Meet Asian Australian psychologist, Sundas Rehman.

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 Sundas Rehman who is a registered psychologist and founder of her clinic, Internal Sunshine, which is based in Melbourne. We hope you enjoy connecting with Sundas below!

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

I have always wanted to be a psychologist since year 10 careers class. I was fascinated by the way our mind works, I wanted to learn more about human behaviour and why we do certain things a certain way. I also had family members experience various degrees of mental illness which only made me more curious and keen to learn more and help others. I love to support others through their journey, assisting them in finding their path or their goals to eventually live a more fulfilling life.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am a born Pakistani but bread Australian. I have very much a mixed cultural heritage, I am proud to hold onto my birth country's culture but also enjoy the uniqueness of being an Australian. If I may say so myself, I feel I have taken the best of both worlds and made it my own.

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

I love to work with all ages across the life span. I have worked extensively with children and teens and now adults using a mix of CBT, ACT, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy and DBT. I love to also work with neurodiverse clients providing both assessment and therapy. I think there is still so much to learn about neurodiversity and the uniqueness that each individual brings along with them. I also have a passion in the area of anxiety, I have first-hand experience with anxiety and can relate to so many symptoms and feelings that anxiety can bring forward.

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

Clients who are hoping to grow, develop skills, change habits, find themselves, find their inner peace and their strengths. I love to support clients in growing and developing.

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

"Take one step at a time." "Slow down, you've got this." "You are capable of more than you think you are." And, "embrace life experiences".

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Sundas 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 Sundas 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 Sundas 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.