- Richard Schwartz
Vivian Salim
Holistic Counsellor
Vivian Salim Counselling
Castle Hill, Sydney NSW 2154
In Person + Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
Life subjects us to a myriad of experiences and these cause people to adapt in different ways. Difficult feelings like anxiety and sadness serve a function, but at times can be overwhelming.
- Being a long-term practitioner of yoga, I can share an awareness of heart and mind. As we work together to untangle the mental and emotional knots, you arrive at a space of greater clarity and perspective.
- For many, Buddhist teachings have offered a wealth of tools to create kinder and more peaceful lives. I am a Buddhist-influenced practitioner, and a member of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
- Some evidence-based modalities that we can work with include Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, and Narrative therapy.
Background
Prior to Counselling, I volunteered as a spiritual carer in hospital settings. Pre-covid, I was teaching yoga and ran a yoga studio in Singapore. Before I started my spiritual journey in my 30s, I worked as an academic and a researcher.
Services
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Science - The University of Western Australia
- Master of Counselling - Monash University
Modalities
ACT - Buddhist Psychotherapy - CBT - Holistic - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach is eclectic; evidence-based, person-centred and influenced by Buddhism and yoga philosophy. Depending on what arises in the course of our sessions, we might work together using modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, Narrative therapy and Somatic (body-awareness) practices. Some issues that we can collaborate on include: stress, anxiety, anger, depression, physical illness (including health issues/addiction), grief and loss, and relationships.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
80 Cecil Avenue
Castle Hill NSW 2154
175A Union Street
Erskineville NSW 2043
Appointments
Sessions via telehealth by appointment; in-person at Phoenix Therapeutic Services on Friday afternoons and at Union Street Wellness on Tues or Thurs mornings (limited availability). Walk & talk sessions around Rozelle Park on request.
Fees & Insurance
$125 for individual sessions.
For new clients, I offer an introductory rate of 3 sessions for $300 (in-person only), valid for 3 months.
Languages
English
Mandarin
Indonesian
Payment Options
Bank transfer; cash.
Contact Vivian
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Vivian Salim
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I have a life-long interest in Psychotherapy, starting from Carl Jung in my uni days. After reading a book by Gabor Mate, I decided to enrol in a Master of Counselling degree at Monash University part-time, and loved it.
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Buddhist and yoga philosophy - being grounded in the present moment in body and mind, being self-aware, kindness.
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Wellness and how to cultivate that hour by hour, day by day.
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Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Instrumental Person-centred, Narrative Therapy, ACT
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That varies from client to client, but progress, like any change, can be a difficult process.
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Therapy has helped me through past trauma.
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I appreciate it when clients come to a conclusion that is new for them, that they have never thought of before.
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Yes, I'm having one right now.
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Climate change.
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Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

