Behnaz Khatam, Masters in counselling psychology (M.A.)

I am dedicated to helping and supporting clients with the highest degree of care and respect, believing that increasing self-compassion, acceptance, and personal growth empowers my clients to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. I truly believe we all have the capacity for “change” in all aspects of life, and that as human beings we have the power to change our world and our future. My perspective is always to look at people through a positive lens, seeing your personal strength and potential to change and grow in all aspects of life and in every moment, trusting in your ability to grow and make resourceful, healthy choices when given the opportunity. My approach is collaborative and egalitarian one that creates a safe and accepting atmosphere, allowing my clients to recognize and make sense of their experience. I incorporate evidence-based techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Person-centered Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I offer counselling in English and Farsi.

What is counselling and how can it help? ?Counselling is a process of talking about and working through your personal problems with a counsellor. The counsellor helps you to address your problems in a positive way by helping you to clarify the issues, explore options, develop strategies and increases self-awareness. For some people, just the process of telling their story to a counsellor, and being listened to, is helpful.? - Betterhealth.vic.gov.au (2020)

The most prominent sign of change and moving forward that I see is acceptance. For me, it has always been about not losing hope and somehow, raising myself above challenges in life. I was truly able to let go of the painful past through the power of acceptance. Self-acceptance is about accepting yourself completely, as who you are. In my practice, I create an accepting environment so you can feel safe, secure, and comfortable. This allows you to understand and become more accepting of yourself as you are, , become unstuck, liberated, and able to move forward, feeling your freedom.