Charlene Tan, PACFA

Charlene Tan is a mother of two who brings compassion and practical support to people facing emotional and life challenges. With a BA in Counselling and postgraduate clinical training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy, she combines formal education with seven years of clinical experience to guide clients toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. She is a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), which reflects her commitment to professional practice and ongoing clinical development.

Charlene practices from a relational stance, prioritising a warm, non-judgemental therapeutic connection that helps clients feel understood and able to explore difficult emotions. She works with stress and anxiety by teaching coping tools and techniques that help people regain a sense of control. In supporting addiction recovery she offers steady, ongoing help to navigate setbacks and build sustainable coping strategies. Family conflict, grief and major life transitions are also central areas of her work, where she assists individuals and families to process loss, improve communication and adapt to changing circumstances.

Clients can expect a patient, empathetic approach grounded in evidence-informed methods and lived understanding. Charlene emphasises collaboration - working alongside each person to set goals and tailor interventions that suit their unique situation and preferences.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Charlene draws on Contemporary Gestalt Therapy, which focuses on present-moment awareness and how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact. This approach helps clients gain insight into relational patterns, process difficult emotions and respond more effectively to life transitions. She also works from a relational perspective that places the therapeutic relationship at the centre of change - building trust, empathy and responsiveness to support healing and growth.

In addition, Charlene offers skills-based strategies to manage stress and anxiety, teaching practical techniques that can be applied day to day to reduce overwhelm and improve coping. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapy process; Charlene collaborates with each client to identify goals, test what works and adapt methods to fit personal needs and preferences.

Online therapy with Charlene is available by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, parenting commitments and geographic limitations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life changes and to access support in ways that suit each person's routine and comfort level.