Carmen Yoong

Counsellor

Available on Thursdays 9am - 1pm, in-clinic and telehealth

Carmen is pursuing her Master of Counselling studies at Monash University. Originating from Malaysia, she received an Australian government scholarship, enabling her to relocate to Melbourne for her postgraduate studies. Her professional journey includes experiences as a humanitarian case worker, addressing issues of sexual and gender-based violence, and as a mental health recovery coach for teenagers and young adults dealing with complex trauma, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Carmen is passionate about helping others navigate life's journey by emphasising the development of a healthy relationship not only with one's mental health but also with interpersonal connections in their environment, ultimately enhancing overall life quality. Some of Carmen’s areas of interest and expertise include attachment, couples and relationships, trauma, person-centered therapy and creative therapies. In sessions, you can expect an open-minded, curious, and empathetic approach, creating a safe space to share comfortably. Carmen has a sincere commitment and dedication to offering her support, contributing to your overall mental health, and ensuring that you receive the utmost care and attention during sessions. 

Amelia Kalifa 

Counsellor

Available Wednesdays 1pm – 5pm, and Fridays 9am – 5pm, in-clinic and telehealth

Amelia is currently completing her Master of Counselling at Swinburne University. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology. She brings extensive experience working across various age groups, spanning children, adolescents, and older adults. Her experience includes working as a specialist teacher in learning support, where she aids children with significant learning difficulties and supports their families to manage such challenges. She recognises the paramount importance of fostering trust and creating a secure environment, supporting clients with various psychological and emotional issues. Amelia is dedicated to providing a supportive space for individuals as they navigate their personal paths, bringing a wide range of experience that helps her connect authentically with her clients. She is committed to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives while managing mental health challenges such as trauma, grief and loss, change, anxiety and depression. Amelia customises her counselling approach to suit each individual's unique needs, drawing from a repertoire of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Reminiscence Therapy. Her collaborative approach emphasises understanding the intricate interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, fostering self-acceptance and understanding, and facilitating positive change to enhance one's overall quality of life. 

Tiane Burgess

Counsellor

Available Mondays & Tuesdays 9am – 5pm, in-clinic and telehealth 

Tiane is a final-year student pursuing her Master of Counselling at Torrens University. Drawing on her background in customer service and leadership, she has honed her skills in providing support, coaching, and guidance to her team. With a passion for facilitating personal growth and well-being, Tiane is now dedicated to transitioning into a counselling role. Her interests lie particularly in working with women and young adults as well as the link between trauma and physical pain. Tiane integrates elements of solutions-focused therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural therapy to assist clients in developing healthy coping strategies. In her practice, Tiane embodies a caring, non-judgmental, and supportive approach, ensuring a safe space where clients can feel at ease to explore their concerns and challenges. 

Jia Wen Tan 

Counsellor  

Available Wednesdays 9am – 5pm, in-clinic and telehealth 

Jiawen is a current Master of Counselling student at Monash University. As a counsellor, she strives to deliver inclusive services tailored to individuals’ unique needs and is passionate about contributing to breaking the mental health stigma surrounding different populations. Jiawen values respect, openness, and is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to express and explore freely. She adopts a holistic approach to understanding individuals’ experiences and is committed to supporting them to navigate life challenges, empowering them to recognise their strengths. With a strong foundation in research, Jiawen believes that evidence-based approach is a crucial part of enhancing the effectiveness and individuals’ confidence in the counselling process.  

Jessica Piorun

Provisional Psychologist 

Jessica is a provisional psychologist in the process of finishing her required supervised hours (after completing her Master of Professional Psychology at Monash University). She supports people with a range of issues, including stress, low motivation, anxiety, life changes, relationship difficulties, and improving mood. She can also help with building skills relating to emotional regulation, mindfulness, relaxation, and assertiveness. Using a person-centred approach, within a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy framework with elements of Mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, her priority is to connect and listen to client’s needs by helping them recognise their strengths. She is keen to understand and connect with the people who come to see her. Jessica makes the effort to listen, empathise and see the strength in people (even when they have lost sight of it themselves). 

Nicolle Yong 

Counsellor 

Available Fridays 9am – 5pm, in-clinic and telehealth 

Nicolle is a counsellor currently undertaking the Master of Counselling program at Monash University. Prior to her studies, she was actively involved in the mental health sector and worked at a clinic in Singapore. There, she engaged with clients from diverse backgrounds and age groups by connecting them with suitable therapists, provided support over an emergency hotline and assisted with corporate trainings in mental health support. In recent months, she has spent time counselling primary school students in areas relating to self-esteem, anger management and emotional regulation. Driven by a genuine passion for helping others, Nicolle prides herself in being committed to the successes and well-being of her clients. She meets them with curiosity and openness, embracing a client-centered philosophy in her therapeutic approach by tailoring the support provided to meet their various needs in a safe, non-judgmental space. Beyond her counselling practice, Nicolle prioritises self-care through activities such as baking, spending quality time with loved ones and immersing herself in nature.