Roberta Mantineo

Counsellor & Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Therapist for Children, Adults & Families

Philosophy

I believe that within each of us lies an inherent capacity to heal. Whether we’re navigating the effects of trauma, stress, grief, or the emotional complexities of everyday life, the body holds both the memory of our experience and the potential for recovery. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it unfolds when we are met with genuine safety, empathy, and presence.

In my work as a therapist, I support clients to reconnect with their inner resources, to come back into relationship with their bodies, and to gently move toward a greater sense of calm, resilience, and wholeness. I don’t see therapy as “fixing” what’s broken, but as creating the conditions where people can feel more connected to themselves, more grounded in their experience, and more empowered in their lives.

My own journey with Somatic Experiencing has been profoundly meaningful. It has taught me to slow down, listen deeply to my body’s wisdom, and meet life’s challenges with greater ease and presence. Through this work, I’ve come to appreciate the simple but powerful qualities of mindfulness, connection, and being fully present in the moment. I bring this sense of calm vitality and openness into every session I share with clients.

As a therapist, I am deeply committed to ongoing self-reflection and learning. Taking time to pause and check in with my own experience allows me to show up fully, with clarity and compassion, for those I work with. I believe that when therapists are honest about their own growth and vulnerabilities, it creates a more genuine and healing connection.

Ultimately, therapy is a collaborative journey. I walk alongside my clients with kindness and patience, offering a safe space to explore, heal, and reconnect with the inner resources that foster resilience and wellbeing.

Therapeutic Approach

My work integrates Somatic Experiencing (SE) with counselling, attachment-based practice, and family systems principles, depending on the individual needs of each client. I offer a gentle, relational, and body-based approach to working with both children and adults.

With children, my focus is on creating emotional safety and helping them develop skills in regulation, resilience, and self-expression. I work closely with caregivers, families, and schools to support consistency and connection in a child’s wider environment.

With adults, my work often involves exploring the effects of early experiences, managing current stress and anxiety, and supporting nervous system regulation following trauma, grief, burnout, or life transitions. Somatic Experiencing is particularly helpful for people who find talking difficult or who feel stuck in repeating patterns despite insight or previous therapy.

Whether I’m working with a young child or an adult client, my practice is always grounded in respect, curiosity, and care. I aim to meet people where they are, and to walk alongside them as they explore what healing might look like in their own lives.

Areas of Interest

• Childhood emotional and behavioural challenges

• Parent-child relationships and attachment repair

• Trauma and complex trauma recovery

• Grief and loss

• Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm

• Nervous system dysregulation

• Support for neurodivergent children and adults

• Rebuilding a sense of self and creativity after burnout or disconnection

Professional Background

I began my career in education, supporting children across various learning and behavioural needs for over 17 years. This work helped me develop a strong understanding of emotional development, neurodiversity, and the importance of feeling safe, seen, and supported.

Since moving into therapeutic work, I’ve worked in private practice and in school-based settings, including roles at Catholic Care Victoria. I now support children, adolescents, adults, and families through both in-person and body-based therapeutic sessions. I integrate talk therapy with Somatic Experiencing to support each client in a way that feels right for them.

Somatic work has been profoundly life-changing for me personally. It’s helped me reconnect with my own sense of vitality, creativity, and inner calm—qualities that I aim to bring into every session.