‘Creating Space’ is the process of making room for growth, healing, and self-discovery — whether that means finding space for new perspectives, for self-compassion, for the difficult things that show up, or for meaningful change.

In therapy, the idea of creating space is central to many evidence-based approaches. It can refer to:

  • Emotional space: allowing individuals to acknowledge and process their feelings without judgement.

  • Psychological flexibility: stepping back from distressing thoughts to make room for more adaptive ways of thinking.

  • Compassionate self-acceptance: recognising struggle as part of the human experience and responding with kindness rather than judgment.

  • Safe and supportive therapeutic relationships: where clients feel heard, valued, and respected.

  • A neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach: recognising and honouring each person’s unique experiences and providing a space that is validating and inclusive.

  • A space for new ideas and meanings to emerge: helping clients explore fresh perspectives, redefine their experiences, and find new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them.

At Creating Space Psychology, our focus is not just on addressing difficulties but also acknowledging and leveraging personal strengths, in order to build lasting resilience, self-awareness, and a greater sense of agency.

Our Practice

Our Practitioners

Jessica Ekserdjian

Clinical Psychologist

(MPsych(Clin), Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology, BAppSc(Psych) (MAPS)

Jess (pronouns: she/her) is aware of the courage it takes to seek psychological support and feels privileged to work with clients to foster a safe, warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Jess has a broad spectrum of experience as a psychologist, working with clients across the lifespan within public and private systems, and in inpatient, outpatient, and outreach settings. She has extensive clinical experience in the provision of psychological assessment and treatment in both individual and group-based formats. Deeply committed to a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach to assessment and therapy, Jess ensures that her practice is inclusive, validating, and sensitive to the diverse experiences of her clients. She utilises a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) frameworks, as well as attachment-focused and compassion-focused therapies. She is also a board-approved clinical supervisor.

Jess accepts referrals for adults (18+) presenting with any of the following difficulties: mood disorders (depression and BPAD),  anxiety (general, social, panic, agoraphobia, OCD), alcohol and substance use problems, trauma (including PTSD and cPTSD), life stress and transitions, family violence, perfectionism, grief/bereavement, psychosis, personality disorders, occupational issues, behaviour change work, interpersonal/relationship issues, and issues impacting LGBTIQA+, first nations, neurodivergent, migrant, and disabled communities. Jess also completes comprehensive Autism assessments for adults using a Neurodiversity Affirming framework.

Believing that the therapeutic relationship is of paramount importance to therapeutic outcomes, Jess regularly checks in around whether the therapy and intervention is a good fit, setting and regularly evaluating goals with her clients to ensure the treatment is meeting their unique and important needs.

Jess offers appointments during and outside of business hours, available in-person at Beingwell Prahran or via telehealth.

Our Clinic

Our clinic is centrally located in Prahran within the welcoming Beingwell Healthcare practice. Designed to be a therapeutic and calming space, our clinic features plenty of greenery, a soothing atmosphere, and the convenience of an on-site café. Jess is dedicated to creating a comfortable environment and can modify the setup of the practice room to accommodate specific sensory needs. A variety of sensory items (such as fidget toys), are also available to support relaxation and focus during sessions.

Our Ethos

We believe that every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and equality. Our practice is committed to creating a space where all individuals feel seen, respected, and supported in their journey toward wellbeing.

Inclusive and Affirming. We provide affirming and inclusive care for individuals of all identities, including LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. We recognize that the intersection of identity, culture, and lived experience can shape mental health in complex ways, and we are committed to providing care that is tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Trauma-Informed. Our practice is grounded in trauma-informed principles, ensuring that therapy is a space of safety, empowerment, and collaboration. We understand the deep and lasting impact of trauma and work with clients at their own pace.

Emphasis on Empowerment. We believe that therapy should be empowering, not disempowering. Our goal is to equip clients with the tools, self-awareness, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges independently. In many ways, our success is measured by working ourselves out of a job — helping clients build the skills they need to thrive beyond the therapy room.