Midstream Counselling · Meet your therapist

Hello, I'm Elena Basova, a relationship counsellor.

Having lived across different countries before making Australia my home, I've come to value human connection deeply and understand how important relationships are to our sense of stability and belonging.

Since 2022, I have been supporting couples and individuals in navigating challenges and strengthening their relationships.

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Qualifications & Professional Background

Trained, registered and always learning.

Masterof CounsellingMonash University

ACARegistered memberReg. No. 27757

4+years in practiceRelationship counsellor since 2022

5evidence-informed approachesTailored to each person and couple

I hold a Master of Counselling from Monash University and am a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) (Registration No. 27757).

I have been working as a relationship counsellor since 2022, supporting individuals and couples through relationship challenges, emotional difficulties, and significant life transitions.

My approach is person-centred, integrative, and attachment-informed, drawing on principles and techniques from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Gottman-informed relationship counselling.

I tailor my approach to each individual or couple, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all path to meaningful change. I am committed to ongoing professional development and providing compassionate, evidence-informed support.

One integrative approach, shaped around you.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)Understanding the emotional cycle between partners and rebuilding a secure bond. Read more
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Making room for difficult feelings while moving towards what matters to you.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Noticing unhelpful thoughts and habits, and practising new ways to respond.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)Getting to know the different parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion.
Gottman-informed counsellingPractical, research-based tools for friendship, conflict and repair. Read more

Why "Midstream"?

Because life doesn't wait for calm waters.

At Midstream Counselling, we believe that support should meet you wherever you are: in the middle of life's challenges, transitions, endings and new beginnings.

You might be just starting your journey, learning to paddle in sync with someone you love. Or perhaps you've learned to paddle well together, but somewhere along the way, you've stopped looking at each other.

You might be navigating strong currents, feeling stuck, or struggling to find your direction. Perhaps you're swimming on your own, recovering after a relationship has ended. Perhaps your boat keeps sinking, and you're wondering why. Or maybe the thought of getting into the water again feels terrifying.

Wherever you are, Midstream Counselling meets you there.

You don't need to have everything figured out or wait for the waters to settle before seeking support. Whether the water is rough, still or foggy, we can slow down together, explore what's happening, find our bearings and discover a way forward.

The rapids, quiet bends, fog and calm places to land illustrated throughout this website are not a prescribed map of what every individual or couple goes through.

Your journey is your own. And counselling begins wherever you are.

In Doncaster VIC, easy to reach

450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108. About 20 minutes from the CBD with easy access to the Eastern Freeway. Nearby suburbs and getting here.

A calm, supportive space, for everyone

Adults 18+

I work with adults across all stages of life.

Couples

Support for couples of all kinds, including same-sex and transgender couples.

Individuals

Helping individuals navigate relationship challenges, separation, grief, mental health, and unhelpful coping patterns.

Moving forward, together.

Reach out to book a session or ask a question. Replies usually within one business day.

Book online

Location: 450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108
Hours: By appointment
ABN: 44 867 979 855
Phone: 03 9003 2595