Malinda Um, AASW

Malinda Um is an Australian-qualified social worker who brings eight years of practical experience to supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout and major life transitions. She works with clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected - including individuals who appear high-functioning on the outside but are struggling internally, as well as professionals in high-pressure roles carrying a heavy load beneath the surface.

Her practice also attends to cross-cultural experiences, identity and intergenerational patterns, allowing clients to work with the full context of their lives rather than having to simplify or explain their background. Malinda employs a collaborative and evidence-informed approach that draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to tailor support to each person’s needs.

Sessions move beyond conversation to focus on identifying patterns, building skills for emotional regulation, and creating sustainable change in everyday life. She holds the AASW credential - the Australian Association of Social Workers designation - which reflects professional standing in social work practice. Clients often say they value a steady, real and non-judgemental space where honesty is met with practical support. For those unsure where to begin, Malinda takes a step-by-step approach to finding a path forward together.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and take practical steps toward a meaningful life, even when painful thoughts or feelings are present. It is useful for anxiety, depression and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce distress and improve coping - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression and stress-related concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores early relationship patterns and how they influence current connections, which can help with intimacy, trust, abandonment and family or relationship difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Malinda collaborates with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences, adapting techniques from these approaches so the work feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to fit varied schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy periods, transitions or when in-person visits are difficult, while still allowing meaningful therapeutic work with a licensed professional.