Culturally Sensitive Counselling in Thornbury, VIC

Photo of Negin Sadeghian - Negin Sadeghian- Psychologist & Art Therapist, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Negin Sadeghian- Psychologist & Art Therapist
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally sensitive.
I am a psychologist and art therapist, with 10 years of clinical experience. I have worked with adults, young people, and couples in a variety of public and private health settings including community health, inpatient programs, and relationship support services such as Relationships Australia and SHIPS. My therapeutic work is informed by the following approaches: Internal Family Systems Model, Art Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally sensitive.
I am a psychologist and art therapist, with 10 years of clinical experience. I have worked with adults, young people, and couples in a variety of public and private health settings including community health, inpatient programs, and relationship support services such as Relationships Australia and SHIPS. My therapeutic work is informed by the following approaches: Internal Family Systems Model, Art Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
(03) 7003 2421 View (03) 7003 2421
Photo of Niki Yuen Fen Bruysters, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Niki Yuen Fen Bruysters
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
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.
(03) 7003 2344 View (03) 7003 2344
Photo of Paula Lay, MA, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula Lay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AASW
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
(03) 8338 1137 View (03) 8338 1137
Photo of Josh Sasai - Josh Sasai - Wisdom Psychotherapy, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Josh Sasai - Wisdom Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Hi, my name is Josh. I specialise in working with clients with trauma (C/PTSD), anxiety, depression and chronic conditions by facilitating Body-Mind Processing practices. I use Buddhist Psychotherapy as my therapeutic framework. Buddhist Psychotherapy is a non-religious, brain science-focused and compassion-oriented framework, which can combine evidence-based counselling methods with body-mind integrative practices for a restored sense of wellbeing. My practice focuses on the body’s innate wisdom to work out solutions to the presented issues, as well as working with emotions as the vehicles to connect body-and-mind.
Hi, my name is Josh. I specialise in working with clients with trauma (C/PTSD), anxiety, depression and chronic conditions by facilitating Body-Mind Processing practices. I use Buddhist Psychotherapy as my therapeutic framework. Buddhist Psychotherapy is a non-religious, brain science-focused and compassion-oriented framework, which can combine evidence-based counselling methods with body-mind integrative practices for a restored sense of wellbeing. My practice focuses on the body’s innate wisdom to work out solutions to the presented issues, as well as working with emotions as the vehicles to connect body-and-mind.
0490 965 822 View 0490 965 822
Photo of Chelsea Herbert, MPsych, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Chelsea Herbert
Psychotherapist, MPsych, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I believe that great power lies in gently unveiling the core origin of the challenges we are experiencing. How energised, connected, calm and resilient we are is so deeply linked with how we feel in both our mind and our bodies. With a collaborative approach, I support you to gently and curiously explore your past and current challenges & experiences, while also unravelling old trauma's that may be impacting your life and relationships. My endeavour is for this work to help you cultivate strong inner foundations and resources; empowering you to expand your innate capacity for growth and transformation.
As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I believe that great power lies in gently unveiling the core origin of the challenges we are experiencing. How energised, connected, calm and resilient we are is so deeply linked with how we feel in both our mind and our bodies. With a collaborative approach, I support you to gently and curiously explore your past and current challenges & experiences, while also unravelling old trauma's that may be impacting your life and relationships. My endeavour is for this work to help you cultivate strong inner foundations and resources; empowering you to expand your innate capacity for growth and transformation.
(03) 8338 1855 View (03) 8338 1855
Photo of Ala Purchla, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Ala Purchla
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Life is often unpredictable and challenging; and you shouldn’t be expected to hold it all on your own. My approach as an Integrative Psychotherapist is rooted in the belief that we are fundamentally relational beings, we need others to help us understand our own experience. I strive to create a safe and judgement free space for clients to be curious about their own minds and bodies in order to better understand their emotions, patterns and conflicts. Our work is not just focused on solving problems; it’s an invitation to a deeper relationship with yourself and the world around you.
Life is often unpredictable and challenging; and you shouldn’t be expected to hold it all on your own. My approach as an Integrative Psychotherapist is rooted in the belief that we are fundamentally relational beings, we need others to help us understand our own experience. I strive to create a safe and judgement free space for clients to be curious about their own minds and bodies in order to better understand their emotions, patterns and conflicts. Our work is not just focused on solving problems; it’s an invitation to a deeper relationship with yourself and the world around you.
(03) 8338 4663 View (03) 8338 4663
Photo of Ann Cox The Practical Counsellor, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Ann Cox The Practical Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Lighten your stresses and have someone support you independently. The value I bring is the open and honest conversations entirely to support you and your growth. Let us collaborate together, working on a balance of highlighting your strengths and working on challenges. Slight discount for online/phone sessions.
