Culturally Sensitive Counselling in Fremantle, WA

Photo of Helen (Hoi Yuk) Wong, MSc, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Helen (Hoi Yuk) Wong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSc, AASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
She is culturally sensitive and able to speak Cantonese, Mandarin as well as English.
Helen Wong is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Australian Counsellors Association(ACA) with experience working in psychiatric hospital, residential training centre, schools and various not-for-profit organisations both overseas and in Australia. Helen completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work(Hons) in 2005 and a Master's degree of Social Sciences in Family Counselling in 2009. Helen also attained Australian based therapeutic qualifications through various mental health academies. Helen's areas of interest include student counselling, child development, disabilities and mental illness.
She is culturally sensitive and able to speak Cantonese, Mandarin as well as English.
Helen Wong is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Australian Counsellors Association(ACA) with experience working in psychiatric hospital, residential training centre, schools and various not-for-profit organisations both overseas and in Australia. Helen completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work(Hons) in 2005 and a Master's degree of Social Sciences in Family Counselling in 2009. Helen also attained Australian based therapeutic qualifications through various mental health academies. Helen's areas of interest include student counselling, child development, disabilities and mental illness.
(08) 7701 9650 View (08) 7701 9650
Photo of Lily Caitlin Martin, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Lily Caitlin Martin
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Hey there! My name’s Lily. I’m a registered psychologist committed to providing a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach to therapy. I appreciate the value of each person’s unique experience and will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to supporting your needs and goals, to help you create meaningful and lasting change.
Hey there! My name’s Lily. I’m a registered psychologist committed to providing a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach to therapy. I appreciate the value of each person’s unique experience and will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to supporting your needs and goals, to help you create meaningful and lasting change.
(08) 6206 8191 View (08) 6206 8191
Photo of Bonnie Beazley - Bonnie Beazley-Somatic Experiencing & IFS Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bonnie Beazley-Somatic Experiencing & IFS Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
I have extensive experience in providing counselling and somatic psychotherapy for people with a broad range of emotional health challenges. I have started to work with trauma, PTSD and cross-cultural mental health since 2007. I work as a senior counsellor in an agency while offering therapeutic services in my private practice as a therapist. My approach is collaborative, social- justice and trauma-informed. I embrace all forms of diversity. I take a holistic, integrative and embodied approach, attending to the connection of mind, body and Self. I adapt the therapeutic modalities to the needs and nature of clients.
I have extensive experience in providing counselling and somatic psychotherapy for people with a broad range of emotional health challenges. I have started to work with trauma, PTSD and cross-cultural mental health since 2007. I work as a senior counsellor in an agency while offering therapeutic services in my private practice as a therapist. My approach is collaborative, social- justice and trauma-informed. I embrace all forms of diversity. I take a holistic, integrative and embodied approach, attending to the connection of mind, body and Self. I adapt the therapeutic modalities to the needs and nature of clients.
(08) 6206 8971 View (08) 6206 8971
Photo of Mark Holdsworth, PACFA, Counsellor
Mark Holdsworth
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Mark, a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. As a registered therapist and lecturer of counselling, I adhere to the highest standards of professional practice. ​With a deep commitment to holistic healing, I draw from a range of psychotherapeutic practices to tailor my approach to your unique needs and preferences. My integrative approach fosters a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, empowering you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and nonjudgmental space.
Hi, I'm Mark, a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. As a registered therapist and lecturer of counselling, I adhere to the highest standards of professional practice. ​With a deep commitment to holistic healing, I draw from a range of psychotherapeutic practices to tailor my approach to your unique needs and preferences. My integrative approach fosters a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, empowering you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and nonjudgmental space.
(08) 6219 3370 View (08) 6219 3370
Photo of Babette Sabella, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Babette Sabella
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
Hello. I am a clinical psychotherapist and counsellor with almost 30 years experience. Much of the work has been trauma disused with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and ages. I am a trained EMDR therapist and a registered art psychotherapist. My focus is on your needs, your narrative and goals.
Hello. I am a clinical psychotherapist and counsellor with almost 30 years experience. Much of the work has been trauma disused with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and ages. I am a trained EMDR therapist and a registered art psychotherapist. My focus is on your needs, your narrative and goals.
(08) 6206 8884 View (08) 6206 8884
Photo of Emmelie Sparkes, PsyBA Prov, Psychologist
Emmelie Sparkes
Psychologist, PsyBA Prov
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Hello! My name is Emmelie. I am a provisionally registered psychologist working at Neira Psychology in Fremantle. I love working with clients across the lifespan, with a range of presenting concerns. Perhaps you are having difficulty managing big or challenging emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness, or perhaps you are struggling in your relationships. Maybe things are tracking ok, but you’re looking to enhance and maintain your overall well-being. I'll work with you to make sense of where these difficulties may be coming from, offer helpful strategies and support, and, above all, I'll do so with warmth, compassion and patience.
