Catherine Tran (She/Her)

Senior Counsellor - Australian Counselling Association - Level 3 (11328)
M. ClinCoun

Therapeutic Approach: Client-centred therapy, strengths-based therapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy, creative and expressive arts based therapies.

Catherine is a seasoned counsellor with over eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her warm, empathetic approach prioritises safety and trust, helping her clients feel supported and cared for.

Specialising in trauma recovery, Catherine has extensive experience with survivors of domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and abuse. She is dedicated to helping people heal, rebuild trust, and develop resources for self-empowerment and safety.

Catherine is passionate about fostering resilience and meaningful connections, and works compassionately to enhance emotional and mental wellbeing, guiding her clients towards a more secure and fulfilling life.

A little about Catherine…

Something that not many people know about me:
I previously lived in the UK and East Africa. I grew-up in Australia, but as an adult, I spent a few years living abroad. The years spent abroad were very eye opening and rewarding – and it made me realise even more so the importance of family and having a support system/community to be a part of.  

What it’s like to be in therapy with me:
If I can leave clients with anything, it is the gift of empowerment, for them to know they are enough, and it is having faith in themselves (first) as well as others.

One of my favourite books is:
Conclave by Robert Harris. I read this book shortly after it was released – when I lived in London as a Graduate Counsellor. I read the book on the tube (train) to and from work – and finished the book within a week or so. The book is fictional and full of so much suspense. I couldn’t put the book down, but, luckily my destinations were always the final stop. Phew!

What you’ll find me doing when I’m not wearing my counsellor hat:
You’ll find me painting, dancing, and listening to J-Pop (Japanese Pop) music.

What She Can Help With:

  • Family and relationship issues

  • Work/life imbalance

  • Spiritual concerns

  • Cross-cultural relationships

  • Trauma

  • Family violence, domestic violence & sexual assault

Her Approach

  • Catherine prioritises her clients' perspective and experiences, creating a supportive environment where they lead the way. She offers empathetic understanding and helps her clients explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This approach empowers people to gain self-awareness and make meaningful changes at their own pace.

  • Catherine’s strengths-based approach focuses on identifying and leveraging her clients' inherent strengths and resources. She helps them increase their emotional bandwidth, self-confidence, and a sense of empowerment, promoting overall well-being and growth.

  • Catherine utilises CBT as a practical and goal-oriented approach that addresses unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that may have originally served to protect or cope with past experiences. By working collaboratively, she helps clients understand how these thoughts may have been adaptive in the past but are now limiting their growth. Together, they gently challenge these patterns, develop more supportive coping skills, and make positive changes in their lives.

  • Catherine incorporates creative and expressive arts-based interventions to help clients express themselves and explore their emotions. This approach provides an alternative way to communicate and process their experiences in a safe and supportive space.