Meet Asian Australian Clinical Psychologist, Joyce Ong

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 Joyce who is a clinical psychologist offering services in NSW and Telehealth Australia Wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Joyce below!

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1. What led you to choosing psychology as a career?

I was 14 when I first came across psychology as a profession, and it really intrigued and resonated with me. I had an interest in neuroscience, philosophy and sociology which got me thinking that becoming a psychologist would be a really fun career to have. I enjoy getting to know someone, and being able to bear witness to their transformation in a vulnerable space something I find to be such a privilege. There is also deep comfort in exploring shared suffering as human beings that brings so much meaning to the work. I also really like that psychology is a blend of science and art of working through one’s psyche and spirit in the here and now.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I identify as Malaysian Chinese and lived in Malaysia until I was 22. I moved to Sydney, Australia to pursue my Masters Degree and stayed on ever since.

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

I describe myself as a generalist because I see a very wide range of presentations except for eating disorders and couples work. Over the years, I developed special interests in the areas of complex/developmental trauma, gender and identity issues, cultural challenges, and anxiety management. The modalities that I have been trained in include CBT, ACT, DBT, Mindfulness-based therapies, Schema Therapy, EMDR and Existential Psychotherapy. I tend to favour a client-focused framework with an emphasis on the therapy process or experiential exercises to help clients to meet their therapy goals.

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

Clients who are looking for a warm, relatable and empathetic listener, with a hint of playfulness done tactfully to challenge pre-existing maladapative coping mechanisms. Anyone who is wanting to take a dive into their psyche, unlearn life-long patterns of unhealthy living and find a new way of being. Clients who have existential predicaments who are simply looking for a person to connect with.

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

You are not alone, there are people who have gone before you and have done it. You can do it too, just take one step at a time. You got this.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Joyce 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 Joyce 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 Joyce 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.