Culturally Sensitive Counselling in Brunswick East, VIC
If you are interested in working with me, you can expect a supportive, culturally sensitive and collaborative space for yourself, grounded in warmth and curiousity.
I work as a clinical psychologist and practice upon a foundation of empathy and authenticity. To embrace vulnerability is terrifying, so I prioritise creating a supportive safe space with my clients to move towards recovery goals. I am passionate about shifting the ‘hush-hush’ discourse around vulnerabilities with mental health, and empowering individuals to embrace the human nature to experience difficulties.
If you are interested in working with me, you can expect a supportive, culturally sensitive and collaborative space for yourself, grounded in warmth and curiousity.
I work as a clinical psychologist and practice upon a foundation of empathy and authenticity. To embrace vulnerability is terrifying, so I prioritise creating a supportive safe space with my clients to move towards recovery goals. I am passionate about shifting the ‘hush-hush’ discourse around vulnerabilities with mental health, and empowering individuals to embrace the human nature to experience difficulties.
Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 15 years of experience in counselling, coaching, and rehabilitation, I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. I believe in the power of a holistic approach—focusing on mind, intuition, and overall wellbeing—to help you regain control and discover solutions that resonate with your values and strengths. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, career transitions, or personal growth, I am here to listen deeply and work alongside you and provide the guidance and support needed.
Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 15 years of experience in counselling, coaching, and rehabilitation, I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. I believe in the power of a holistic approach—focusing on mind, intuition, and overall wellbeing—to help you regain control and discover solutions that resonate with your values and strengths. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, career transitions, or personal growth, I am here to listen deeply and work alongside you and provide the guidance and support needed.
People come to see me for a lot of different reasons. For instance, you might be experiencing depression or anxiety, having relationship difficulties (whether you're single or partnered), going through a major life transition or loss, or wondering about the overall direction of your life. You may have a sense that there's something more to life -- that you could be living a richer life, and thriving more than you are right now. I'm here to support you and examine what's working and not, whether you're seeking a major transformation, or simply a deeper understanding of your life patterns.
People come to see me for a lot of different reasons. For instance, you might be experiencing depression or anxiety, having relationship difficulties (whether you're single or partnered), going through a major life transition or loss, or wondering about the overall direction of your life. You may have a sense that there's something more to life -- that you could be living a richer life, and thriving more than you are right now. I'm here to support you and examine what's working and not, whether you're seeking a major transformation, or simply a deeper understanding of your life patterns.
I am a creative arts psychotherapist and social worker with 10+ years experience in mental health and community-based settings. My passion lies in supporting people who are looking to feel more pleasure, wholeness and connection within themselves and in relationships. I utilise a range of theories and approaches, and work in collaboration with you to find what best fits your needs. I am particularly interested in creative, somatic and movement-based therapies to foster safety, curiosity, playfulness, and self expression. My practice is trauma sensitive, sex work inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. All relationship structures welcome.
I am a creative arts psychotherapist and social worker with 10+ years experience in mental health and community-based settings. My passion lies in supporting people who are looking to feel more pleasure, wholeness and connection within themselves and in relationships. I utilise a range of theories and approaches, and work in collaboration with you to find what best fits your needs. I am particularly interested in creative, somatic and movement-based therapies to foster safety, curiosity, playfulness, and self expression. My practice is trauma sensitive, sex work inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. All relationship structures welcome.
Melody Howlett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Brunswick East, VIC 3057 (Online Only)
Please note I am only seeing couples online currently on Monday and Thursday evenings. I support couples of all ages, stages, personalities and abilities in relationships to better relate to, understand and communicate with one another and increase their sense of connection. I specialise and am trained in Gottman Therapy which was developed by psychologists, John and Julie Gottman 50 years of work researching and supporting couples to live more connected and fulfilling lives together.
Please note I am only seeing couples online currently on Monday and Thursday evenings. I support couples of all ages, stages, personalities and abilities in relationships to better relate to, understand and communicate with one another and increase their sense of connection. I specialise and am trained in Gottman Therapy which was developed by psychologists, John and Julie Gottman 50 years of work researching and supporting couples to live more connected and fulfilling lives together.