Lighten your stresses and have someone support you independently. The value I bring is the open and honest conversations entirely to support you and your growth. Let us collaborate together, working on a balance of highlighting your strengths and working on challenges. Slight discount for online/phone sessions.
(03) 7003 2564 View (03) 7003 2564
Photo of Gillian Fernandes, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Gillian Fernandes
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am Gillian, I am a couples and relationship counsellor. I work with relationships, supporting each person to feel understood, held, and connected. I specialise in working with people who want to cut through the noise to really connect with their partner/s. The grind of daily life or a big issue can cause ruptures in the relationship. I work with folks to have important, sometimes painful and often vulnerable, conversations to re-establish connection. When there is ambiguity, I specialise in helping people find clarity on a way to move forward, together, or apart.
I am Gillian, I am a couples and relationship counsellor. I work with relationships, supporting each person to feel understood, held, and connected. I specialise in working with people who want to cut through the noise to really connect with their partner/s. The grind of daily life or a big issue can cause ruptures in the relationship. I work with folks to have important, sometimes painful and often vulnerable, conversations to re-establish connection. When there is ambiguity, I specialise in helping people find clarity on a way to move forward, together, or apart.
(03) 8338 4369 View (03) 8338 4369
Photo of Rachel Lee - Plum Ripples
Plum Ripples
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071  (Online Only)
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.
(03) 8338 4601 View (03) 8338 4601
Photo of Adi Benarroch, Psychotherapist
Adi Benarroch
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a qualified creative arts therapist registered with PACFA, passionate about finding creative ways of expression, embodiment, and harnessing the power of metaphors to navigate complex personal material. As an arts psychotherapist, I adopt a humanistic, strength-based, and phenomenological approach, working collaboratively with clients to explore a "more-than-verbal" approach to therapy.
I am a qualified creative arts therapist registered with PACFA, passionate about finding creative ways of expression, embodiment, and harnessing the power of metaphors to navigate complex personal material. As an arts psychotherapist, I adopt a humanistic, strength-based, and phenomenological approach, working collaboratively with clients to explore a "more-than-verbal" approach to therapy.
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Photo of Maria Brates, MA, AThR, Counsellor
Maria Brates
Counsellor, MA, AThR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Hi, I’m Maria. I am an Art Therapist and Counsellor with over 14 years of experience. I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and emotional well-being. I offer a trauma-informed, non-judgmental, inclusive, and warm space for you to be yourself and discuss any topic you like. Guided by your needs, I support you in understanding and addressing areas that require change.
Hi, I’m Maria. I am an Art Therapist and Counsellor with over 14 years of experience. I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and emotional well-being. I offer a trauma-informed, non-judgmental, inclusive, and warm space for you to be yourself and discuss any topic you like. Guided by your needs, I support you in understanding and addressing areas that require change.
(03) 5615 2115 View (03) 5615 2115
Photo of Alexa Sarah Powell - Alexa Powell Therapy , MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexa Powell Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071  (Online Only)
I approach my work with people in a trauma informed, supportive, empathic and non judgmental way. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to enable you to have a sanctuary for self discovery and connection as we work through life's complexities together. I work with adults of all ages and have extensive experience in grief, loss and trauma, including infertility and perinatal and suicide bereavement. My practice approach is grounded in social work theory and evidence based psychological strategies. I work collaboratively with you to build sustainable skills and approaches to support your mental health into the future.
I approach my work with people in a trauma informed, supportive, empathic and non judgmental way. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to enable you to have a sanctuary for self discovery and connection as we work through life's complexities together. I work with adults of all ages and have extensive experience in grief, loss and trauma, including infertility and perinatal and suicide bereavement. My practice approach is grounded in social work theory and evidence based psychological strategies. I work collaboratively with you to build sustainable skills and approaches to support your mental health into the future.
(03) 8338 1670 View (03) 8338 1670
Photo of Eleni Kidis, MA, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eleni Kidis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AASW
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
My experience and strengths include supporting people heal from trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, fractured family bonds as well as adult sexual assault. I support people who experience depression, anxiety and low self-esteem and confidence. I also support couple's reduce conflict, increase their ability to hold their own and their partners' emotions, strengthen emotional security in each other, (especially after infidelity) and help them reignite sexual intimacy.
My experience and strengths include supporting people heal from trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, fractured family bonds as well as adult sexual assault. I support people who experience depression, anxiety and low self-esteem and confidence. I also support couple's reduce conflict, increase their ability to hold their own and their partners' emotions, strengthen emotional security in each other, (especially after infidelity) and help them reignite sexual intimacy.
