Ashanti Kulasekera (she/her) is a Sri-Lankan Social Worker, Family Violence Consultant and Social Work Supervisor based in Naarm (Melbourne.) Ashanti feels passionately about the wellbeing of those who work within the non-profit sector. Caring for those who care for others and allowing a safe space to unpack the complexities that arise to sustain people in their work. She has a strong focus on the cultural safety of practitioners of colour, providing space to explore issues of race, trauma, and the nuances of working within a white patriarchal system. As a South Asian woman, Ashanti feels strongly about amplifying the voices of communities of colour and creating change from within. Ashanti has many years of experience working within the non-profit sector, specifically with children and young people who have experienced trauma as well as victim survivors of family violence and in family violence leadership. Ashanti is passionate about supporting practitioners to build their culturally responsive practice through reflection and strong clinical supervision. She has provided clinical supervision to Social Workers, placement students, and Family Violence Practitioners over a number of years. Her practice is strongly focussed on critical reflection, practice development and practitioner wellbeing.

Han (She/They) Han Weeramanthri is a queer woman of colour, with Sri Lankan, Indian and Irish ancestry, living on unceded Wurundjeri land. She is in her final clinical placement of a Masters of Counselling and has been working in the community mental health and disability space for 4 years. She enjoys working within an abolitionist, intersectional feminist and decolonial lens, primarily utilising person-centred, trauma-informed and somatic therapies. Han has a lived experience of mental health distress and neurodivergence and this deeply impacts her practice, allowing greater understanding and empathy when working with clients. Her therapeutic mission is to build identity, power and resilience within individuals, with a vision of building stronger, more loving communities.

Counsellor and Narrative Therapist

Please email info@polapractice.com.au to enquire and an intake will be completed. Avrille Burrows is a Naarm (Melbourne) based South Asian Mental Health Clinician and Arts Therapist. She has worked for over 12 years across community mental health and private practice providing support to individuals and families. Avrille works with people from various backgrounds who have experienced trauma, and adverse experiences such as family violence, abuse, loss, separation and racism. She understands how these can impact our relationships, confidence and the toll it can take on our physical body with symptoms such as headaches, pain, depression, anxiety and stress. As a migrant, woman of colour and mother, Avrille has the lived experience of navigating two worlds and provides a space to unpack the complexities that come with this. She has also worked with many parents who are navigating parenthood and trying to make positive changes for their children. She has a strong understanding of intergenerational trauma and parenting and provides a contained space to explore this. Alongside utilising a trauma-informed and intersectional lens, the mix of talk therapy and creative interventions engages both hemispheres of the brain for a stronger integration of our experiences. This allows for innovative problem solving, deeper insight, and a stronger sense of self and wellness. Avrille is registered with the AASW, ANZACATA, a member with AAIMH and a registered Circle of Security® Parent Educator. She runs creative mental health groups and is available for supervision, consultation and as a speaker. Avrille can provide a medicare rebate with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. If this is your first session, please contact Pola Practice admin at info@polapractice.com.au or (03) 9001 5665

NEW CLIENTS - I am currently not accepting new clients. Please email to request to be on the waitlist if you wish. Nasalifya Namugala Namwinga, PGDipPsychClin, MAPS​, BA (Psych/Crim) is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Nasalifya is a Naarm (Melbourne)-based a poc/ woc psychologist, she is passionate about working from an inter-sectional perspective to support clients. She specialises in working with adults, with a particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Nasalifya trained as a clinical psychologist in Aotearoa (New Zealand) before moving to Melbourne. ​She has experience in the forensic and health sector and is able to provide psychological assessment and treatment for a wide range of issues. Nasalifya is able to use a variety of therapy approaches, including cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy (MCT), and attachment-based approaches to assist individuals to achieve their goals and increase overall wellbeing. The choice of therapy approach is dependant on client needs and may include a combination of approaches, this is discussed and decided collaboratively in sessions. She aims to provide inclusive and responsive care to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

NEW CLIENTS - I am currently not accepting new clients. Please email to request to be on the waitlist if you wish. Tigist Kebede is Naarm (Melbourne) based Black Counsellor, who employs trauma informed, decolonizing and intersectional frameworks into her practice and advocacy. She specificalised in working with adults with particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sector. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma. Tigist is able to use a variety of therapy approaches, including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Person Centred Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy and Attachment theory. Through collaborative discussion and an understanding of her client’s needs, she provides inclusive and responsive care to people from a wide range of backgrounds.