Clinical Psychotherapy & Supervision | Ultimo & Online
Clear, collaborative and grounded support.
(Clinical Dip. Gestalt Psych., M.Sc. Gestalt Psych., B.Sc.(Comp. Sci.), PACFA Reg. Clinical #23201).
Hi, I’m Carolyn.
As a UK-trained and Masters qualified, PACFA registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Accredited Supervisor, my work is grounded in a diverse, Australian-born-Chinese perspective. This background allows me to blend clinical expertise with a real appreciation for individual difference and the complexities of the world we live in.
Based in Ultimo, Sydney (convenient to Pyrmont, Darling Harbour, Broadway, Glebe, and Surry Hills), appointments are available face-to-face or online/Telehealth for those managing busy schedules or living further away.
A space for honest conversation: If you haven’t had counselling before, stepping out of your routine to focus on yourself can feel daunting. Please know that there is nothing to worry about. This is a space where you can speak freely without judgement. I’m not here to put you under a microscope or analyse you; we are here to collaborate on what you want and what might be getting in the way.
How we work together: Specialising in the Gestalt approach, the process is collaborative rather than instructional. The goal isn’t to “fix” you or dictate how to live but to build a supportive and gently challenging partnership.
Together, we look at what is currently playing out in your life to understand it better. This offers a fresh perspective on the patterns keeping you stuck, helping you find the flexibility to move forward in a way that feels true to you.
This is your time and space to just be yourself: to pause, reflect and reset.
I look forward to hearing from you.
What is the Gestalt approach to counselling?
At its core, Gestalt is a holistic, relational, and humanistic therapy. While many approaches focus heavily on analysing thoughts, Gestalt looks at the complete context of your life: how your mind, body, environment, and relationships are all interconnected.
Beyond just “fixing” thoughts: It is common to understand the logic of your situation perfectly, yet still feel stuck in the same emotional patterns. You may find that simply having insight and knowledge into why you struggle hasn’t actually led to change. Gestalt helps bridge the gap between what you think and how you feel.
Rather than focusing solely on cognitive strategies, we pay close attention to your experience in the “here-and-now.” This allows us to move beyond storytelling and address the root of what is happening in the room.
The Paradox of Change: Gestalt is built on a powerful premise: we cannot change by forcing ourselves to be who we should be; we change by fully understanding and accepting who we are.
During our sessions we explore how your past experiences influence your present, helping you identify the automatic patterns that keep getting you stuck.
Experiential, not just analytical: While analysis has its place, insight alone often isn’t enough to shift behavior. Gestalt offers an experiential dimension—we don’t just talk about the problem; we bring it into the room to understand it.
Clients often find that this active exploration reveals much more than conversation alone, offering a faster route to clarity. This isn’t about role-play or performance; it’s about safely experimenting with new ways of being so you have more options when you walk out the door.
What do people come to talk about?
I provide open-ended counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults (18+).
Your time, your pace: The duration of our work is always your choice. While many clients value the depth of open-ended therapy, I also welcome those looking for just one or two focused sessions to unpack a specific issue or gain clarity. If you feel a brief engagement is all you need right now, simply let me know.
A judgement-free space: This is perhaps most important when you need to talk about the things you believe you “shouldn’t” do or have done, or the emotions you think you “shouldn’t” be feeling.
Whether you are seeking support for a specific crisis, or simply want to understand why you feel “off,” everything is welcome here.
Common areas we explore include:
- Work Stress & Career: Managing high-pressure environments, burnout, and the nagging fear of being “found out.” Navigating workplace politics, fear of failure, or the anxiety of a career change.
- Grief, Loss & Unfinished Business: Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. We provide a space for bereavement, but also for the deep loss found in divorce, estrangement, infertility, or career shifts. We work through the complex layers of grief including anger, guilt, relief, or regret – and help you process the things left unsaid.
- Relationships & Conflict: The complexities of intimacy and family. This includes navigating affairs and infidelity (whether you are the one who strayed or the one betrayed), the guilt of separation, or the difficult decision to leave a partner or children.
- Anxiety & Overwhelm: Feeling unable to switch off, living “in your head,” social anxiety, or a general sense of who you are or what you’re doing in life.
- Trauma & Past Experiences: Making sense of a difficult history. This includes specific distressing events but also the accumulation of smaller experiences or family dynamics that still shape how you react today.
- Regret & Shameful Experiences: Processing past actions, embarrassing interactions, or secrets you usually keep hidden for fear of being judged.
- Self-Worth & Identity: Understanding who you are beyond your job or family role. We look at people-pleasing, cultural identity (including the “straddle” of different cultures), and deep-seated feelings of not being “good enough.”
Meeting with me
1. Getting in touch: The first step is simply to reach out. When you contact me (email or phone), we can briefly discuss what brings you to therapy. From there, we’ll arrange a time for an initial consultation.
2. The Initial Consultation: This first meeting is a chance for us to talk a bit more about what you’d like from therapy and for you to ask any questions you might have about the process. Crucially, it’s an opportunity to see if we feel like a good fit.
Note: If you are looking for a one or two-off “clarity” sessions rather than ongoing therapy, just let me know when you book.
3. Moving forward: If it feels right for you, we will arrange a regular, weekly 50-minute session. This is your time, and we can work together for as long or as short a period as you need. There is no pressure; we go at your pace.
Location: My practice is based in Ultimo, Sydney (close to Pyrmont, Darling Harbour, Haymarket, Glebe, and Central Station/Surry Hills). I am also available for online/Telehealth appointments.
Contact Me
To make an enquiry or book an appointment, please contact me via email or phone.
* Email: cchoy.sydney@gmail.com
* Phone: 0421 191 698
(If I am in session, I will be unable to answer. Please leave a brief message or text and I will return your call as soon as possible.)
Fees & Investment: Choosing a therapist is a significant investment of your time, energy, and finances. I view our work together not as a quick fix but as a dedicated space for deep, sustainable change.
- Standard consultation (50-minute session) $170
- Concession/Full-time Student Rate: Limited spaces available. Please inquire.
Why I don’t use the Medicare Mental Health Plan: As a Psychotherapist my services are not covered by Medicare, however, many of my clients find this offers distinct advantages for their therapeutic journey:
- Privacy: No mental health diagnosis is recorded on your permanent medical file.
- Flexibility: We are not limited to a set number of sessions by a government plan. We determine the length and pace of our work based strictly on what you need.
- Focus: You don’t need a referral from a GP to get started. We can begin working together immediately.
Private Health Insurance Rebates: Rebates may be available for eligible policies with the following funds:
* BUPA, Medibank Private, AHM
* Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) funds: St Luke’s Health, Police Health, GMHBA, Westfund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, see-u by HBF, HBF, AIA Health, and Teachers Union Health.
Please check your “Extras” cover to see if you are eligible.
Location: I am located in Ultimo, convenient to Pyrmont, Darling Harbour, Haymarket, Glebe, Broadway, and Surry Hills/Central Station – and a quick 6-minute walk from the ‘Exhibition Centre’ Light Rail stop.
Note: I do not provide Court Reports or Letters of Support.
Whether you have questions or are ready to book, please get in touch!