Cindy Hsiao Psychologist

I take a collaborative approach to therapy. When working with me, I aim to create a warm and respectful space where you can experience felt safety, a sense of being understood, accepted, and able to share openly without fear of judgment. I believe that healing is deeply relational. When individuals feel seen, safe, and supported enough to be vulnerable, meaningful growth and change can naturally unfold. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including primary and secondary schools, tertiary education, private practice and research settings. I see my role as helping clients make sense of patterns, explore emotional needs, and support meaningful change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable. By creating a warm and respectful space where clients can experience felt safety, meaningful growth can naturally unfold through relational healing. In my work with children, I utilise an eclectic mix of play and other evidence based therapeutic approaches to suit various developmental stages. I am deeply aware of how cultural values such as achievement, emotional restraint, respect for authority, and collectivism can shape how individuals relate to themselves and others. While these values can be meaningful strengths, they make it difficult for people to express vulnerability or prioritise their own emotional needs. This has shaped my desire to create a therapeutic space grounded in psychological and relational safety, where clients feel understood and able to explore their experiences without judgment. I work with children 6+, with families of children younger than 6 (offering parenting support), as well as adolescents and adults. While my practice is primarily conducted in English, I can integrate Mandarin (Chinese) into client sessions. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Melbourne’s food scene and am an active member of my local Muay Thai gym.