When people hear the word “counselling,” they often imagine a quiet room, a therapist with a notepad, and a conversation about feelings. While that’s part of it, counselling is much more than just talking. It’s about healing, growth, and navigating life’s challenges with support.
BUT what happens when your challenges are shaped by culture, migration, or identity?
That’s where culturally informed counselling comes in.
What is culturally informed counselling?
Culturally informed counselling recognizes that your background – your language, values, traditions, and lived experience – shapes how you experience the world.
It’s not just about translating words , but understanding meaning.
In my practice, this means:
- Creating space for stories of migration, belonging, and identity.
- Using creative tools like art therapy to express what words can’t.
- Respecting cultural norms around family, emotion, and healing.
- Offering flexible, trauma-informed support that feels safe and familiar.
Why does it matter?
Many clients tell me they’ve felt misunderstood in mainstream therapy. Whether it’s a language barrier or they’ve had to explain their culture, justify their emotions, or adapt to models that don’t fit their reality.
Culturally informed counselling flips that script. It starts with you. Your story, Your strengths, Your way of seeing the world.
Who is it for?
This approach is especially helpful for:
- Migrants and multicultural Australians navigating identity stress.
- People from CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds.
- Anyone who wants therapy that respects their whole self, not just their symptoms.
What does a session look like?
Sessions can include:
- Talking therapy with a culturally sensitive lens.
- Art therapy activities (no art skills needed!).
- Journaling, mindfulness, and creative expression.
- Online or in-person support, depending on your needs.
If you’ve ever felt like therapy didn’t “get” you, culturally informed counselling might be the missing piece.
Want to explore this approach?