Meet Asian Australian Clinical Psychologist, Vi Tran

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 Vi who is a Clinical Psychologist offering services in Footscray, VIC, and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Vi below!

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

As an adult child of refugee parents, my career in psychology is deeply personal shaped by my core values, identity, upbringing and roots. It is an extremely honouring position to sit side by side with people sharing their most vulnerable stories, guiding them to find ways to rewrite it and create new pathways for an integrated internal world and sense of self.
 
Looking back, the lens of my 16 year old self was fundamental to my career in mental health. I distinctly remember my psychology teacher display empathy and connection to one of the most challenging and economically disadvantaged students, to help them thrive and learn despite their social-economic limitations.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am a second generation Vietnamese Australian. I was born and raised in Footscray (where I am currently practicing!), with parents who were refugees from the Viet Nam War.

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

My areas of interest include cross-cultural psychology, complex trauma, specifically intergenerational trauma and childhood trauma, attachment, anxiety, and grief and loss.

Depending on client needs, what they have tried before, and what they would like to get out of therapy, I tend to draw from evidence based frameworks I have been trained in including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychodynamic based therapy. I am trauma informed and culturally responsive in my practice.

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

In my work as a Psychologist, I primarily work with adults and adolescents, who may find difficulties with experiences of Stress, Adjustment difficulties, Generalised Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and Complex Trauma. I see a lot of individuals from 2+ cultures who struggle with self sacrificing behaviours, perfectionism and unrelenting standards (so common!), and have also worked in the neurodivergence space for over a decade. At The Middle Bridge Project, I run educational and online group programs mainly for those seeking education and skills training to empower their cultural identity, post traumatic growth and healing entrenched intergenerational patterns.

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

It’s never too late to break the cycle, you’re learning everyday. Growth comes from these moments of challenge and vulnerability. You can always find a ‘middle path’, being your biggest critic but also most wisest and kindest companion at the same time.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Vi 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 Vi 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 Vi 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.