Languages
English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Teochew
Specialties
- Anxiety and Stress Management
- Emotional Regulation and Resilience Building
- Life Transitions and Coping Strategies
- Trauma and PTSD
- Domestic Violence and Abuse Support
- Cultural Adjustment and Identity Issues
- Relationship Challenges
- Narrative Therapy
- Mindfulness and Holistic Approaches
Xiaolin (Charlene) Ma
Counsellor (Psychotherapist)
Certified Practising Counsellor, accredited by PACFA; MPsychTh&Couns, BSc (Applied Psychology), BPhil
Charlene is a skilled bilingual counsellor fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Teochew, dedicated to providing trauma-informed care and narrative therapy. She holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University, completed in 2023, and a double degree in Applied Psychology and Philosophy completed in 2016.
With a profound understanding of the complexities of the human experience, Charlene emphasises the importance of individuals feeling heard, understood, and connected to themselves as essential elements for meaningful healing. She fosters a secure and empathetic therapeutic environment that allows clients to explore their narratives and experiences, recognising that genuine transformation arises from a foundation of safety and trust.
Charlene has developed practical experience through various placements, including a significant tenure at Women’s Space Darlinghurst, where she engaged in person-centred and trauma-informed practices, collaborating with social workers to support individuals facing domestic violence, homelessness, ADHD, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and complex trauma.
In addition, Charlene has gained valuable insights into mental health through experience in a psychiatric hospital setting, a high school placement addressing the emotional and academic challenges faced by adolescents, and a role as a university counsellor supporting students navigating academic pressures and mental health concerns.
Incorporating a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, Charlene employs narrative therapy, trauma-informed care, and emotion-regulation therapy to help clients articulate their stories and gain a deeper understanding of their lived experiences, while integrating mindfulness practices and strengths-based approaches to build resilience.
Dedicated to customising care to meet the unique needs of individuals, Charlene fosters therapeutic relationships anchored in trust and empathy, creating a supportive environment where clients can undergo their transformation.