About Peninsula MindCare
Counselling and Psychotherapy for the Mornington Peninsula Community
Established in 2025 by Stephen Pate, a long-time Mornington Peninsula practitioner, Peninsula MindCare was created as a natural extension of the care already provided for over a decade through Peninsula Acupuncture & Natural Medicine.
After supporting thousands of clients across the Peninsula with acupuncture and natural medicine, Stephen recognised that many physical health challenges were deeply connected with emotional and psychological wellbeing. Peninsula MindCare grew from that insight — a space dedicated to healing the mind as well as the body.
Our practice offers compassionate, professional counselling and psychotherapy in Mornington. We support people from Frankston to Portsea and across Victoria via telehealth, offering therapy in ways that feel natural and approachable — whether face-to-face, Telehealth Australia wide, or outdoors through Walk & Talk Therapy along the Mornington foreshore.
Our Counselling Philosopy
We believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and tailored to each individual. Every client’s experience is unique, and our role is to walk alongside you helping you make sense of what’s happening, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward what matters most.
Peninsula MindCare brings together skilled practitioners who share a common philosophy: to provide therapy that is grounded, respectful, and compassionate.
Peninsula MindCare Team
Stephen Pate - Psychotherapist & Counsellor
Stephen’s journey into counselling and psychotherapy began after many years of working in allied health. Having founded Peninsula Acupuncture & Natural Medicine in 2011, Stephen has supported thousands of clients in restoring physical health and balance.
His curiosity about the emotional roots of illness led him to complete a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Today, Stephen works with people from all walks of life, supporting clients experiencing anxiety, stress, grief, burnout, chronic illness, and life transitions.
Stephen is particularly drawn to working with:
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Men’s mental health and emotional expression
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Adolescents and teenagers, particularly around motivation, school stress, and identity
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Athletes and active individuals managing performance pressure or recovery from injury
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Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
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Burnout and life transitions
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Grief, loss, and adjustment
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Chronic pain and illness — exploring the mind-body connection
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Clients feeling stuck, disconnected, or searching for direction
Stephen’s style is empowering, collaborative, and compassionate, integrating a range of evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based practices.
Josie Bowe - Counsellor
Josie’s counselling philosophy is grounded in empathy, compassion, and collaboration. She believes every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, and that with the right support, healing and growth are always possible.
Drawing on her own lived experiences, Josie provides a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward wellbeing.
Her integrative approach combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
Josie is passionate about supporting individuals through a wide range of life experiences and emotional challenges. Her areas of focus include:
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Anxiety and depression, particularly in adolescents and young adults
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Identity, self-esteem, and confidence building
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Adolescent and youth wellbeing, including school stress, social pressures, and self-discovery
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Women’s mental health, including pregnancy, parenting, and menopause
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Relationship and family dynamics, communication, and conflict resolution
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Grief, loss, and adjustment
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Stress management and burnout
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Navigating major life transitions — study, work, parenting, or ageing
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Emotional regulation and resilience building
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Trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth
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Personal growth and meaning-making — supporting clients in finding direction and fulfilment
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Self-compassion and mindfulness-based approaches
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Positive psychology and strengths-based work — helping clients reconnect with their values, hope, and potential
Above all, Josie values the therapeutic relationship — ensuring every client feels seen, heard, and supported.
Our Mission
At Peninsula MindCare, our mission is to offer meaningful, person-centred therapy that meets clients where they are — emotionally, physically, and practically.
We recognise that everyone’s needs are different. For some, therapy may be short-term and focused, providing support during a specific challenge or life transition. For others, it can be a more in-depth and ongoing process, exploring long-standing patterns and deeper emotional growth.
Whether through counselling, psychotherapy, or Walk & Talk sessions in nature, we aim to help clients develop emotional awareness, resilience, and a greater sense of balance in life