Meet Asian Australian Counsellor: Sasha Truong

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 Sasha who is a counsellor offering services in Caroline Springs, VIC. We hope you enjoy connecting with Sasha below!

~

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

I realised that I had quite a bit of lived experiences that could help others going through similar problems, especially the fact that I had myself overcome and adapted healthier ways to cope with the help of others both lay and professional. When I combine this with my love for understanding the human psyche, it made perfect sense to pursue counselling.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am half Vietnamese half Chinese. We escaped the Vietnam war in the early 80s and came to Australia when I was almost 3 years old. I have a deep appreciation for the challenges of navigating Asian culture in a Western society.

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

I specialise in Schema therapy, focusing on modes as a way to target interventions which combine cognitive, experiential as well as behavioural elements. In particular, I am passionate about the attachment, object-relations school of psychodynamic theory that places significant emphasis on the early child/parent attachment. Adult relationship issues stem from unmet needs in childhood and Schema therapy addresses those needs, not only to fulfill them, but to teach clients how to adapt and learn healthier coping through the nurturing of their healthy adult mode.

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

Asian adults, females would be my primary niche. But I also see men, couples, families, adolescents.

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

You are doing exactly what you are suppose to do. You are continually open to learning and growing alongside your clients and they appreciate your genuineness and professionalism.

~

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Sasha 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 Sasha 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 Sasha 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.