Hello! My name is Emmelie. I am a provisionally registered psychologist working at Neira Psychology in Fremantle. I love working with clients across the lifespan, with a range of presenting concerns. Perhaps you are having difficulty managing big or challenging emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness, or perhaps you are struggling in your relationships. Maybe things are tracking ok, but you’re looking to enhance and maintain your overall well-being. I'll work with you to make sense of where these difficulties may be coming from, offer helpful strategies and support, and, above all, I'll do so with warmth, compassion and patience.
(08) 6219 3006 View (08) 6219 3006
Photo of Melanie Ward, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Melanie Ward
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Are you struggling to deal with an unexpected life event such as the end of an important relationship, the death of someone you love or a life transition that came out of nowhere? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or stuck? Do you have a general sense of unease in your life? Grief and loss is a challenging emotional experience that can create immense feelings of sadness and confusion about how to cope. Counselling provides a confidential space to explore what has been going on for you and allows you to feel heard and understood.
Are you struggling to deal with an unexpected life event such as the end of an important relationship, the death of someone you love or a life transition that came out of nowhere? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or stuck? Do you have a general sense of unease in your life? Grief and loss is a challenging emotional experience that can create immense feelings of sadness and confusion about how to cope. Counselling provides a confidential space to explore what has been going on for you and allows you to feel heard and understood.
(08) 9468 7247 View (08) 9468 7247
Photo of Martha Farat - Citta Psychology - Martha Farat, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Citta Psychology - Martha Farat
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
If our mind is out of control and stressed, how can we be at ease? A happy mind is a spacious mind that is content and at peace. Common life challenges that I can assist with: anxiety, depression, self-worth and self-confidence issues, interpersonal issues, anger management, emotional regulation, life transition, grief & loss, traumas, existential issues, lack of purpose. My method is aimed at transforming mind & heart to achieve optimal well-being. Since genuine happiness is created by our mind, the better insight we have into the nature of our mind and emotions, the better equipped we are in creating the causes of happiness.
If our mind is out of control and stressed, how can we be at ease? A happy mind is a spacious mind that is content and at peace. Common life challenges that I can assist with: anxiety, depression, self-worth and self-confidence issues, interpersonal issues, anger management, emotional regulation, life transition, grief & loss, traumas, existential issues, lack of purpose. My method is aimed at transforming mind & heart to achieve optimal well-being. Since genuine happiness is created by our mind, the better insight we have into the nature of our mind and emotions, the better equipped we are in creating the causes of happiness.
(08) 6206 8848 View (08) 6206 8848
Photo of Matt Sumner, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Matt Sumner
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Matt is a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years’ experience assisting individuals & families to reach their personal goals and potential. He is genuine and straightforward in his approach as he supports his clients through difficult periods and onto meaningful personal change. Matt is person-centred and flexible and aims to maintain trust and comfort with his clients. He believes that assisting people to gain insight into their unique personal history allows them greater understanding and resolution of their current difficulties. Matt has a genuine interest in journeying with people to find their strengths & overcome their challenges.
Matt is a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years’ experience assisting individuals & families to reach their personal goals and potential. He is genuine and straightforward in his approach as he supports his clients through difficult periods and onto meaningful personal change. Matt is person-centred and flexible and aims to maintain trust and comfort with his clients. He believes that assisting people to gain insight into their unique personal history allows them greater understanding and resolution of their current difficulties. Matt has a genuine interest in journeying with people to find their strengths & overcome their challenges.
(08) 9468 6002 View (08) 9468 6002
Photo of Nilanthi Dayananda, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Nilanthi Dayananda
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
I blend ancient wisdom with evidence based modern day practices as a trauma and grief informed counsellor to support and empower you in managing stress triggered symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self confidence and self care. My purpose is to bring awareness and compassionate understanding to your life situations, along with tools to help you connect with your self and others in ways meaningful to you. I walk by your side as we explore embracing change through various transitions you maybe facing. I am fully with you all the way.
I blend ancient wisdom with evidence based modern day practices as a trauma and grief informed counsellor to support and empower you in managing stress triggered symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self confidence and self care. My purpose is to bring awareness and compassionate understanding to your life situations, along with tools to help you connect with your self and others in ways meaningful to you. I walk by your side as we explore embracing change through various transitions you maybe facing. I am fully with you all the way.
