
Mrs Arezu Akbarian
Psychotherapist, Addictions Counsellor
BSc.Psych, MSc.HealthPsych, MPsych.Couns
Perth, WA 6000
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
Seeking support is a courageous and empowering step, and I am here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. My name is Rez, and I’m a qualified Psychotherapist and Counsellor with over seven years of experience helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, sleep issues, and self-esteem.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust and empathy. My trauma-informed approach is tailored to your unique needs, using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive and behavioural therapies, mindfulness practices, and motivational strategies. I also have specialised training in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy to help clients integrate transformative experiences into their healing.
Together, we’ll create a safe, supportive space where you feel valued, understood, and empowered to grow at your own pace. I look forward to connecting with you.
Background
Before establishing my private practice, I worked in a variety of counselling and psychotherapy roles, gaining extensive experience across diverse settings. I’ve supported young people and families as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, provided tailored therapies as an Online Psychotherapist, and worked with marginalised communities facing complex challenges such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health.
These experiences have shaped my holistic, client-centred approach, which integrates trauma-informed care with therapeutic methods such as mindfulness, acceptance-based strategies, and psychodynamic exploration. My focus has always been on creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to heal and grow.
Services
I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling services entirely online, offering you the flexibility and privacy to access support from the comfort of your home. My practice is tailored to your unique needs, with trauma-informed care delivered at a pace that feels right for you.
I support individuals in working through a wide range of personal and emotional challenges, helping them build resilience, clarity, and self-growth. Drawing on a blend of therapeutic approaches—including cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices, and strengths-based strategies—I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to achieve meaningful change and personal healing.
Quality Provision
I provide high-quality, evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs, offering the convenience of online sessions from the comfort of your home. My approach is trauma-informed, creating a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore challenges and work towards your goals. By integrating techniques and modalities, I aim to empower you to heal, grow, and thrive at a pace that feels right for you.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Psychotherapy & Counselling - 2018 - WSU
- Master of Science in Health Psychology - 2016 - Sydney University
- Bachelor of Science - Psychology - 2010 - Macquarie University
- Certificate of Psychedelic-assisted therapies - 2022 - Mind Medicine Institute
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - DBT - Dream Work - Holistic - Integrative - Jungian - Meditation - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic - Soul Centred Psychotherapy - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach to therapy is compassionate, client-centred, and trauma-informed, tailored to your unique needs. I draw on a range of evidence-based and holistic techniques to support healing, growth, and self-awareness. These include practical strategies to manage thoughts and behaviours, mindfulness and meditation to foster calm and presence, and deeper exploration of emotions, dreams, and personal patterns to uncover meaning and promote self-understanding. I focus on building self-compassion, resilience, and inner strengths, helping you create meaningful change in a safe, supportive space.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
Perth WA 6000
Appointments
I am available to support you during the following days and times:
Mondays and Tuesdays
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (AWST)
Fees & Insurance
My fee is $110 for a 50-minute session. I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation. While sessions aren't eligible for Medicare rebates, clients with AHM, ARHG, Bupa, HCF, or Medibank Private may claim rebates if their policy covers counselling
Payment Options
Payment for sessions can be made via bank transfer. Details will be provided upon booking. Please ensure payments are completed prior to your session to confirm your appointment.
Contact Arezu
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Arezu Akbarian
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I was drawn to psychotherapy and counselling because of my deep curiosity about human behaviour and my desire to help others navigate life’s challenges. Over time, I realised how powerful it can be to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where people feel heard, understood, and supported. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they work through their struggles is incredibly rewarding, and it inspires me every day. My own experiences with personal growth and the transformative power of connection further solidified my passion for this field. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive, and I feel privileged to be part of that journey for my clients.
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My professional development has been deeply influenced by Jungian philosophy and its emphasis on the unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation. I am particularly drawn to Carl Jung’s belief in the importance of exploring the deeper layers of the psyche to uncover meaning, foster self-awareness, and promote personal growth. His work on the shadow, dreams, and symbolism resonates with me, as it provides a rich framework for understanding the complexities of human experience.
In addition to Jungian philosophy, I also value approaches that emphasise the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, as well as the importance of creating a therapeutic space that honours each individual’s unique journey. These perspectives have shaped my practice and continue to inspire me to support clients in uncovering their inner resources and living more authentic, fulfilling lives. -
I am particularly interested in the psychological and emotional aspects of the human journey, especially how individuals navigate transitions, challenges, and periods of growth. I find it deeply meaningful to explore themes such as identity, purpose, and the search for meaning, as well as the ways in which past experiences and unconscious patterns shape our present lives.
I am also drawn to the process of healing and integration—helping people reconnect with their authentic selves, work through unresolved pain, and develop a greater sense of wholeness. Whether it’s navigating grief, relationships, trauma, or life transitions, I am passionate about supporting clients as they uncover their inner strength and resilience. I believe that every stage of life offers an opportunity for growth, and I feel privileged to walk alongside people on their unique journeys. -
My approach to therapy is holistic, integrative, and eclectic, meaning I draw on a variety of methods and tailor my work to meet the unique needs of each client. I believe that no single approach fits everyone, so I combine evidence-based techniques with a focus on the mind, body, and spirit to support healing and growth.
