We're a Top 5 Finalist!
We're proud to announce that Watkins Therapy Group / UrSpace EAP has been named a Top 5 Finalist in the Professional Services Excellence category at the 2026 Frankston & Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards!

Donna Persichino

Counsellor

PACFA Registered Certified Practising Counsellor| Registration No. 33618

Location: Geelong, Victoria via Telehealth.

Eryka Rhodes<br />
Counsellor & Hypnotherapist - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, & Telehealth.
MeetDonna Persichino

Online Teen Counselling for Young People Aged 12 to 18

Donna is passionate about supporting young people aged 12 to 18 as they navigate the many challenges, changes and pressures that can come with adolescence. She brings a warm, calm and supportive approach to her work, helping young people feel safe, heard, understood and supported as they build confidence and develop a stronger sense of self.

With a background working in education with young people, Donna understands the impact that school, friendships, family relationships and personal expectations can have on emotional wellbeing. From managing homework, exams and academic expectations to navigating friendship groups, bullying, social media pressures, peer influence and worries about fitting in, Donna recognises that the teenage years can sometimes feel overwhelming.

She also understands that relationships can become increasingly complex during adolescence. Whether young people are experiencing friendship breakdowns, their first romantic relationships, conflict with parents or siblings, difficulties communicating their feelings, or uncertainty around identity and belonging, Donna provides a supportive space to explore these experiences without judgement.

After having her two children, Donna returned to study to complete her Bachelor of Counselling. This experience gave her a personal appreciation of the challenges involved in balancing family responsibilities, education, personal goals and everyday life commitments. She understands that life does not always follow a straightforward path and that managing competing expectations can require resilience, patience and support.

Using a person-centred approach, Donna works alongside young people to build self-awareness, develop practical coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation and grow their confidence. She believes every young person deserves to feel valued, understood and supported as they navigate challenges and discover their own strengths.

More about Donna

Outside of her work, Donna enjoys spending quality time with her family and making the most of life’s everyday moments. As a mum of two, family is an important part of her life, and she understands the value of finding time to connect, have fun and create lasting memories together.

Donna loves exploring new cafés, discovering new places, shopping and travelling whenever the opportunity arises. She enjoys getting out and experiencing new things, whether that’s visiting somewhere new, enjoying a relaxed day out or simply spending time with the people closest to her. She also enjoys getting outdoors and taking her much-loved Golden Groodle, Lola, for walks, appreciating the fresh air and the chance to unwind.

A passionate Carlton Blues supporter, Donna also loves the excitement and atmosphere of AFL football. Attending Carlton games with her daughters is something she particularly enjoys, sharing their love of the team and creating special memories along the way.

Donna values family, connection and maintaining a healthy balance between life’s responsibilities and the things that bring happiness. She believes in the importance of making time for yourself, nurturing relationships and enjoying the little things that make life meaningful.

Specialises in Adolescent Counselling for Young People Aged 12 to 18

Adolescent Counselling

Emotional Wellbeing & Self-Confidence

School, Family & Friendship Challenges

Practical Coping Strategies:

No referral needed. Book directly online at any time

Donna can be booked for Telehealth appointments, Australia-wide.

Our Therapists

Benjamin Watkins

Director & Principal Therapist

Location: Frankston, Victoria & Telehealth

Supports: Couples & Individuals aged 12+

Eryka Rhodes

Advanced Clinical Counsellor & Supervisor

Location: Frankston & Mt Eliza, Vic & Telehealth

Supports: Couples & Individuals aged 14+

 

Cayetana Arranz

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Telehealth. (South Australia)

Supports: Individuals aged 14+

Shaun Williams

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Melbourne, Victoria & Telehealth.

Specialises in: LGBTQ, Individuals aged 14+

Robin Pantours

Qualified Counsellor

Location: McCrae, Victoria & Telehealth.

Specialises in: Individuals aged 14+

Ellen Palmer

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Telehealth. (Fraser Coast Region, Qld)

Specialises in: Women, Individuals aged 14+

Joshua Cohen

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Frankston, Victoria & Telehealth

Specialises in: Neurodiversity, Men & Individuals aged 14+

Andrew Heggie

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Frankston, Victoria & Telehealth

Specialises in: Men & Individuals aged 12+

Portrait of Krista van Lunenburg, counsellor at Watkins Therapy Group

Krista Van Lunenburg

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Online Telehealth, Queanbeyan, NSW.

Specialises in: Anxiety, Stress & Life Transitions

Donna WTG Counsellor Online

Donna Persichino

Qualified Counsellor

Location: Geelong, Victoria, via Telehealth.

Specialises in: Donna sees youth aged 12- 18 exclusively.

Steph Hallaby

Executive Assistant to Benjamin Watkins & Emerging Counsellor

Location: Frankston, Victoria & Telehealth

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“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.”

– Matt Haig

Head Office 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston, Victoria 3199

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Bunurong people and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

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ABN: 37 826 814 954