Meet Asian Australian Clinical Psychotherapist and Trauma-informed Yoga Teacher, Anita Wong

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 Anita who is a Clinical Psychotherapist and Trauma-informed Yoga Teacher offering services in Parramatta, NSW. We hope you enjoy connecting with Anita below!

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

When I was teaching yoga full-time, I realised how inter-linked mental health was with physical health. Using massive stereotypes here, but the people who were really stiff and tight physically had restraining beliefs and emotions, while those who were more mobile often had a more fluid approach to life, and seemed happier.

During Covid, I completed both my Diploma in Counselling and started my Master in Psychotherapy and Counselling to complement my decade in the yoga world. Using myself as a test subject, I found that physical practices kept me healthy, but I missed the depth of soul experiences that you get with great therapy.
Since this year, I've found myself integrating movement and the body with the world of psychotherapy (and vice versa) and it's been immensely powerful for me, and my clients.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I was born in Australia to a mum from Shenzhen, China and a dad with Chinese origins born in Hanoi, Vietnam. While I can't speak Cantonese or Vietnamese, I can certainly appreciate my food origins and would love to share it with you!

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

I draw from a broad range of frameworks and modalities so my clients will always have options for their needs.

I take a open, collaborative person-centred approach, so I'm here to advocate for you, your best interests and what you need/want.

We might use somatic (body-based) practices/techniques, mindfulness, CBT, ACT, positive behaviour support, solutions-focused & strengths-based tools, attachment based therapy, play therapy for kiddos of all ages and coaching. I am a feminist at heart, so sometimes this weaves itself into our work. And of course, our work will always be culturally sensitive.

Issues I commonly work with include body positivity, anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relationship issues, life transitions, growth development, coaching for clients with ASD 1 and 2, relationship coaching for people in neurodivergent/typical pairings, coping skills, self-esteem, people feeling disconnected from their bodies and kids needing a safe space to be kids.

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

Every client and their story is a beautifully unique puzzle for us to work through together.

You and I would be a perfect match if you've started your healing journey, have some self-awareness and would like to dig deeper together. You are experimental and willing to try new things, or would like to connect more with your body. You aren't afraid to challenge me or tell me what's working, or not working. You're funny and don't mind snacking or having a tea in our sessions.

I work with individual adults (16+) and children (5-12 y.o). I welcome partners and families into our space if appropriate and desired by you.

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

Breathe into your heart. Trust in the process and allow yourself to receive. You're capable of more than you think.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Anita 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 Anita 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 Anita 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.