Hi, I'm Salihan Laugesen, an ACA Level 2 Registered Counsellor offering individual counselling for adults aged 18 and over, in person and online.
My work has two main areas of focus: women's mental health and supporting neurodivergent adults — particularly people with autism, ADHD, or both. These are areas I have actively sought out specialist training in, because I believe it makes a real difference to work with someone who understands your specific experiences, rather than applying a generic approach. Learn more about specialist support for women and neurodivergent adults →
I also work with cultural identity, intergenerational expectations, and the experience of belonging across cultures. Sessions are available in English or Malay.
I offer a steady, respectful space to talk things through, especially when life feels heavy, confusing, or stuck. My approach is collaborative and thoughtful — focused on understanding your experience rather than trying to label or fix you.
My practice is trauma-informed and draws on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I integrate practical skills with reflective work, tailoring therapy to each person rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
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 supportively alongside your GP or wider care team where needed.
Clients often describe my style as thoughtful, steady, and collaborative. I value clarity, transparency, and working at a pace that respects each person's needs and circumstances.
Sessions are offered both in person and via secure video.
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)
Specialist & Crisis-Support 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
Ongoing professional development is an important part of how I practise. My training focuses on women's mental health, neurodivergent-affirming practice, supporting adults with lived experience of autism and ADHD, and crisis-support competencies including suicide intervention and domestic and family violence response.
This ongoing learning informs a trauma-aware, strengths-based approach that values flexibility, collaboration, and working with people in ways that fit who they are — rather than expecting them to adapt to rigid models of therapy.
If you'd like to know more about how I work, you're welcome to get in touch.