Meet Asian Australian Counsellor: Siew Wei Hooke

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 Siew Wei Hooke who is a Counsellor offering services in Brunswick East, VIC and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Siew Wei below!

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

Growing up as a first-generation migrant, I was not aware there were supports for mental health concerns. I grew up thinking that I had to hide my unhealthy thoughts and feelings and to keep soldiering on and that everyone must be doing the same. I came to the realisation later in life that the negative thoughts and feelings I was having wasn't going away and that it was affecting my life - physically, mentally and socially. At my worst, I was encouraged to seek help from a psychologist. Finding a therapist who was culturally aware and/or curious about my understanding of the world around me took me a few years. However, that counsellor was instrumental in my recovery, growth and healing. In a sliding door moment, I had the opportunity to continue with my career I had worked on for over 20 years but lost passion for or change my life trajectory and choose a career I couldn't stop thinking about. I chose the latter and here I am, giving back to the community.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am of Chinese heritage, my grandparents migrated to Malaysia and had my parents then my parents migrated to Australia when I was 8 years old. I was one of two Asian students in primary school and I discovered early that I felt I didn't fit in either in Australia or in Malaysia. However, I understand now that I don't have to be one or the other and I can have one foot in each culture and take the best from both. What a gift I have been given!

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

I currently work with people who have psychosocial disabilities, but I have also worked with international students, individuals seeking support with relationship challenges, life transitions, family tensions and grief.

I am guided by my clients in how I work, however, I have found a person-centred approach is the first best approach which then allows my clients and myself to build trust and understanding to then approach their goals in a way that fits for them. I have in my counselling used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, mindfulness techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy but always with the client in mind.

I approach therapy with clients in a non-judgmental, empathetic, curiosity and openness where they feel they can share their concerns without shame or guilt.

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

I am able to support individuals or couples from all walks of life. I do speak Mandarin, however, it won't be advanced enough for therapy.

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

Be kind to yourself, know that you are enough, celebrate your wins big or small and know that you are exactly where you should be right now.

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Siew Wei 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 Siew Wei 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 Siew Wei 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.