# Thelo Active Therapy

> Thelo Active Therapy combines Martial Arts and mainstream counselling/psychotherapy (Martial Arts Therapy — MAT) to build confidence, mental resilience, and physical wellbeing. Founded and run by Vickie Simos, Thelo works with children, teenagers, and adults, including neurodivergent individuals. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

## About

Thelo Active Therapy was founded by Vickie Simos (BA Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy & Counselling, Master of Counselling — University of Adelaide and Monash University). The name Thelo is an acronym: Teach, Help, Elevate, Lives, Organically.

Vickie is a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, personal trainer, martial artist, motivational speaker, and author. She holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Doce Pares Eskrima (Filipino stick fighting) and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Arjukanpo Karate. She has competed nationally and internationally, winning Silver at two World Stick Fighting Championships, Bronze at a World Championship, and Gold at the Pan Pacific Championships in New Zealand. Vickie has 30 years of martial arts training and 20 years as a personal trainer.

In 2017, Vickie published her memoir The Boxer Within (theboxerwithin.com), which reflects on her experiences with depression and anxiety and how martial arts helped her overcome them.

Vickie has been featured on ABC News Radio, 3AW, and Alive 90.5, and has appeared on podcasts including Thriving Minds, Roll with the Punches, and Off the Pitch. She has collaborated with the Black Dog Institute and been profiled in Neos Kosmos and other publications. She delivers workshops and presentations to schools, businesses, and community groups on resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

Vickie has over two decades of experience working with children, including programs with Melbourne Kids Developmental Services, Active After School communities, and volunteering with schools, Anglicare, and Pronia.

## What is Martial Arts Therapy (MAT)?

Martial Arts Therapy (MAT) uses martial arts as an alternative or complementary therapy for mental health challenges. It helps redirect aggression, build confidence, teach assertiveness, and support the setting and maintaining of personal boundaries. MAT is particularly effective for those with trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and low self-worth, as well as neurodivergent individuals (Autism, ADHD, PDA, ODD, and other learning difficulties).

The therapeutic process begins with talking, walking, and setting achievable goals, then gradually introduces martial arts techniques step by step. Each program is individually tailored — no two programs are the same.

## Services

- Psychotherapy / Counselling incorporating MAT — One-on-one sessions combining talk therapy with martial arts for mental health support. Offered in person or online.

- Holistic Development — Skill-focused martial arts training (Boxing, Kickboxing, Karate, Doce Pares Eskrima, Mindfulness) without a combative focus.

- Workshops — Custom workshops for workplaces and schools combining activities and therapies.

- Speaking Events — Vickie is available for speaking engagements on resilience, confidence, and mental health.

- Twelve Boxing Combos — A boxing workout program featuring up to 12 boxing combinations, available in 15, 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions.

### Session Pricing

Active Therapy (e.g. Martial Arts): 30min $50 / 45min $80 / 60min $100

Counselling: 60min $160

Combined Therapy (Martial Arts + Talk Therapy): 60min $180 / 90min $220

Sessions include a Mental Health Journal, stress ball, copy of The Boxer Within, one structured 15-minute weekly check-in call with Vickie, and 20% off Thelo merch.

### Who Thelo Serves

- Children, teenagers, and adults — including neurodivergent individuals

- Business leaders and managers — one-on-one and group counselling with fitness and martial arts

- Women — empowerment and rebuilding wellbeing

- Schools — expressive therapies, martial arts, and confidence-building for students and staff

- Athletes — navigating performance pressures and life after sport

‍ ‍

## Pages

- Home: https://www.theloactivetherapy.com

- About: https://www.theloactivetherapy.com/about

- Services: https://www.theloactivetherapy.com/services

- Articles: https://www.theloactivetherapy.com/articles