Counselor, Social Worker and Therapist
I offer online EMDR therapy for adults across Australia, in English, Arabic or both. We begin with assessment and preparation before memory processing. I also offer couples therapy using the Gottman Method, with a separate four-session assessment.
You may be seeking support with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, stress, burnout, low self-esteem or relationship difficulties. Together, we explore how past experiences and current circumstances affect you, what you want to change, and whether EMDR is suitable. Assessment and preparation come before memory processing.
I am Michael Elwan, an Accredited Social Worker and Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Social Worker of the Year 2025. I am Perth-based and the Founder and Director of Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs). My background spans direct practice, peer support, supervision and senior management in mental health, psychosocial disability and suicide prevention. My work is also informed by lived experience of caregiving, migration and suicide bereavement.
I completed advanced EMDR training directly with Graham Taylor. My training includes structured case consultation. Training days were completed in October 2026; final case consultations are scheduled for November 2026. I am also a PhD candidate at Charles Sturt University, researching lived and living experience leadership in mental health.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed and culturally responsive. You can move between Arabic and English during your sessions. You do not need to choose one language for the whole appointment. We can also clarify words or expressions whose meaning matters to you.
I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work.
Couples therapy starts with four assessment appointments: 90 minutes together, one 60-minute individual appointment with each partner, then 60 minutes together for feedback. Between the first and second appointments, each partner completes the Gottman Relationship Checkup privately online. The questionnaire costs extra; I confirm the fee before purchase.
I do not provide individual therapy to either partner of a couple I see. The individual assessment appointments are part of couples work.
Couples therapy: https://www.lexs.com.au/online-therapy/couples
Alongside therapy, I provide social work supervision and lived experience leadership supervision, individually and in groups. Peer work supervision is available on enquiry. Organisations can commission training, workshops and consultancy.
All therapy appointments are online. No GP referral is required, and Medicare rebates are not available. Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants are welcome to enquire about suitability and funding arrangements. Please give at least 72 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.
Fees and appointments
Individual EMDR appointments are $150 for 60 minutes, including your first appointment. Assessment and preparation come before memory processing.
Couples therapy: the first appointment is $345 for 90 minutes with both partners. Follow-up appointments are $230 for 60 minutes.
You can pay for each appointment without buying a package.
You can book through www.lexs.com.au/bookings or email me with questions before booking.
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health (Credit) - Australian Catholic University in 2023
- Diploma in Psychology (Merit) - Austin Peay State University in 2023
- MicroMasters in Organisational Psychology (High Distinction) - University of Canterbury in 2023
- MicroMasters in Business Leadership (High Distinction) - University of Queensland in 2021
- Master of Social Work (Credit) - Specialisation: Counselling for Loss and Grief - University of New England in 2020
- MBA (Distinction) - Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK in 2014
- Bachelor of Commerce - Specialisation: Accounting - Alexandria University in 2008
