Meet Asian Australian Counsellor, Carolyn Yin

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 Carolyn Yin who is a Counsellor offering services in Ryde, NSW and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Carolyn below!

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

I have always been passionate about helping others and have a strong curiosity about human behaviour – why do we think, feel and react the way we do, how did we develop personalities, what makes us who we are? These topics were rarely (if ever) discussed in early years of life or even in adult life. Gaining more insight, along with a better understanding of ourselves can help us to come to a healthier way to relate to not only ourselves but also with others.

Having worked in mental health since 2006, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals and witnessing their growth and transformation as they share their journey with me.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I grew up in Australia and have a mixed Asian heritage from Hong Kong, China, and Cambodia. I speak fluent English, and conversational Cantonese. Having a diverse understanding from different cultures has been integral in providing culturally sensitive counselling therapy.

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

I like to work with my clients with care and compassion by providing a safe space to promote healing and growth. Each one of us is unique - with our own story, and differ in ways that we think, feel, behave, and process information; what works for one person may not work for another. Using a person-centred approach, I use a blend of therapeutic strategies (Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy).
I have supported my clients with issues related to:

• Cultural identity and cross-cultural family of origin dynamics
• Anxiety and Depression
• Neurodivergence
• Study or work-related stress
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Trauma and intergenerational trauma
• Relationships and attachment issues

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

Having worked in organisations with a primary focus on emotional wellbeing and health in various positions, as well as corporate and educational settings, I have a passion for supporting the mental wellbeing of people from different cultures and walks of life.

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

In this present moment know that within you, you have the internal strength to overcome challenges. Trust the process, allow self-compassion and a sense of curiosity. The unknown can be daunting, but it can also be transformative.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Carolyn 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 Carolyn 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 Carolyn 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.