Hi, I’m Salihan Laugesen, an ACA Level 2 Registered Counsellor offering individual counselling for adults and young people aged 16 years and over.
I offer a steady, respectful space to talk things through, especially when life feels heavy, confusing, or stuck. My approach is collaborative and thoughtful, with a focus on understanding your experience rather than trying to label or fix you.
I work with people of all genders and support clients who identify as neurodivergent. My work focuses on the strengths of each individual, informed by an awareness of how identity, background, and life experience can interact and shape wellbeing.
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.
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. I focus on safety, accountability, and supporting people seeking genuine therapeutic engagement.
Sessions are offered both in person and via secure video.
Qualifications & Registrations
- Master of Counselling — University of Canberra
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 2 registered counsellor
- Working with Vulnerable People (ACT)
- Standard Mental Health First Aider™
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 as a counsellor. My training and learning focus on neurodivergent-affirming practice, women’s mental health, and supporting adults with lived experience of autism, ADHD, and anxiety.
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.