A Journey of Curiosity

Growing up in China, I was always curious about different cultures, languages, and the world beyond what I knew. Some of my fondest school memories are of conversations with teachers from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

Years later, that same curiosity brought me to Australia. I still remember arriving on my own as an international student, carrying two large suitcases and feeling both excited and nervous about the adventure ahead.

Along the way, I also had opportunities to study and travel for short periods in Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These experiences gave me new perspectives on how people live, relate to one another, and find connection across different cultures.

Finding My Path

I've always been fascinated by people and what makes us who we are. What shapes our personalities? Why do we think, feel and behave the way we do? These questions led me to study psychology at the University of Melbourne.

Along the way, I discovered how much I enjoyed meaningful conversations and exploring the inner worlds of others. I wanted to learn how to do this with greater understanding, care and professional skills, which led me to pursue a Master of Counselling at the University of Queensland.

Working as an AOD Counsellor

Working in alcohol and other drug counselling gave me a deeper understanding of the relationship between substance use and experiences of trauma, grief, loss and emotional pain. I learned that substance use can sometimes be a way of coping with difficult experiences or numbing painful emotions.

I also learned that change is rarely straightforward. Everyone has their own circumstances, challenges and readiness for change. One of the most meaningful parts of this work has been walking alongside clients through these complexities, holding hope for change, and believing in their resilience, even when progress comes in small steps.

My Experience in Family Counselling

Working in domestic and family violence counselling taught me to think more deeply about what safety means, how power and control can influence relationships, and the importance of intersectionality in understanding each person's experiences. It also reinforced the importance of respecting each client's autonomy and keeping their voice at the centre of the counselling process.

Through working with individuals and families, I have witnessed their strength and resilience in navigating difficult circumstances. I have also come to understand the importance of attachment, particularly in supporting parents to build and maintain secure connections with their children, while helping individuals rebuild a sense of safety, trust and connection within themselves.

This work has encouraged me to reflect on what recovery and healing mean for different people, and how we can support them in finding their own paths towards safety, empowerment and wellbeing.

Working in Group Facilitation

One of the most meaningful parts of facilitating groups is witnessing the genuine connections that develop between participants. I find it particularly moving when people feel safe enough to share their experiences, listen to one another, and offer encouragement and support. These moments are precious to me because they remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that understanding and connection can come from one another.

Co-facilitating the Circle of Security Parenting program has also been a rewarding experience. I value how the program encourages parents to approach themselves with greater compassion, recognise that they do not need to be perfect parents, and better understand and respond to their children's emotional needs. It also creates space to explore secure attachment, repairing ruptures in relationships, and navigating feelings of guilt and shame.