Meet Asian Australian Psychologist, Heather Gan

interview mental health Jan 18, 2024
A photo of Asian Australian Psychologist, Heather Gan

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 Heather who is a Psychologist offering services in Surry Hills, NSW and Telehealth Australia Wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Heather below!

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

Mental health conditions run in my family. As a child, I was exposed to my family members discussing mental health diagnoses and seeking treatment. Some critical events have happened in my life that have guided me to seek psychological help for my own mental health. I decided that I want to become a psychologist and help other people in their therapeutic journeys.

 2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I am Singaporean Chinese.

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

I specialise in cultural issues (mostly breaking intergenerational trauma and helping anxious, perfectionist types), anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. My treatment modalities include: CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema work.

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

Individuals (aged 8 and above) with anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or cultural identity issues.

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

"What if we didn't worry about what happens next?"

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

Alternatively, if you feel like Heather 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 Heather 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 Heather 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.

šŸ’”Free resource: The essential guide to Asian Australian mental health.

We created our "Essential Guide for Asian Australian Mental Health"Ā by surveying over 350Ā Asian Australians during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Download our guide and learn about the three most pertinent areas of concern for the Asian community, with tips and strategies to support you through.

Download now