Harshani Algiriyage
Family Therapist, Counsellor
Light Mind Counselling & Psychology
Maribyrnong, VIC 3032
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Harshani has 19 years of experience as a trauma counsellor and psychotherapist working with children, adults, couples and families. Harshani uses an evidence-based, trauma-informed, neurodivergence-informed approach and client-centred perspective as she believes the client is the best person who knows what is right for themselves. Empathetic and non-judgmental approaches are the fundamentals of her therapeutic modalities. Harshani is a highly experienced trauma counsellor and accredited EMDR therapist. She is also a Gottman therapy-trained couples and marriage counsellor, integrating EMDR therapy into couples therapy to work on trauma experiences in couples.
Background
Harshani is a registered psychological counsellor in Australia and Sri Lanka with a Master of Counselling and psychosocial work from the University of Colombo. Her journey into this fulfilling career starts 15 years ago, soon after completing her Bachelor degree in social sciences and the graduate diploma in counselling and psychosocial work from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Her passion for researching wider modalities to support people never allowed her to take a break in seeking knowledge. A great example of this constant upgrade of her knowledge is reading to graduate with her second master degree in social work at the university of new England, Australia and a diploma in clinical hypnotherapy shortly.
Services
Harshani provides counselling to children, young people, young adults, adults, parents and families. Times are varied from during the day to late at night. Early morning and after-hours consultations are available upon request to fit into your work-life balance.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences - 2013 - The Open University of Sri Lanka
- Graduate Dip in Counselling & Psychosocial Support - 2005 - The University of Colombo
- Masters in Counselling and Psychosocial Support - 2017 - The University of Colombo
Modalities
Art Therapy - Buddhist Psychotherapy - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Developmental - Inner Child - Internal Family Systems - Interpersonal - Marriage and Family - Meditation - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred - Play Therapy - Psychodynamic - Solution Oriented - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Harshani has extensive experience working with clients in the context of domestic violence, gender-based violence, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, mood and personality disorders, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties, family conflict, social and cultural isolation, poor self-esteem and confidence, work-life balance and issues related to poor wellbeing. She uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), (Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Single Session Therapy (SST), Solution Focused Therapy, Talk Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies, Multicultural Counselling and Life Coaching strategies in her therapeutic modalities. She conducts sessions in English and Sinhalese based on clients requests.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 4
- EMDRAA