

  • Set boundaries without guilt or over-explaining

  • Express needs honestly, without second-guessing

  • Feel grounded, connected, and actually like yourself again

Working together helps you:

  • Regulate burnout, overthinking, and emotional reactions

  • Break patterns that keep repeating (even when you "know better")

  • Untangle your worth from what you produce, who you please, or what you've lost.

I'm Poncho.

I was born in Mexico and studied psychology, then moved to New Zealand, where I stayed for over ten years.

I worked in people-focused roles like training, coaching, and HR across environments ranging from hospitality to professional services. I've always been interested in why people do what they do.

While working, I trained as a counsellor across multiple therapeutic modalities and now work with clients across Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico from my private practice in Melbourne.

Trained counsellor. Accredited member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Certified somatic coach - Polyvagal-informed practitioner - EFIT Levels 1-2 - Embodied Processing (in progress)

My work draws from:

  • Attachment-based and emotionally focused approaches (EFIT)

  • Trauma-informed somatic and nervous system regulation

  • Evidence-based approaches such as: CBT, ACT, and Solution-focused Therapy.

I work integratively, tailoring my approach to your unique needs and style.

This is an affirming practice. LGBTQI+ clients are welcome.

Ready to figure it out?

Book a free intro call to see if it feels like a good fit.