UQ Counsellor Connect

Manya

Hi, I’m Manya, a student counsellor here at UQCC. I look forward to hearing about you and am committed to taking time to understand your story - as I believe everyone has a unique experience, perspective, and beliefs. I follow an integrative and person-centred approach to counselling and strongly believe in creating a shared space that is non-judgemental and respectful to everyone. When I’m not working, I love to unwind by listening to music, diving into a book and spending time with my friends and family.  

Cassie

Hello! With an undergrad in psych, I found my love for the nature of counselling therapy and am now in my final year of my counselling masters as a fellow UQ student. I take an integrated approach to counselling but lean often towards ACT and operate with a person-centred attitude. I have a particular passion for the LGBTQIA+ community and all the joys and pains that accompany identity. I also have a passion for understanding those who have neurodivergence, and all things related to your study and social life. In my spare time I love heading outside for some exercise or heading to the couch for some video games! I can’t wait to meet you.

Danzel

Hi! My name is Danzel and I am a Counsellor in training at UQ Counsellor Connect. I am passionate in assisting those who need emotional support and personal development. As a counsellor, I want to create a safe environment where my clients can freely express their emotions without judgement. Not only do I want to improve client's wellbeing, I also hope to help them explore a sense of self, build self-awareness and develop resilience.  I like to integrate an approach that is usually centred towards narrative therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Besides counselling, I enjoy listening to wide range of music e.g., punk rock and hip-hop, watching movies and shows, socialising with friends.

Valeria

Hi! My name is Valeria (she/her), and I am a Master of Counselling student with a background in Psychology and Gender Studies. I have a deep appreciation for all forms of entertainment—I love going to the cinema and theatre, listening to music, reading, and exploring arts and crafts. My counselling approach is rooted in Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Feminist Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences—your stories, struggles, goals, achievements, and even moments of silence. Together, we can explore beliefs, foster growth, and navigate life’s challenges in a way that empowers you. I hope this space provides renewal, support, and practical tools for your journey ahead. Looking forward to meeting you!

Nehchal

Hi, I’m Nehchal Kaur, a student counsellor who believes in creating an environment where individuals can truly be themselves. I draw on Gestalt, Solution-Focused, and Interpersonal therapies to help clients explore their experiences, find solutions, and grow. While I'm committed to guiding everyone, I have a special interest in working with women to empower and support them. Outside of counselling, I enjoy shopping, dressing up, doing skincare, and watching psychological thriller movies.

April (Zixuan)

I am a student counsellor in training with a passion for listening to people's stories, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds, and supporting their well-being. I value interactions based on respect, compassion, and empathy, striving to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. My approach is integrative, combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), and Narrative Therapy to provide tailored support that acknowledges each individual's unique concerns. Outside of my school and work, I enjoy listening to K-pop music, playing ultimate frisbee, and travelling

Braden

Hi! I am a student Counsellor with a background in psychology and education studies. In the last several years, I have worked extensively in the youth homelessness sector. This has given me exposure to diverse populations and a range of mental health presentations. Through my experiences, I have come to really value flexibility, curiosity, and compassion. These are traits I strive to bring into my counselling practice. I aim to utilise a person-centred approach in order to understand and be empathic towards the human being sitting in front of me. I also have specific interests in acceptance and commitment, internal family systems, and narrative type therapies. In my down time, I enjoy watching a good movie or tv show, reading books, trying out new places to eat (especially if it's Vietnamese), and spending time with my partner and our 10-year-old rescue dog Kelsey.

Joyce (Jiayi)

I am a student counsellor with a background in applied psychology. In my counselling practice, I primarily adopt a Person-Centered approach while integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking support. My goal is to build a relationship of trust and collaboration with my clients, actively listening to their stories with respect, empathy, and genuine understanding as we navigate their journey of self-exploration and growth together. As an international student from China, I look forward to working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and gaining a deeper understanding of their unique experiences. I embrace life with curiosity and kindness, and outside of work and studies, I love travelling, music, and photography. I also enjoy recharging myself through gatherings with friends or spending time in nature.

Antara

I am a student counsellor drawn to working with adolescents and young people. As an international student myself, I deeply relate to the challenges of university life, stress, periods of feeling low, and adjusting to new environments. I strive to create a warm, non-judgemental space where clients feel heard, validated, and understood. I believe we all have much to learn from each other, and that shared experiences foster collective growth and understanding. My goal is to assist clients in recognising their strengths and building a deeper connection with themselves. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, with a strong foundation in person-centred principles. I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, focusing on collaboration, empathy, and understanding. Outside the counselling room, I enjoy cooking, working on Kmart art projects, going for long walks, and balancing life by watching true crime documentaries, "Gossip Girl", and "Friends" on repeat!

Karina

Hi, I’m Karina Angel. I remember what it was like to move away from the small town I grew up in to study at UQ. I remember being nervous about failure, the fear of not making friends, and the homesickness. I remember that I thought it would be wonderful to have help with these emotions, thoughts, and feelings. I know that coming back to UQ as a mature age student hasn’t been easy because of self-doubts and how much everything has changed since I was here as an Undergraduate in 1989. So, if you ever want to talk about what you’re experiencing here at UQ, know that I am a mental health practitioner in training who is here for you. I will use evidence based therapeutic approaches as we work to alleviate your distress and improve your well-being.

Nandini

Hi, I am Nandini Negi, a student counsellor at UQCC. I have a deep passion for listening to people’s stories. I believe in the power of kindness and aim to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients where they feel heard and valued. My approach to counselling is rooted in empathy, active listening and genuineness, integrating therapeutic modalities like CBT and narrative therapy. Beyond counselling, I find joy in volunteering and giving back to the community whenever I can. I’m also a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places and cultures.

Tony (Sizhe)

Hi, my name is Sizhe (Tony) Xie. After completing my undergraduate studies in psychology, I chose to further my education by pursuing a master's degree in counselling. I have a deep passion for listening to people's stories, and I firmly believe in the boundless power of language—it can be a tool for sharing or a means of expression. I am dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and warm environment where my clients feel free to share and express themselves. Language also acts as a bridge, bringing us closer together. As a counsellor, I particularly enjoy working with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centred Therapy. Outside of counselling, I love listening to music and watching Netflix.