Meet Asian Australian Counsellor, Natalie Anderson

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 Natalie who is a Counsellor offering services in Langwarrin, VIC and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Natalie below!

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

My interest in mental health stems from the way that understanding more about my complicated cross-cultural journey and other transitions has shaped my own identity, and helped to give me a sense of purpose. Overcoming life's challenges can create anxiety or distress if we don't feel supported in processing our emotional responses, and able to recognise patterns in our thinking, so we can better align our actions to our values and goals. I've always been interested in helping others who may have feel stuck in past experiences or events, but wish to move forward in their lives in a meaningful way.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am of Vietnamese-Australian heritage. I was born in Singapore and spent my childhood in Australia, before living in Vietnam for 16 years, where my own children were born.

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

 I follow a "whole-of-life" approach and provide holistic therapy focused on the connection between emotional healing and physical wellbeing. This can involve integrative techniques which include mindfulness-based and somatic modalities to manage and release stress, tension and trauma, as well as strengths-based strategies, which can include attachment and family systems theories, as well as solutions-focused therapy.

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

I offer support for challenges throughout all ages and complex life stages, including in adolescence, the perinatal period, parenting, families, relationships, as well as those resulting from intergenerational trauma and loss and grief experiences.

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

One of my favourite mantras is "this too shall pass", which is true of all of the positive and negative moments in life - so be present in the moment, and accept that is exactly what it is.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Natalie 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 Natalie 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 Natalie 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.