UQ Counsellor Connect

Avalon

I am a student counsellor with a background in psychology who is passionate about hearing the stories of others by lending an empathetic ear to my clients. I have a particular passion for working with neurodivergent individuals and those with self-esteem and body image issues. My approach to counselling would be to create an atmosphere free of judgement where my clients can be their most authentic selves. In my down time, I love to travel, read, cuddle with my dogs, and play D&D or board games with my friends!

Rishiraj

I really enjoy connecting with people and believe everyone has a unique story to share. I really like to explore the various stories that people offer as it helps me learn about the diversity that exists in the real world. As a final-year counselling student, my goal is to help others by listening and offering support in a way that suits them best. I take a mix-and-match (or integrative approach) to counselling, usually inclined towards person-centred therapy (PCT), narrative therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I aim to create a safe and comfortable space that encourages clients to share freely. In my free time I like cooking, playing musical instruments, doing photography, and watching thrilling movies and shows.

Trang

As a counsellor in training and a fellow student, I am passionate about assisting other students from different walks of life. My therapeutic support comes from a place of respect, compassion and empathy. The work I provide integrates components of cognitive therapies, compassion focused therapy and person-centered philosophy. I aim to create a space where my clients feel safe to be themselves and share their stories with me. I seek to understand a client’s unique experiences and focus on providing individualised support as we work towards goals collaboratively. Outside of work and school, I find comfort in music, cooking, and spending quality time with friends.

Kanishk

Hey there! I am Kanishk (any pronouns). I respect individual values, opinions, and experiences that may differ from mine. I like seeing the person before me for who they are and what they might want to be. Besides this, along with other areas, I find attachment, trauma, and minority stress as crucial facets that can impact one's life. I emphasise creating a safe and non-judgmental space for people to explore themselves and their issues. My general approach to counselling is holistic and inclusive, and I value transparency and collaboration. I have had the opportunity to function as a peer counsellor which has helped me understand the stressors related to university and life in general. In my own time, I like listening to music and thriller podcasts, and indulging in running, badminton, skating, and art.

Elaine

I am an empathetic listener who enjoys working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and helping them cope with various emotional and mental health issues they may be experiencing. As the saying goes “Because I have been in the rain, I want to hold an umbrella for others”. I am dedicated and committed to helping clients who are facing various challenges, such as life problems, emotional issues, and family of origin influences. I aim to guide clients towards achieving their therapeutic goals, assisting them in self-discovery, enhancing their self-awareness, and facilitating positive changes through a professional and compassionate approach. I aim to create a non-judgmental, safe space for individuals to express themselves. I love listening to music and traveling, and I aim to take care of myself in my spare time.

Veda

I am a student counsellor who is curious to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My work is driven by an integrative approach to counselling including cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centered therapy, and feminist therapy. I would like to create a safe space for clients where they can talk about what is on their mind comfortably and without fear of being judged. In my free time, I like to listen to music, watch my favourite Hindi language comedy series and read books.

Sophia

I am a student counsellor at UQ who has joined UQCC this year. My primary focus is to provide my clients a safe and comfortable space to share their stories and experiences. I believe it is important to facilitate an environment for growth so that clients will be enabled to grow and develop throughout the whole counselling process. My preferred counselling style is strengths based and tends to lean towards using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and narrative therapy; my areas of interest. Away from work I enjoy drawing and being creative with my hands, playing different sports, jamming with friends on guitar, and actively serving at my local church here in Brisbane.

Ella

I am a counsellor in training who is passionate and committed to guiding individuals on their journey towards personal growth and emotional well-being. As an international student myself I love working with people from various cultural backgrounds and respect the uniqueness of every individual.  Whether you're dealing with relationship drama, school stress, or just seeking support for personal development, I look forward to hearing your story. Life can be a bit of a puzzle sometimes, and having a support person can make all the difference – I hope to be that go-to support person for you! I aim to provide a non-judgmental, safe space, for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. My work embraces a client-centered approach and is collaborative and integrative in nature. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, doing art stuff, reading, and spending time with my pup.

Shaguna

Hey there, I am Shaguna (she/her) - a student counsellor at UQCC with a background in psychology and philosophy. I approach life and its various circumstances with curiosity and kindness. My therapeutic approach is driven by client-centred and existential therapy which I combine with other modalities to provide interventions that are in the best interests of my clients. Being an international student, I aim to centre my practice around creating a safe and comfortable space for a diverse clientele, helping them feel heard and respected, and fostering an environment for growth, healing, and self-exploration. I believe our differences make us who we are; no one knows us better than we know ourselves. Hence, I prioritise understanding a client’s narrative and collaborating with them to tailor a personalised therapeutic experience. Outside the counselling room, I like hitting the gym, binge-watching Netflix, and satiating my inner foodie with culinary adventures.

Kathy

As a student counsellor with a background in psychology, my primary goal is to foster a safe, non-judgmental and comfortable environment where my clients can freely express themselves while collaboratively facilitating a self-exploration process that is empowering and nurtures healing and growth. My practice approach is based on an integrative approach that draws primarily from person-centred therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy and strength-based therapy. My own lived experience as an international student and my studies in the fields of psychology and counselling have provided me with a profound understanding of students’ unique challenges. I’m originally from China and have lived in Australia for four years. My areas of interest also extend to cross-cultural psychotherapy supporting English as Second Language students. In my spare time, I often prefer to embrace solitude in nature to recharge and also take photographs of scenery.