Meet Asian Australian Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Gabriella Gandi

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 Gabriella who is a counsellor and psychotherapist offering services in Castle Hill, NSW. We hope you enjoy connecting with Gabriella below!

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

When I was younger, I was highly focused on academics, performed well at school, and studied Computer Science. It wasn't until I had an existential crisis while working in tech that I realised "there must be more to life". It led me to a path of self-discovery, finding out who am I and what's important for me. Following that, I studied Psychotherapy and Counselling, and now I'm a therapist focusing on helping others create more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I'm Chinese Indonesian, which means my ancestral background is Chinese, and I was born in Indonesia. Back there, I was part of the minority group, and I heard stories of the trauma faced by my ancestors. I was fortunate enough to not have to live through that, but I can sense myself carrying the invisible burden of intergenerational trauma, which I have been slowly unraveling. A few years ago, I moved to Australia, and while this might not be a popular opinion, I feel more at home here.

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

From my lived experience, I've come to focus on helping people get in touch with who they are and why they're here. My niche lies in the intersection of meaning, purpose, self-discovery and spirituality.

As someone who used to live mainly in their head, I have come to realise the importance of mind-body connection, so I utilise somatic approaches within my sessions. I also work within person-centred and attachment-based frameworks, to hold each client with their unique history, their sense of Self, and who they are becoming.

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

My specialty lies in supporting clients who are in the middle of an existential crisis, navigating life transitions, or experiencing spiritual awakening. I'm also passionate about assisting clients who used to be overly logical to get more in touch with their emotions, their bodily intelligence, and their intuition. Additionally, I help those who struggle with overachievement or perfectionism to live more at ease and in flow.

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

It's okay to slow down and rest. You don't have to know all the answers :)

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Gabriella 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 Gabriella 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 Gabriella 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.