Meet Asian Australian Clinical Psychologist: Luvena Susanto

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 Luvena who is a clinical psychologist offering services in Carlton, VIC and Telehealth Australia wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Luvena below!

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

I initially wanted to pursue a career in Archaeology, but decided to study Psychology in university instead because of its better job prospects. That said, I really enjoyed my Psychology units in high school too and had always been curious about why people think and behave in particular ways (myself included!). In addition to that, I enjoyed lending an ear to friends who wanted to talk and understood earlier on how important it is to be there for someone when they're going through a lot. Knowing that I can do this as an actual career was very exciting for me (keeping in mind that listening to a friend and being a therapist are two different things). All these factors combined led me to study Clinical Psychology and become the therapist that I am today.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am Chinese but I was born in Indonesia.

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

My main areas of interests are depression, anxiety, anger, attachment trauma and interpersonal issues. I work from a psychodynamic lens to explore childhood experiences, relational patterns, and unconscious processes that may be affecting someone today.

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

I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, anger, attachment trauma, and difficulties in relationships or emotional connection. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in painful patterns, overwhelmed by emotions, or unsure why they continue to struggle despite trying hard to cope.

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

To savour every day as if it was the last, instead of worrying so much about what's around the corner.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Luvena 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 Luvena 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 Luvena 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.