Relationship Psychologist in Brisbane
A nurturing space for you to uncover a full, joyful and meaningful life.
Are you ready to build stronger relationships, with yourself and others?
There are countless reasons we seek therapy: from feeling frustrated and anxious, to stuck and alone, or even feeling numb and closed down. Maybe you are struggling to: heal the past, manage difficult family or friendship dynamics, set or maintain personal boundaries, or navigate romantic tension.
At the heart of this all, the thread that binds these struggles together, is often relationships – whether that’s with yourself or others.
Now imagine being able to move through life grounded in who you are, with clarity, calm and connection. To be able to build relationships that sustain and nourish you. You don’t need years of therapy to get there – just intention, commitment and a compassionate guide.
“THE QUALITY OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS DETERMINES THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES”
Esther Perel
Pull up a seat, you’re welcome here
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are willing to look inward, take accountability, and engage in a collaborative process of change.
Everyone is welcome here. I work with heterosexual and LGBTQI+ individuals, couples and families – recognising both the shared challenges we all face in relationships, as well as the unique experiences shaped by culture, age, background, sexuality and belief systems.
While we all have common threads, every story is different, and I’m here to meet you with sensitivity, respect, and understanding—wherever you’re starting from.
Here are some of the challenges I see…
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Frustration or feeling unheard in your relationships
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Feeling exhausted and rundown
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A tendency to give too much without feeling valued in return
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A deep sense of loneliness, even around others
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Difficulties building a strong sense of belonging
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Struggles to create mutually satisfying connections
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Challenges with self-esteem, depression or anxiety
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Grieving a loss or navigating unresolved trauma
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Coping with ongoing stress that affects your physical and emotional wellbeing
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Getting caught up in Blame and Shame dynamics
Discover meaningful change through relationship-based therapy
At Heart Sense Psychology, I take a holistic and relational approach to therapy, helping you create meaningful and lasting change by first understanding your relationships – both with yourself and with others.
Rather than focusing solely on symptom management or applying one-size-fits-all strategies, we begin with connection. Because real growth happens when you feel seen, understood and in charge of your own journey.
Together, we'll focus on the changes you can make (not the ones you can't control) so you can move forward with clarity, agency and compassion.
Through this gentle growth-oriented approach, you can:
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Rediscover a sense of peace and belonging
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Find deeper internal alignment
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Build mutually satisfying relationships
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Feel truly seen, heard and validated
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Release old patterns and limitations
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Make conscious and empowering choices
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Step into your most authentic self
My approach to psychology
I believe good therapy should be respectful and non-judgmental. It should feel real, inherently human, and safe enough for both laughter and tears to exist in the same session.
Importantly, I’m not here to ‘fix’ you or offer one-size-fits-all advice. I’ll walk alongside you, supporting you as you explore, heal and transform. Because building meaningful relationships requires a clear roadmap — one that begins with understanding where you’ve been, where you are now and where you want to go.
Hi, I’m Dr Sonja Mahs, Relationship Psychologist in Brisbane
My big belief: Therapy should be real, lively and transformative.
First of all, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. I’ve been working as a Psychologist since 2000, supporting people through a range of emotional and relational challenges. Over the years, I’ve developed invaluable experience and wisdom. I’ve learned that what’s left unsaid can speak just as loudly as what’s shared. So whatever you’re carrying, know that you’ll be met with respect, curiosity and care.
Outside of work, I prioritise the foundations of a healthy and well-lived life: movement, mindfulness and nourishing myself with good food and connection. You’ll often find me wearing bright colours and bringing my most authentic self into the world – because I believe that if I can live this way, you can, too.
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B.A; Grad Dip Psych; Grad Dip Clin. Drug Dep; Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
In 2016, I completed my Clinical Psychology endorsement, deepening my specialisation in supporting people through meaningful, lasting change. My therapy toolkit is grounded in attachment theory and neuroscience, nervous system arousal, somatic therapy, body-based awareness, positive psychology, nonviolent communication principles and cognitive-based therapies. Finally, I’m trained in the PACT model of couple therapy (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy).
I’m registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Association (AHPRA) and endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist by Medicare.
Ready to work with me?
I work in Brisbane, Australia in a dual occupancy space in Greenslopes. I also work limited hours out of Camp Hill Health Care. I take a playful and interactive approach to therapy, so I’m predominantly available for in-person sessions. However, I also offer online telehealth appointments (individuals only).
Clinic Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:30am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 1:00pm
Let’s work together toward a more grounded, connected and authentic you
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New client? Book a discovery call.
Let’s get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.
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Returning client? Book your consultation.
I offer one hour sessions for individuals and two hour sessions for couples or two people who want to work on their relationship issues, together.