Claire Raworth Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
I am an empathetic, compassionate and experienced counsellor who utilises a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to assist you to make positive changes in your life. I have been a social worker for many years and in that time have provided counselling and support to a wide range of people. I can support you with various issues such as life transitions, work stress, relationship and parenting challenges, grief & loss, anxiety and depression. I am a fully Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and so you can claim a rebate from Medicare for my services of $85.00.
I am an empathetic, compassionate and experienced counsellor who utilises a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to assist you to make positive changes in your life. I have been a social worker for many years and in that time have provided counselling and support to a wide range of people. I can support you with various issues such as life transitions, work stress, relationship and parenting challenges, grief & loss, anxiety and depression. I am a fully Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and so you can claim a rebate from Medicare for my services of $85.00.
Manisha (she/they) is a queer Sri Lankan, Fijian-Indian woman who was born and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand. Raised in a bicultural haven, Manisha champions the belief that what's good for Māori is beneficial for all, a guiding principle intricately woven into her life and therapeutic practice. Driven by a heartfelt commitment to decolonising therapy, Manisha envisions a therapeutic space where each client thrives individually and collectively. As a person-centred narrative therapist, her journey involves a constant dance of unlearning and relearning within a decolonised framework.
Manisha (she/they) is a queer Sri Lankan, Fijian-Indian woman who was born and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand. Raised in a bicultural haven, Manisha champions the belief that what's good for Māori is beneficial for all, a guiding principle intricately woven into her life and therapeutic practice. Driven by a heartfelt commitment to decolonising therapy, Manisha envisions a therapeutic space where each client thrives individually and collectively. As a person-centred narrative therapist, her journey involves a constant dance of unlearning and relearning within a decolonised framework.
Dr Melanie Schuijers
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Hi, my name is Melanie. I am a registered clinical psychologist and couples therapist with she/her pronouns working on Wurundjeri land. I completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) and am a member of the APS. I have experience working with a diverse range of people from all walks of life and strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for all my clients. This is a LGBTQIA+ friendly space and all cultural backrounds are welcome. All relationship structures are also welcome. I offer face-to-face appointments in Brunswick on Wednesdays and Thursdays for couples+.
Hi, my name is Melanie. I am a registered clinical psychologist and couples therapist with she/her pronouns working on Wurundjeri land. I completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) and am a member of the APS. I have experience working with a diverse range of people from all walks of life and strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for all my clients. This is a LGBTQIA+ friendly space and all cultural backrounds are welcome. All relationship structures are also welcome. I offer face-to-face appointments in Brunswick on Wednesdays and Thursdays for couples+.
Starting this process can feel daunting; the first step is for us to meet each other. I warmly welcome individual and couple clients of all cultural and class backgrounds, and diverse sexuality, relationship and affectional orientations, to email me for a free phone consultation to discuss what you need and how I might support you. Psychotherapy is a wonderful opportunity to develop relational self-awareness and explore your experience, as well as a tool to engage with difficulty and distress in your life. By helping you to understand and illuminate your feelings and experiences, we begin a process of discovery and awareness.
Starting this process can feel daunting; the first step is for us to meet each other. I warmly welcome individual and couple clients of all cultural and class backgrounds, and diverse sexuality, relationship and affectional orientations, to email me for a free phone consultation to discuss what you need and how I might support you. Psychotherapy is a wonderful opportunity to develop relational self-awareness and explore your experience, as well as a tool to engage with difficulty and distress in your life. By helping you to understand and illuminate your feelings and experiences, we begin a process of discovery and awareness.
Allison Browning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
I'm an accredited Medicare registered therapist (AMHSW) with rebates available. I work with trauma, anxiety, mental health issues, grief and loss. I am highly experienced in the area of complex trauma and have a deep understanding of the ways this impacts everyday life and connections. Around trauma, I work both somatically and with talk therapy. I offer a safe and accepting space for members of the LGBTIQ+ community, providing support and understanding around issues such as coming out, gender identity, dysphoria and exploring sexual orientation. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to work in a person-centred holistic way.