I often incorporate elements of Jungian therapy, exploring the unconscious, dreams, and symbolism to help clients uncover deeper insights and meaning. I also draw from person-centred and psychodynamic approaches to create a safe, non-judgemental space where clients feel heard and supported. Additionally, I integrate mindfulness, somatic awareness, and other body-based practices to address the connection between emotional and physical wellbeing.
By working collaboratively with clients, I aim to honour their individuality and adapt my methods to suit their goals, values, and preferences. This flexible and holistic approach allows me to support clients in a way that feels authentic and empowering, helping them move toward greater self-awareness, balance, and fulfilment. -
Progress in therapy is a deeply personal and unique experience, and it often depends on the individual’s situation, life circumstances, and the challenges they are facing. For some, progress may be felt relatively quickly, such as experiencing a sense of relief from being heard and supported in a safe space. For others, particularly those in survival mode or dealing with immediate crises, progress may feel less obvious at first, as their focus is on “putting out fires” and managing day-to-day challenges.
It’s important to remember that progress is not always linear. There may be moments of significant insight or change, followed by periods of consolidation or even setbacks, which are a natural part of the healing process. Even when it feels like nothing is changing, important internal shifts may be taking place—such as developing greater self-awareness, building resilience, or learning to approach challenges differently.
I work collaboratively with clients to help them identify and celebrate small, meaningful steps forward, even if they don’t initially feel like “progress.” Over time, as we address underlying patterns and build tools for coping and growth, clients often begin to notice a greater sense of clarity, empowerment, and balance in their lives. Each person’s journey is different, and I honour the pace and process that feels right for them. -
Therapy has been transformative in my life, both personally and professionally. Initially, I began therapy to better understand the experience and positionality of a client, so I could empathise more deeply with those in my care. However, as I engaged in the process, I soon recognised the profound impact of deep psychodynamic work. Through this journey, unconscious and unresolved issues began to surface, allowing me to confront and work through aspects of myself that I had not fully understood.
This process was vital in helping me develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional clarity. It taught me the importance of doing my own inner work to ensure I could hold space for others in a meaningful and authentic way. Therapy has not only helped me grow as an individual but has also enriched my ability to connect with and support my clients on their own journeys. It has reinforced my belief in the power of the therapeutic process and the importance of understanding oneself in order to truly understand and care for others. -
What I like most about being a therapist is the profound privilege and honour of being invited into someone’s journey. It is incredibly humbling to witness the courage and vulnerability my clients bring to the therapeutic space. I am continually inspired by their resilience and capacity for growth, and watching them discover their strengths, find clarity, and reconnect with themselves is truly beyond words.
I also deeply value the collective wisdom that emerges in the therapeutic relationship. I believe therapy is a two-way process, and I often find myself learning from my clients as much as they learn from me. The shared insights, stories, and experiences create a rich and meaningful connection that continues to shape my own understanding of the human experience. Being part of this process is not only rewarding but also a constant reminder of the beauty and complexity of personal transformation. -
Absolutely! I believe it’s important to acknowledge that we’re all human, and “bad hair” days are a natural part of life. Rather than avoiding or dismissing them, I welcome these moments into the therapy session when appropriate. They can serve as valuable opportunities to model self-compassion, authenticity, and the acceptance of imperfection.
By embracing these days, I aim to create a space where clients feel safe to bring their own struggles and imperfections without fear of judgment. Life isn’t always neat or polished, and therapy is a place where we can explore and work through those messy, challenging moments together. In many ways, “bad hair” days remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of showing up as we are. -
There are undoubtedly many significant problems we face globally, such as climate change, inequality, mental health challenges, and social and political unrest. These issues can feel overwhelming at times, but what continues to impress and inspire me about humanity is the incredible strength and resilience people show in coming together to address these challenges.
While no single person can solve these problems alone, I believe that our collective capacity to support one another, innovate, and work toward solutions is one of our greatest strengths. It’s in the small, everyday acts of kindness, collaboration, and determination that we see the potential for meaningful change. This resilience and willingness to face adversity together give me hope for the future, even in the face of the most daunting challenges. -
There are so many works that inspire me, each offering unique insights into the human experience and our connection to the world. Books such as Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari and The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté have deepened my understanding of the challenges we face in modern life and the importance of healing and self-awareness. Carl Jung’s writings, such as Memories, Dreams, Reflections, and Alice Miller’s The Drama of the Gifted Child have profoundly influenced my perspective on the unconscious mind and the impact of early experiences on our lives.
Films like Fantastic Fungi by Louie Schwartzberg remind me of the interconnectedness of all living things and the beauty of nature’s wisdom, while Van Gogh’s art and history inspire me with their raw emotion and the courage to express one’s inner world. I also find inspiration in works like Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia Axline, which highlights the transformative power of therapy, and Michael Pollan’s books, such as How to Change Your Mind, which explore the intersection of science, consciousness, and personal growth. Other influential works include The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward by Britt Frank, Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear by Dr. Carl Hart, and James Fadiman’s writings on psychedelics and consciousness.
Each of these works, in their own way, reflects the resilience, creativity, and complexity of the human journey, and they continue to inspire me both personally and professionally.