(08) 9473 6304 View (08) 9473 6304
Photo of Theunis Vorster, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Theunis Vorster
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Like most psychologists I use different approaches - narrative therapy, family systems, mindfulness, CBT. My main focus is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). So, some of what I do might seem familiar and other techniques may be new to you. Whatever the case, it is important that clients experience therapy as transparent - I am always ready to discuss what we are doing, why we are doing it and what the expected outcome is. The idea is to provide clients with an accepting and non-judgmental environment so they can talk honestly and express difficult emotions.
Like most psychologists I use different approaches - narrative therapy, family systems, mindfulness, CBT. My main focus is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). So, some of what I do might seem familiar and other techniques may be new to you. Whatever the case, it is important that clients experience therapy as transparent - I am always ready to discuss what we are doing, why we are doing it and what the expected outcome is. The idea is to provide clients with an accepting and non-judgmental environment so they can talk honestly and express difficult emotions.
0481 405 362 View 0481 405 362
Photo of Siew Lan Ho, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Siew Lan Ho
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
Navigating the seasons of life on your own can sometimes get tricky. As you do your best to make sense of it all that seems too much or out of control, having a listening ear as you work through it can be helpful. I believe the struggles with our inner world can get overwhelming at times, and it can be renegotiated to lead a meaningful life. A significant part of my work as a registered clinical psychologist is offering psychological exploration and support to patients in a mutual effort to understand themselves better and work through how they can relate more intimately to themselves and others.
Navigating the seasons of life on your own can sometimes get tricky. As you do your best to make sense of it all that seems too much or out of control, having a listening ear as you work through it can be helpful. I believe the struggles with our inner world can get overwhelming at times, and it can be renegotiated to lead a meaningful life. A significant part of my work as a registered clinical psychologist is offering psychological exploration and support to patients in a mutual effort to understand themselves better and work through how they can relate more intimately to themselves and others.
(08) 6490 9076 View (08) 6490 9076
Photo of Annolies Truman, MC, ACA-L4, Counsellor
Annolies Truman
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
Focusing on holistic wellbeing, I support clients through anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, body image, trauma, illness, bereavement, perinatal loss, eco-distress. I offer ACA, PACFA, IICT & AASW recognised clinical supervision and reflective supervision for health professionals. I work with clients to alleviate work-place stress and prevent burnout and offer individual/group counselling, workplace and community workshops.
Focusing on holistic wellbeing, I support clients through anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, body image, trauma, illness, bereavement, perinatal loss, eco-distress. I offer ACA, PACFA, IICT & AASW recognised clinical supervision and reflective supervision for health professionals. I work with clients to alleviate work-place stress and prevent burnout and offer individual/group counselling, workplace and community workshops.
(08) 9473 6331 View (08) 9473 6331
Photo of Danielle Passmore, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Danielle Passmore
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160  (Online Only)
I typically work with people who lead full and busy lives who often feel burnt out and exhausted, looking to find a way back to flourishing and wellbeing. I also work with people who are going through relationship challenges of all shapes and sizes, and people who wish to break free from old, limiting childhood patterns that keep showing up to hinder their full potential. My hope is that clients who work with me are reconnected to their deepest sense of who they are, to their strengths, gifts, and their capacity to love themselves and their lives. I work with individuals and couples.
I typically work with people who lead full and busy lives who often feel burnt out and exhausted, looking to find a way back to flourishing and wellbeing. I also work with people who are going through relationship challenges of all shapes and sizes, and people who wish to break free from old, limiting childhood patterns that keep showing up to hinder their full potential. My hope is that clients who work with me are reconnected to their deepest sense of who they are, to their strengths, gifts, and their capacity to love themselves and their lives. I work with individuals and couples.
(08) 9473 6346 View (08) 9473 6346
Photo of Martina Sackmann, PACFA, Counsellor
Martina Sackmann
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
Martina is a Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist who brings with her a wealth of extensive experience working with families, children and teenagers through mindful connections and a person-centred approach. She places strong value around relationships and exploring therapeutic goals to facilitate motivation, improving wellbeing, growth and more fulfillment in life. Recognising that at times life can be tough, Martina utilises evidence-based therapies to support change in a safe and nurturing manner and environment including EMDR, Schema Therapy, Hypnotherapy and NLP.
Martina is a Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist who brings with her a wealth of extensive experience working with families, children and teenagers through mindful connections and a person-centred approach. She places strong value around relationships and exploring therapeutic goals to facilitate motivation, improving wellbeing, growth and more fulfillment in life. Recognising that at times life can be tough, Martina utilises evidence-based therapies to support change in a safe and nurturing manner and environment including EMDR, Schema Therapy, Hypnotherapy and NLP.