I'm an accredited Medicare registered therapist (AMHSW) with rebates available. I work with trauma, anxiety, mental health issues, grief and loss. I am highly experienced in the area of complex trauma and have a deep understanding of the ways this impacts everyday life and connections. Around trauma, I work both somatically and with talk therapy. I offer a safe and accepting space for members of the LGBTIQ+ community, providing support and understanding around issues such as coming out, gender identity, dysphoria and exploring sexual orientation. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to work in a person-centred holistic way.
Irene Quintavalle
Psychotherapist, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship with your family or you are dealing with challenges at work or in your life, a therapeutic relationship can help you. I have extensive training in the integrative approach to psychotherapy and more than a decade of expertise in the practice of yoga and bodywork. For this reason, I work with both mind and body awareness. I draw upon different evidence-based models and theories to create a treatment that addresses your unique experiences and concerns.
Whether you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship with your family or you are dealing with challenges at work or in your life, a therapeutic relationship can help you. I have extensive training in the integrative approach to psychotherapy and more than a decade of expertise in the practice of yoga and bodywork. For this reason, I work with both mind and body awareness. I draw upon different evidence-based models and theories to create a treatment that addresses your unique experiences and concerns.
The supremacy dream has left us frozen, fragmented and disconnected from ourselves, others, and our ecosystem. Working through our body allows us to touch our vital force of life and come closer to our true desires and dreams. When we feel a sense of safety and belonging within ourselves, we enter into deeper intimacy with our wider webs of love - to our kin, the earth and the cosmos. In a world where the dominant narrative is to hustle more to accomplish your dreams, as your somatic coach, I am here to help your nervous system work less hard so you can relax into your Being and trust your inner inklings for what’s next.
The supremacy dream has left us frozen, fragmented and disconnected from ourselves, others, and our ecosystem. Working through our body allows us to touch our vital force of life and come closer to our true desires and dreams. When we feel a sense of safety and belonging within ourselves, we enter into deeper intimacy with our wider webs of love - to our kin, the earth and the cosmos. In a world where the dominant narrative is to hustle more to accomplish your dreams, as your somatic coach, I am here to help your nervous system work less hard so you can relax into your Being and trust your inner inklings for what’s next.
We all experience suffering, and our suffering can be intensified by a multitude of factors unique to each individual. We may feel confused about what exactly is causing our suffering, or we may feel we understand it but nevertheless feel stuck in being able to produce changes. I value working with the whole individual and their many complex facets. My hope for those I support is to suffer less and live more fully.
We all experience suffering, and our suffering can be intensified by a multitude of factors unique to each individual. We may feel confused about what exactly is causing our suffering, or we may feel we understand it but nevertheless feel stuck in being able to produce changes. I value working with the whole individual and their many complex facets. My hope for those I support is to suffer less and live more fully.
Justin is a director and co-founder of Connected Minds, a Clinical Psychologist and an academic at Swinburne University. He aims to help people get in touch with what is really important to them and learn how to live healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives. He hopes to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients in which he can work collaboratively with them to develop a better understanding of their unique needs.
Justin is a director and co-founder of Connected Minds, a Clinical Psychologist and an academic at Swinburne University. He aims to help people get in touch with what is really important to them and learn how to live healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives. He hopes to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients in which he can work collaboratively with them to develop a better understanding of their unique needs.
I am a registered psychologist specialising in individual therapy for women facing various mental health challenges. With a particular interest in relational trauma, attachment issues, anxiety and addiction, I tap into clients' inner strengths to facilitate healing. My clients often present with goals to reconnect with themselves, develop skills in attunement, process and heal traumatic experiences, and dismantle unhelpful thoughts, habits and beliefs about themselves and the world. Addressing these processes are targeted to create meaning, enhance self-esteem, and ultimately improve quality of life.
I am a registered psychologist specialising in individual therapy for women facing various mental health challenges. With a particular interest in relational trauma, attachment issues, anxiety and addiction, I tap into clients' inner strengths to facilitate healing. My clients often present with goals to reconnect with themselves, develop skills in attunement, process and heal traumatic experiences, and dismantle unhelpful thoughts, habits and beliefs about themselves and the world. Addressing these processes are targeted to create meaning, enhance self-esteem, and ultimately improve quality of life.
