Meet Asian Australian Psychologist, Takeo Kameoka

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 Takeo who is a Psychologist offering services in Melbourne, VIC and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Takeo below!

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

Growing up with both my parents working in healthcare, I've always aspired to follow in their footsteps. My journey migrating to Australia as a teenager, amidst the chaos of natural and nuclear disasters in Japan, was a really difficult one. Confronting my own mental health hurdles while witnessing loved ones battle their own ignited a passion within me to pursue psychology.

As a psychologist and an academic, I am also deeply committed to social justice values and driven to leverage my future career to combat health disparities, enhance access to care, and confront the societal conditions and systems that contribute to people's mental health challenges.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I was born and raised in Japan until I was 11, then I moved to Australia. Even though I used to struggle with cultural identity a lot, now I appreciate that I can take what I like from my diverse cultural experience and forge my own identity!

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

My work is grounded in intersectionality. This means that I consider that each person is uniquely affected by the impacts and interactions of forms of discriminations and oppression (e.g., racism, patriarchy, sexism, queer-phobia, ableism and classism) on marginalised communities.

This perspective is crucial in my work as it allows me to recognise the uniqueness of experiences, perspectives, and challenges of each person. As a psychologist trained in clinical psychology, I am skilled in a variety of modalities like CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and Schema Therapy. These methods offer valuable tools to navigate difficult emotions, explore identity, relationships, and behavioural patterns. However, I strive to critically engage with these methods, prioritising a client-led, whole-person approach rather than being solely guided by them. I want to meet every person where they are!

I am also dedicated to decolonising our psychological methods and paradigms. This involves acknowledging the inherent bias towards Western thinking in therapy methods, which can overshadow the unique knowledge, experiences, and intergenerational wisdom of each client. I aim to offer culturally-responsive care and minimise the colonial impact on marginalised communities. As a settler on this land and with a Japanese heritage tied to colonial history, these principles hold profound significance for me.

All the serious things aside, I am just another human being who wants to be helpful! People often say I have a relaxed, genuine, warm, humorous style. I try to create a safe and collaborative environment where clients feel at ease giving feedback, so that our sessions are not only valuable but also enjoyable.

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

I've had privilege of working with clients facing challenges like depression, anxiety, OCD, adjustment disorder, relationship complexities, identity exploration, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attachment and trauma, intergenerational trauma, low self-esteem, and navigating life transitions. In my practice, clients often appreciate the inclusive and empowering space I provide to help them unravel, heal, and learn from their trauma, child and family experiences and minority experiences such as those related to culture, migration, sexuality, and gender identity.

I am also passionate about guiding those who are just beginning their journey in therapy. I understand that it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even intimidating at first. If you're new to therapy, know that you're very welcome here!

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

I would say to myself - slow down. Try to be more present everyday, appreciate where and who I am, be more grateful for the people I have in my life, and interact with the nature more!

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Takeo 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 Takeo 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 Takeo 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.