Meet Asian Australian Clinical Psychologist: Kara Choi

We know that it's not always easy trying to work out which therapist we might like to work with: Because the decision isn't just about where they're located and when they're available, but there's a bit more of a human, relational element to the decision too.

So here at Shapes and Sounds, we want to help make that process just a little easier.

Every month, we'll be introducing a therapist from the Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List to help you gain a bit more insight into who you feel might be a good fit for you or someone that you know.

This month we're excited to connect you with Kara Choi who is a Clinical psychologist offering services in Putney, NSW and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Kara below!

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1. What led you to choosing mental health as a career?

I knew from a young age I wanted to be in the helping profession in some shape or form, but it was really as I went through my adolescent years that I started to really understand and become interested in the idea that every single person has their own story, family, and history which shapes them to be who they are. I have also always loved the idea of preventative work in that if we can support people to identify and manage any difficulties earlier, that would do wonders for their longer-term trajectory – like a positive cascade effect. I find this work so humbling and meaningful.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am Korean-Australian. I was born in Australia, and both my parents immigrated to Australia from South Korea. I think it’s pretty fair to say that I feel a part of a specific and unique Korean-Australian culture that is neither fully Australian or fully Korean.

3. What are your areas of specialty and what kind of frameworks do you work from?

I work primarily from an attachment framework, with the underlying view that humans are created for connection with one another, and that each person holds intrinsic value.

My therapeutic approach is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I believe in the importance of creating a safe space where individuals and couples feel supported to share their vulnerabilities and empowered to make changes.

Whilst I personally love to work from an attachment-based framework, I also integrate my approach to best suit the client and presenting issues, drawing from a range of evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-based therapy including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

4. What kind of clients are you best able to support?

I work with individuals (18+ years) wanting to improve their mood, anxiety, emotion regulation, and relationships, as well as those wanting to understand and change how their family of origin and history continues to shape their relational patterns and wellbeing today. I also work with new mums and dads in the perinatal period, supporting their adjustment into this new identity and stage of life. This change can be particularly challenging for new parents with difficult family histories themselves, and I feel so privileged to be able to support them in being the parents they want to be.

I also work with couples for pre-marital counselling to support them in preventatively strengthening their relationship for the changes to come. I provide general couple counselling to support couples to manage conflict better, communicate more effectively, or for those who just want to strengthen their connection with one another.

5. If you could be your own therapist right now, what do you think you would say to yourself?

I think I would tell myself that it’s ok to pause in the hard moments, and breathe. That in each moment there is a choice to be made. And that even when we act in ways that don’t align with who we want to be, that it’s okay, it doesn’t define who we are, and that we can continue on by taking responsibility and small steps forward – that it’s the small things that add up cumulatively over time.

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Connect with Kara via our Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List HERE.

Alternatively, if you feel like Kara may be a good fit for someone that you know, be sure to forward this page on to them too. Let us continue to not only support ourselves but all those around us too!

If you require urgent assistance, please do not contact Kara or any of the practitioners on this list. Instead, please call emergency services on 000 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Shapes and Sounds does not recommend or endorse Kara or any of the practitioners listed on the Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List.

Please always consult your GP before making changes to your mental health care plan.