With trauma or ongoing stress, survival energy becomes stuck in our nervous system. We might make adjustments, like seeking or avoiding certain types of situations, or clenching certain muscles to dodge tricky feelings or sensations. We believe this keeps us safe from what we fear, but we can also feel trapped in patterns that take a huge toll on our lives, health and relationships. My clients and I work together with sensitivity and compassion to discover ways to gently restore a sense of inner security, peace and passion for life.
With trauma or ongoing stress, survival energy becomes stuck in our nervous system. We might make adjustments, like seeking or avoiding certain types of situations, or clenching certain muscles to dodge tricky feelings or sensations. We believe this keeps us safe from what we fear, but we can also feel trapped in patterns that take a huge toll on our lives, health and relationships. My clients and I work together with sensitivity and compassion to discover ways to gently restore a sense of inner security, peace and passion for life.
Q Soma Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Not accepting new clients
The people I support often identify as LGBTIAQ+, may be questioning around their gender. Many of my clients are also neurodivergent and/or have experienced various forms of trauma and family violence which I am passionate in working alongside kindly, gently and safely. I am also fiercely sex and sex-worker positive! For updated info: www.queersomacounselling.com
The people I support often identify as LGBTIAQ+, may be questioning around their gender. Many of my clients are also neurodivergent and/or have experienced various forms of trauma and family violence which I am passionate in working alongside kindly, gently and safely. I am also fiercely sex and sex-worker positive! For updated info: www.queersomacounselling.com
Dr Ilvana Dzafic
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Not accepting new clients
Dr Ilvana's therapeutic approach is marked by empathy, knowledge and individualized care. With expertise spanning psychosis, trauma, personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ASD, ADHD, grief and relationship difficulties. Sessions are available in-person or via Telehealth, providing individuals with a safe, non-judgmental environment where their perspectives are heard and valued. By incorporating established methods into practice, clients receive not only empathetic support but also effective techniques and strategies.
Dr Ilvana's therapeutic approach is marked by empathy, knowledge and individualized care. With expertise spanning psychosis, trauma, personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ASD, ADHD, grief and relationship difficulties. Sessions are available in-person or via Telehealth, providing individuals with a safe, non-judgmental environment where their perspectives are heard and valued. By incorporating established methods into practice, clients receive not only empathetic support but also effective techniques and strategies.
Shelley Obst
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Not accepting new clients
I am a clinical psychologist who works with teens and adult clients experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties. I enjoy working with individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders including depression, anxiety, panic and adjustment, women experiencing perinatal difficulties, life transition periods, perfectionism, older adults, trauma, and grief and loss.
I am a clinical psychologist who works with teens and adult clients experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties. I enjoy working with individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders including depression, anxiety, panic and adjustment, women experiencing perinatal difficulties, life transition periods, perfectionism, older adults, trauma, and grief and loss.
More Therapists Nearby
In my practice I work with individuals above the age of 17 years, in person or over Telehealth. I have extensive experience working with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, one of my key strengths is the provision of culturally-sensitive therapy. I am an LGBTQI+ aware and affirmative clinician, a multi-lingual therapist, I am fluent and can provide therapy in English and Arabic. I support people who present with the following: Trauma (PTSD and cPTSD), Anxiety and Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Esteem issues, Stress and Burnout, Adjustment to major life transitions, Grief and Loss
In my practice I work with individuals above the age of 17 years, in person or over Telehealth. I have extensive experience working with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, one of my key strengths is the provision of culturally-sensitive therapy. I am an LGBTQI+ aware and affirmative clinician, a multi-lingual therapist, I am fluent and can provide therapy in English and Arabic. I support people who present with the following: Trauma (PTSD and cPTSD), Anxiety and Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Esteem issues, Stress and Burnout, Adjustment to major life transitions, Grief and Loss
See more therapy options for Brunswick East
Nearby Culturally Sensitive Counsellors Searches for Brunswick East
- Ascot Vale
- Brunswick
- Brunswick West
- Carlton
- Carlton North
- Clifton Hill
- Collingwood
- Fitzroy
- Fitzroy North
- Northcote
- Parkville
- Thornbury
Culturally Sensitive Counsellors
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.