Meet Asian Australian Psychologist, Jessica Ching

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 Jessica who is a Psychologist offering services in Nunawading, VIC and Telehealth Australia Wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Jessica below!

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

I think straddling the lines between Eastern and Western cultures all my life has taught me important lessons in listening, understanding complexities, and developing empathy for each individual. I can relate to the feelings of 'not quite belonging' anywhere as a third culture kid and this has cultivated a special place in my heart for the marginalized and the outsiders in society.
I am truly grateful to walk through some of the toughest journeys with people and play a role in the process (even a tiny one!).

The second reason being that this is an area that I feel constantly challenged and curious about. There never is a mundane moment! I've come to understand that mental health and wellbeing is a dynamic growing process so I definitely feel like my clients have continued to challenge, teach, and inspire growth within me.

 2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I'm a Third Culture Kid (TCK) who was born in Singapore. My parents are from Hong Kong and I have lived the majority of my childhood in mainland China within an International expat community. I spent my teenage years in a boarding school in Singapore and moved to Melbourne in 2015.

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

I work with many International students and people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The areas I specialise in are ADHD, Neurodivergent young people, religion and spiritual issues, life transitions, and Anxiety Disorders. I like to work across the life span and see both children and adolescents as well as adults.
I use a range of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy to best suit my client's goals. I believe that there is no one size fit all therapy and that the client-therapist alliance stands as a pillar for effective teamwork.

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

If you are willing and had the courage to walk through that door, sit down in front of a complete stranger to bring up what is troubling you, I think we are already on to a very good start.

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

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced"

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Jessica 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 Jessica 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 Jessica 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.