Finding The Right Therapist

ayad on 16/11/2020 - 07:40

Hi, I'm not sure if people relate but looking for a psychotherapist/therapist that you're comfortable with is challenging - depending on who you are/your life.

I came to Australia in 2002 from Sudan and had a rough childhood that's affecting my life today in many ways - trying to describe this to any therapist often results in textbook responses and solutions and I think this is because the disconnect in culture and experience. I have tried multiple psychologists. They either don't really understand or I don't feel fully comfortable.

It's a long shot but I was wondering if anyone knew where i could find a psychotherapist of ethnic background that could help me. Preferably a woman but I'm not too fussed.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advanced!

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Comments

  • acurrentaffair on 16/11/2020 - 08:50
    +3

    I came across this article when I was researching for you - https://www.psychology.org.au/for-members/publications/inpsy….

    You can try to reach out to her on LinkedIn here (she may be able to recommend you someone) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-parris-1855a228/?originalSu…

    Meredith Levi also runs a private practice and has experience working with Sudanese migrants https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-levi-aa7a9747/?original…

    Here's a search query you can use https://www.google.com.au/search?q=%22sudanese%22+therapist&…

    It looks for Australian websites that have to mention 'Sudanese' and related words around therapists.

    Hope that helps.

    • ayad on 16/11/2020 - 13:23

      Very much appreciated !!

  • Quantumcat on 16/11/2020 - 08:50

    Tell us what city you're in assuming you want to see them face to face.

    Hope you find someone!

    • ayad on 16/11/2020 - 12:44

      I'm from Melbourne. I would prefer face to face if possible

  • this is us on 16/11/2020 - 09:23

    Hi ayad.

    Maybe this:
    https://acpa.org.au/find-a-clinical-psychologist/

    Also, PACFA.

    People have different requirements, what works for A might not work for B.

    It's important to discuss your goals with the therapist and review these goals and the process after each session to make sure the treatment is being effective.

    A very common complaint in psychotherapy is that clients expect to hear from the therapist, but the professional doesn't provide any feedback. Clients/patients should be encouraged to provide feedback to the therapist, so client and therapist can identify together what was good about a session, and what was not so good. That's a two-way road.

    Some clients just want/need to sit and talk, and feel that someone is listening to them; others prefer to discuss particular situations and try to find what is the best solution for a particular problem, or a long-term behaviour that is causing the problems.

    Therapists don't provide advice or answers, but can help you find the answers by guiding the process and applying different techniques, depending on what you want, or need.

    Although I totally understand the reasons why you'd prefer someone from a similar background, which could make things easier, I like to think that a therapist should be able to empathise and connect with any client even if he/she is from a totally different background, or different gender, age, etc.

    • ayad on 16/11/2020 - 13:23
      +1

      I definitely agree and see where you're coming from. It definitely is a two-way street and I can imagine some people simply wanted answers and to be talked to without contributing much to tailor the session. I'm naturally self reflective and i've been doing it for so for a long time so I kind of have some idea of the help I need.

      And I kind of don't agree with your last sentiment as to empathise you need to connect/relate to the experience of someone else. You can be a good therapist and help to identify certain emotions or triggers but if you are for e.g. a middle class white therapist it's going to be hard to relate to the pressures, traumatic or everyday experiences of the eldest daughter or son of Sudanese family. It's not impossible but it really lacks that feeling of comfort - I have tried it and I just feel exposed - it felt like they were just learning about my culture and weirdly I have some friends that are involved in mental health who are white Australian and the way they describe mental health in African communities is a bit worrying. Anyway don't mean to go too deep into but I appreciate your help! Thanks to this thread I have a great start!

  • enigma48 on 16/11/2020 - 10:09
    +2

    If you're based in Melbourne, I'd reach out to a few of the community groups here. A few friends of mine are Social Workers who work with refugees - their job is to try and find trauma-informed specialists and other resources to help you. I don't know the organisations myself but I recognise a few of the names here: https://www.google.com/search?q=melbourne+refugee+community+…

    Good luck and good on you for reaching out.

  • kanmen on 16/11/2020 - 11:09

    This is really common for people from BIPOC backgrounds in trying to find mental-health services that are culturally relevant and appropriate, so you're not alone. Good on you for reaching out!

    I have heard great things about Francis Voon but also seen good things about Pola Psychology and they have a directory too! Also Vida Psychology

    I found another directory link that I'm not sure I can post here, but if anyone would like it please dm me :)

    • ayad on 16/11/2020 - 12:54

      Really really appreciate these resources I am looking through all of them and I'm already feeling better knowing I could go to a few of these therapists

  • Brian McGee on 16/11/2020 - 15:58
    +1

    This guy?

  • fossilfuel on 16/11/2020 - 17:35
    +1

    I'm based in NSW and I usually refer my refugee clients to STARTTS, a free and confidential counselling service for refugees. They use trauma informed approaches to address refugee trauma. Most refugees also have resettlement issues and STARTTS can also address that.

    From a quick search, it seems like Victoria has a similar service called Foundation House which offers free and confidential counselling for refugees. To make a referral, you can call them on (03) 9389 8900. I know some services have yet to resume face to face sessions but may offer telehealth. They have clinics at Dallas, Dandenong, Ringwood and Sunshine. You can also check out this brochure to see if it's right for you.

    Someone here also pointed out the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre which offer support services but they can also point you in the right direction.

  • Lunarboogie on 16/11/2020 - 23:48
    +2

    Hi Ayad - I totally acknowledge the pain you are suffering. I think it’s a credit to you that you are and have been seeking assistance. Peace!

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