Meet Asian Australian Psychotherapist and Coach, Florence Thum

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 Florence who is a Psychotherapist and Coach offering services in Springwood, NSW, and Telehealth Australia Wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Florence below!

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

An intellectual curiosity about the human condition together with a desire to make a positive difference led me first to a career in law. There, and in my personal and social lives, I encountered many people experiencing mental ill-health causing dysfunction in their day-to-day living. Seeking to understand the ‘whys’ of our mental health problems, and the ‘hows’ to improve their lived experiences, I re-trained as a psychotherapist and coach. Around the same time, integrating my knowledge in law and psychotherapy, I also transitioned to a concurrent career in education.

I have been working in mental health for more than 10 years, facilitating clients’ journey of healing and flourishing. Applying my transdisciplinary knowledge and skills across professional industries, I also journey with those who are struggling to engage with their values and strengths and to find purpose and meaning in their personal or professional lives.

I feel privileged for the opportunity to hold space for my clients and their sacred stories and journey.

 2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am ethnic Chinese, and grew up in Malaysia. I have called Australia home for more than 30 years. I embrace the multifaceted me, and am grateful for my cultural experiences which contribute to my understanding and perspectives on belonging, connection and home.

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

I work with clients so they develop functional and effective ways of being and doing in their world, and to guide them in the transitions in their lives, whether in their personal or professional lives.

I am an integrative practitioner, and will use person-centred approaches to suit clients’ needs and issues. My primary “tools” include narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, and existential therapy. As a certified trauma practitioner, I am attuned to trauma presentations.

In essence, my approach is to empower you to move from “what is going wrong” to “what can be”.

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

I work with teenagers and adults from diverse gender, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds who are ready to commit to growth and to make positive changes in their lives.

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

To my former self:
Be bold and step into the unknown. Know that within you lay incredible resources and strengths. Life is not always easy, yet trust in the journey and in yourself that you will find your way, thrive and flourish.
To my self now:
Delight in the beauty around you, be present and stay mindful.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence 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.