Shivani Sood, ACA

Shivani Sood is a trauma-informed registered clinical counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and brings 10 years of professional experience to her practice. She approaches clinical work with a clear commitment to the clinician role, drawing on opportunities to support people with complex mental health presentations and varied life circumstances.

Having worked across different geographic areas, she is attuned to diverse cultural backgrounds and adapts a client-centred, holistic method that prioritizes equal partnership. Building trust and creating a space where people feel able to share their concerns are central goals, alongside supporting clients in their recovery and broader health outcomes.

Her experience includes helping people cope with trauma, depression, anxiety, family and domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, life transitions, grief and loss, disability, work stress, bullying, relationship stress, attachment issues, women’s issues, mood and personality disorders, psychosis, and addiction behaviours. She also has experience counselling adolescents and LGBTQ+ clients. Trained in multiple modalities, she uses an integrative approach tailored to each person’s needs.

Shivani frames counselling as a way to build self-compassion, confidence, knowledge, and resilience. Her sessions invite curiosity and self-reflection to promote growth and adaptability. She encourages taking the first step toward change and offers non-judgemental, open-minded support to empower clients as partners in their journey.

Integrative and trauma-informed approaches for online care

Shivani draws on a trauma-informed approach that recognizes how past harm affects current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors - this helps people process trauma responses and regain a sense of safety and stability. She also practices a client-centred method that focuses on building a respectful, empathic relationship and supporting each person’s own goals and values. Together these approaches suit challenges such as anxiety, grief, relationship stress, and recovery after abuse.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. Shivani works with clients to identify which techniques best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods over time so therapy remains relevant and effective. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine strategies to meet each person where they are.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home, and choose the format that feels most helpful for the work at hand.