Hi, I'm Salihan Laugesen, an ACA Level 2 Registered Counsellor offering individual counselling for adults aged 18 and over, in person and online.
I didn't come to counselling the straightforward way. I've changed careers, moved countries, and collected a fair bit of life experience along the way, including the kind that sends you looking for answers. Having done my own work means I listen carefully and without judgement. I'm not here to tell you what's wrong with you or what you should do differently. I'm not the expert in the room. You are the expert on your own life. My job is to walk alongside you, help you work out what isn't working, and find a different way forward.
I am passionate about women's mental health and supporting neurodivergent adults, particularly people with autism, ADHD, or both. I have actively sought out additional training in both areas, and I bring personal insight into neurodivergent experience. Working with someone who isn't starting from zero can make a real difference.
Learn more about tailored support for women and neurodivergent adults →
Supporting people who feel pressure from family or community is another area close to my heart. Having moved countries myself, I can relate to some of those pressures. This might be about where to live, what to study, your career trajectory, who to love, how to parent, and your spiritual beliefs.
I use approaches that have good evidence behind them, and I adapt them to what's happening for you. These include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In plain terms, that means helping you notice thoughts and behaviours that are working against you, building skills to steady yourself when you feel overwhelmed, and getting clearer on what actually matters to you. The way I work is built around you, not a formula. Everyone is different, and how I support you reflects that.
I'm also trained in crisis support, suicide intervention, and domestic and family violence response (LivingWorks, Mental Health First Aid, Lifeline-accredited training), and work alongside your GP or wider care team where needed.
Sessions are offered both in person and via secure video, in English or Malay.
Qualifications & Registrations
Qualifications
- Master of Counselling — University of Canberra
- Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) — National University of Singapore
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 2 Registered Counsellor
- Working with Vulnerable People (ACT)
Key Additional Training
- Women's Mental Health Specialist Certificate — PESI Australia
- Neuro-affirming practice, autism, ADHD, and executive function — Attwood & Garnett (Prof. Tony Attwood & Dr Michelle Garnett)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) — Black Dog Institute
- Standard Mental Health First Aider™ — MHFA Australia
- LivingWorks Start — Suicide Intervention (TASC steps)
- Lifeline-accredited training — crisis support and domestic and family violence response
I practise within my scope and maintain high professional standards through regular ACA-compliant clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.
Professional Development
I keep learning because no one can know everything, and I think it's important to stay current. New research, new approaches, better tools. My counselling clients benefit from that directly.
If you'd like to know more about how I work, you're welcome to get in touch.