(08) 6206 8339 View (08) 6206 8339
Photo of Toni Jackson, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Toni Jackson
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
I specialise in working with women and LGBTQI+ folk who are wanting support with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. Many of my clients experience stigma and micro-aggressions on a daily basis. Some of the main reasons people choose to see me are because they struggle with feeling 'not good enough', or they have difficulty coping with overwhelming emotions, or they are struggling in a world that doesn't seem to accept them. Some of my clients feel disconnected from themselves and are wanting support to work out who they are. Most of my clients would like to feel safer.
I specialise in working with women and LGBTQI+ folk who are wanting support with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. Many of my clients experience stigma and micro-aggressions on a daily basis. Some of the main reasons people choose to see me are because they struggle with feeling 'not good enough', or they have difficulty coping with overwhelming emotions, or they are struggling in a world that doesn't seem to accept them. Some of my clients feel disconnected from themselves and are wanting support to work out who they are. Most of my clients would like to feel safer.
(08) 9521 4353 View (08) 9521 4353
Photo of Linda Skinner, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Linda Skinner
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
Linda has over ten years of clinical experience working in mental health services across the public, private and not for profit sectors. Linda’s therapeutic approach is warm, empathic and person centred. She believes that each client is the expert of their own life and provides a safe therapeutic space where she works collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve goals, bring about life enhancing positive change and improve social and emotional wellbeing. In addition to working in private practice, Linda works in a local community hospice providing specialised palliative care and bereavement counselling services.
Linda has over ten years of clinical experience working in mental health services across the public, private and not for profit sectors. Linda’s therapeutic approach is warm, empathic and person centred. She believes that each client is the expert of their own life and provides a safe therapeutic space where she works collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve goals, bring about life enhancing positive change and improve social and emotional wellbeing. In addition to working in private practice, Linda works in a local community hospice providing specialised palliative care and bereavement counselling services.
(08) 6007 3295 View (08) 6007 3295
Photo of Dr Joseph Fleming, PhD, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr Joseph Fleming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, AMHSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Waitlist for new clients
Working with people across the lifespan, from children through to adults and older persons, I provide a unique contribution to the mental health space in a holistic approach. The advanced training that is expected to maintain AMHSW status prepares and provides me with the skills to work with people with very complex presentations and co-morbidities.• Depression • Anxiety related disorders including phobias, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive behaviour and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Workplace issues • Grief and Loss • Parenting • Disability • Personality Disorders • Domestic Violence and aggression • School related
Working with people across the lifespan, from children through to adults and older persons, I provide a unique contribution to the mental health space in a holistic approach. The advanced training that is expected to maintain AMHSW status prepares and provides me with the skills to work with people with very complex presentations and co-morbidities.• Depression • Anxiety related disorders including phobias, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive behaviour and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Workplace issues • Grief and Loss • Parenting • Disability • Personality Disorders • Domestic Violence and aggression • School related
(08) 6219 3266 View (08) 6219 3266
Photo of Anunda C Merz, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anunda C Merz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fremantle, WA 6160
Are you looking for a safe space to process life challenges and the emotional impact it has? Do you want to make sense of overwhelming feelings, find your calm and have more choice in your response? Together in a compassionate gentle way, we can explore your struggles / concerns, gain some clarity about whats going on, with an aim for you to feel more empowered and have greater peace in your life. Developing a relaxed, supportive connection with you is my priority. Feeling at ease, respected and appreciated is essential for therapy to be effective. I go at your pace.
Are you looking for a safe space to process life challenges and the emotional impact it has? Do you want to make sense of overwhelming feelings, find your calm and have more choice in your response? Together in a compassionate gentle way, we can explore your struggles / concerns, gain some clarity about whats going on, with an aim for you to feel more empowered and have greater peace in your life. Developing a relaxed, supportive connection with you is my priority. Feeling at ease, respected and appreciated is essential for therapy to be effective. I go at your pace.
(08) 6219 3504 View (08) 6219 3504
Photo of Joanna Bell, MAPS, Psychologist
Joanna Bell
Psychologist, MAPS
Verified Verified
Fremantle, WA 6160
I am committed to ensuring that all clients receive the highest standard of care and a positive experience of therapy. I have over 10 years experience and have worked in both the private and not for profit sector. I understand that many people feel nervous about attending counselling, so I ensure that we spend time in the first session discussing goals, motivations for attending therapy and outlining what they can expect from the sessions. I work from a client-centred approach, which means that therapy is guided by a clients’ individual goals and completely at their own pace.
I am committed to ensuring that all clients receive the highest standard of care and a positive experience of therapy. I have over 10 years experience and have worked in both the private and not for profit sector. I understand that many people feel nervous about attending counselling, so I ensure that we spend time in the first session discussing goals, motivations for attending therapy and outlining what they can expect from the sessions. I work from a client-centred approach, which means that therapy is guided by a clients’ individual goals and completely at their own pace.
(08) 7078 8129 View (08) 7078 8129
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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.