(03) 8338 4349 View (03) 8338 4349
Photo of Lee Beaton, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Lee Beaton
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Lee is a Gestalt Psychotherapist specialising in healing relationships. She works with both couples and individuals but specialise in attachment-focused couples work. She describes her therapeutic approach as person-centred, warm, effective, and compassionate. This allows her to help you unlock deep relational healing. The way we orientate to life is directly influenced by the multiple challenges we have faced in our upbringing, our environment, and our life circumstances. Lee believes the way we handle our and other’s emotions is what makes the difference to us living a connected and happy life by forming healthy relationships.
Lee is a Gestalt Psychotherapist specialising in healing relationships. She works with both couples and individuals but specialise in attachment-focused couples work. She describes her therapeutic approach as person-centred, warm, effective, and compassionate. This allows her to help you unlock deep relational healing. The way we orientate to life is directly influenced by the multiple challenges we have faced in our upbringing, our environment, and our life circumstances. Lee believes the way we handle our and other’s emotions is what makes the difference to us living a connected and happy life by forming healthy relationships.
(03) 6118 7199 View (03) 6118 7199
Photo of Susie Kim, ACA-L2, Psychotherapist
Susie Kim
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I work within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive framework offering support for those who are struggling with the effects of anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult family dynamics, grief and loss. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for people of all lifestyles, cultures, bodies, and gender identities.
I work within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive framework offering support for those who are struggling with the effects of anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult family dynamics, grief and loss. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for people of all lifestyles, cultures, bodies, and gender identities.
(03) 7003 2774 View (03) 7003 2774
Photo of Anna Orzech, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Anna Orzech
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
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.
(03) 7003 2478 View (03) 7003 2478
Photo of Vicki Costa, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Vicki Costa
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Is stress, anxiety, or worry a constant in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed by sadness, or find it hard to connect with others? Maybe you're struggling in your relationships—with a partner, children, parents, or colleagues—and feel stuck, unsure how to make things better. Perhaps you've even given up, believing things can't change. Together, we’ll uncover the root issues behind your stress and emotional pain, empowering you to set boundaries, make decisions,improve your well-being, and reclaim your life. As we work together, you’ll slowly find a stronger sense of self and confidence as your relationships and circumstances improve.
Is stress, anxiety, or worry a constant in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed by sadness, or find it hard to connect with others? Maybe you're struggling in your relationships—with a partner, children, parents, or colleagues—and feel stuck, unsure how to make things better. Perhaps you've even given up, believing things can't change. Together, we’ll uncover the root issues behind your stress and emotional pain, empowering you to set boundaries, make decisions,improve your well-being, and reclaim your life. As we work together, you’ll slowly find a stronger sense of self and confidence as your relationships and circumstances improve.
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Photo of Christa Winkels, MA, AThR, Counsellor
Christa Winkels
Counsellor, MA, AThR
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
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.
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Photo of Davina Morley, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
Davina Morley
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071  (Online Only)
I am a queer relationship therapist and registered psychologist, working with LGBTIQA+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, and including pansexual, non-binary, and people of diverse sexuality, gender and bodies who use other words to describe themselves or do not label their sexuality or gender). I work with relationships and couples of all sexualities, genders, bodies, and non-monogamous and polyamorous structures including relationship anarchy. I understand barriers to accessing services that marginalised people face, and I try to be as safe as possible for you in therapy.
I am a queer relationship therapist and registered psychologist, working with LGBTIQA+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, and including pansexual, non-binary, and people of diverse sexuality, gender and bodies who use other words to describe themselves or do not label their sexuality or gender). I work with relationships and couples of all sexualities, genders, bodies, and non-monogamous and polyamorous structures including relationship anarchy. I understand barriers to accessing services that marginalised people face, and I try to be as safe as possible for you in therapy.
(03) 8413 7355 View (03) 8413 7355
Photo of Karen Dreher - Fitzroy North Counselling, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Fitzroy North Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Karen works with adolescents, adults & couples. She has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, grief, life transitions, & communication and relationships. In her confidential counselling space she helps clarify issues, identify goals, & explores thinking, emotions, and behaviour that may be getting us a little stuck. Karen provides a warm, authentic counselling space that will support you in sharing your story, in creating your own meaning, and in building your own strategies to navigate your identified concerns.
Karen works with adolescents, adults & couples. She has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, grief, life transitions, & communication and relationships. In her confidential counselling space she helps clarify issues, identify goals, & explores thinking, emotions, and behaviour that may be getting us a little stuck. Karen provides a warm, authentic counselling space that will support you in sharing your story, in creating your own meaning, and in building your own strategies to navigate your identified concerns.
(03) 7003 2721 View (03) 7003 2721
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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.