Meet Asian Australian Registered Counsellor Psychotherapist, Karen Sri Thomas

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 Karen who is a Registered Counsellor Psychotherapist offering services in South Yarra, VIC and Telehealth Australia Wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Karen below!

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

I came to a career in counselling from the Education Sector where I spent years teaching and researching Southeast Asian culture at Melbourne University (in the 1990s) and Monash University (2011-2018). I raised a family of 4 children with my partner in the years between. I have always been drawn to helping people understand themselves and their relationships better, what has them stuck and what frees them into a path of growth and flow. I returned to study to complete a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and am now passionate about supporting people to attend to what troubles them in themselves and in their relationships.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

My Indonesian father met my Australian mother in Australia while they were students in Adelaide, where I was born. I grew up hearing a lot of Indonesian because newly arrived Indonesian visitors, students or migrants often spent time in our home.

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

I work with people who are struggling internally and in their relationships. Traumatic experiences or memories, inner conflicts, unhelpful thinking patterns and body responses can and do negatively impact a person's self-esteem and self-worth. With a trauma-informed approach that's sensitive to cultural diversity, I support clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self esteem, grief and loss, and/or people who have experienced family abuse/violence.

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

I welcome young adults, singles, parents, and older adults aged 65+ in their journey of self-discovery and self-understanding, and in their healing after experiencing difficult past events or difficult relationships.

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

Instead of rejecting others, accept yourself.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Karen 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 Karen 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 Karen 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.