Sterna is a warm, caring and compassionate therapist who works with both individuals and couples. She is passionate about helping her clients to overcome their challenges and to live more fulfilling lives, while offering a compassionate and comforting presence. Sterna works with clients from all walks of life struggling with a range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship issues. She has a special interest in working with clients who have experienced trauma, including childhood trauma, and relationship trauma, as well as individuals diagnosed with a range of disorders.

Sterna recognises that every individual is unique, and therefore requires a unique therapeutic approach. Sterna will take the time to discover your needs and goals in therapy, and then work with you to find the best treatment path to take together.
Sterna strives to create a relationship in which you feel safe, understood, and nurtured.

Sterna understands the uncertainty of contacting a therapist and how difficult that first step can be. As such, she generously offers a free 10 minute initial consultation by phone to ensure a good fit. I cannot speak highly enough of Sterna and her ability to develop an appropriate care plan that will best suit your needs and goals for managing your mental health. Sterna will honestly support you in a way that is objective, non-judgmental, confidential and compassionate.

– Zahava Karel
Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor
Monash University

Thanks Shterna and to the lovely ladies in the group for a wonderful session. For me these sessions provide a reset each week on how to put my best foot forward and apply techniques where I might be struggling. The wisdom and insights shared are truly so helpful.

– AW

Hi Shterna, I especially set time aside for this group, because the weekly sessions help me refocus on the importance of my relationship with my husband and relationships in general. The lessons slowly sink in each week. I have learnt to give others space, and respect and trust. Remembering to validate them is also valuable.

I particularly appreciate the group interaction. I can relate better to real life situations and am full of admiration for the honesty, effort, and commitment to making beautiful relationships displayed by the members of the group.

Thanks everyone.
– RM

Hi Shterna, thank you for your wonderful lecture I listened to yesterday. It helped me make an important decision to set personal boundaries for the better (my personal freedom). I feel so much better today. I hope you and your family have a beautiful and meaningful Pesach. NE

I’m married almost 22 years and I have never heard someone speak on this topic as well as you did – tznius, direct, to the point, with references, you said it the way it should be done. The kallah teachers today need to give over this info as well as you did! Keep up the great work. I was very pleased to attend your fantastic lecture. In fact, I would be delighted to hear you speak again whenever that may occur.

Fondly,
– Mrs. Toby Vogel

I was so inspired by your workshop. One of the areas that I find most important and well received is the area of intimacy, Your workshop was so well directed and in my opinion, an important one.

– Chana Epstein,
Sholom Bayis lecturer

Shternie has been the most outstanding teacher to me. She gave over the lessons so clearly and made the content so easy to grasp and relate to. I was really able to come away with so much. I could not have picked a better teacher than Shternie! She has given me the tools to embrace marriage and intimacy with a confidence.

Sincerely,
– Miriam Lieder

I just finished studying for my bridal (kallah) class with Mrs Shternie Althaus.

Firstly, Shternie gave the information over in a gentle and very real way.We learned together every Halacha (law) and the beautiful reasons behind “Family Purity.” I walked in skeptical, and I walked out with tears in my eyes. Shternie brings down all the information in a creative and very captivating way. I couldn’t get enough! I felt so inspired to keep this beautiful Mitzvah !

With much thanks, to the best teacher and a true example, Mrs Althaus.

Forever grateful,
– E.L.

Shternie’s lectures are consistently delivered with confidence, passion and enthusiasm. Her content is engaging and conveyed with extreme professionalism, ensuring a captivating experience. Her various yet unique choice of discussions ensures her listeners feel uplifted and inspired.

– Mrs Rebecca Seidman

Thank you Mrs Althaus for having given a lecture on family violence and in support of best functioning of marriages to a well both attended and engaged audience in Marysville on 22 January 2024. I and other attendees clearly much benefited from a well researched and discussed presentation.

– Mat Gelman, Psychiatrist

Sterna was empathetic, a good listener, communicator & provided some good strategies, ‘homework’ for my wife & I. She was also encouraging & supportive & showed that she was very knowledgeable in her field. We highly recommend Sterna for people who need some expert guidance moving forward in their relationships.

-MC