Meet Asian Australian Clinical Psychologist, Chantelle Meyers

We know that it's not always easy trying to work out which therapist we might like to work with: Because the decision isn't just about where they're located and when they're available, but there's a bit more of a human, relational element to the decision too.

So here at Shapes and Sounds, we want to help make that process just a little easier.

Every month, we'll be introducing a therapist from the Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List to help you gain a bit more insight into who you feel might be a good fit for you or someone that you know.

This month we're excited to connect you with Chantelle who is a Clinical Psychologist offering services in Highett, VIC and Telehealth Australia wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Chantelle below!

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1. What led you to choosing mental health as a career?

My identity as a Southeast Asian psychologist has provided me with some insight into how our different cultural identities can shape the way we view mental health.
 
Personally and professionally, I have witnessed the difficulties that deep-rooted stigmatisation has had upon individuals. The impact of these stigmas can affect an individual’s capacity to seek support when they are experiencing feelings of shame, guilt and worry about how they might be perceived. In some cases, the thought of seeking help comes with significant distress that can induce further suffering and result in support being avoided altogether. Despite the burden stigmatisation can cause, I have seen the sheer strength that a sense of cultural belonging can create and its positive impact on people’s well-being overall.
 
This has led me down a path of seeking to understand culturally sensitive practice better. There is such importance of respecting one’s personal values, ideas, and history. A lack of exploration and understanding of one’s cultural identity may dismiss a person's own experience, especially with the assumption that everyone is on the same page about mental health when this is often simply not the case. It is vital to break down the barriers to seeking support, which can be achieved by being present with people about where they are at. Being curious, open, empathic, and compassionate is crucial. Understanding our individual differences may improve ways to communicate more openly and promote positive outcomes for people who are having difficulty with their mental health. The opportunity to do so with my clients, who have trusted me with insight into their world, is a privilege.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

Indian.

3. What are your areas of specialty and what kind of frameworks do you work from?

Acceptance and Comitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

4. What kind of clients are you best able to support?

Young Adults and Adults.

5. If you could be your own therapist right now, what do you think you would say to yourself?

It is a strength to seek support, it is ok to struggle.

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Connect with Chantelle via our Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List HERE.

Alternatively, if you feel like Chantelle may be a good fit for someone that you know, be sure to forward this page on to them too. Let us continue to not only support ourselves but all those around us too!

If you require urgent assistance, please do not contact Chantelle or any of the practitioners on this list. Instead, please call emergency services on 000 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Shapes and Sounds does not recommend or endorse Chantelle or any of the practitioners listed on the Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List.

Please always consult your GP before making changes to your mental health care plan.