The Bouverie Centre History

Origins (1956)

Our journey began as a small mental health service, known as the Collins Street Clinic, which operated as a parenting guidance clinic specialising in children and adolescents.

In 1956, the clinic relocated to Bouverie Street in Carlton and was renamed
The Bouverie Clinic.

Pioneering Family Therapy (1970s)

In the 1970s, under the direction of Dr Geoff Goding and inspired by international developments in family therapy, including the first International Family Therapy Conference, Bouverie shifted from a child psychiatry orientation to become the first family therapy centre in Australia.

Family Therapy Training (1981 - Present)

In 1981, supported by the Victorian Government, Bouverie initiated a two-year family therapy training program. This became the Mental Health Division Training Program in Family Therapy.

The Centre remains a state-funded training hub in family-inclusive practice, for mental health, alcohol and drug, and allied health workforces.

Relocations and Rebranding (1984 - 2025)

The Centre moved to Parkville and was renamed The Bouverie Family Therapy Centre in 1984, adding in 1996 the subtitle Victoria’s Family Institute. In 2007, Bouverie moved into its current home, a Victorian government–funded, purpose-built facility on Gardiner Street, Brunswick.

We are now (since 2025) known as The Bouverie Centre: Where Families Matter.

Partnership with La Trobe University (1996 – Present)

In 1996, with growing academic and research programs, Bouverie moved to La Trobe University and in 2019 became a designated Research Centre within the School of Psychology and Public Health. Here, Bouverie continues to partner with LTU to deliver graduate certificate programs and a master’s course in clinical family therapy.

First Nations Allyship (2006–Present)

Since 2006, Bouverie has delivered culturally-safe family therapy training for Indigenous workers. This program was the first of its kind and was recognised in 2012 as national best practice in Indigenous postgraduate education. Sixteen cohorts have since graduated from the Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations.

Our “Workin’ with the Mob” program continues to offer innovation in cross cultural knowledge sharing and family healing.

Today (2007 Onwards)

Bouverie is now a premier clinical, teaching, and research hub, operating across family therapy services, professional training, service development, and academic programs.

Today, Bouverie stands as Australia’s largest family therapy organisation, employing over 60 staff.