Xiaolin (Charlene) Ma

Country : Australia
Location : Melbourne
Languages : English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Teochew
Gender : Female

Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology (Normal), 2016
Bachelor of Philosophy (Double Degree), 2016
Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling, 2023
Certified Practising Counsellor, accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of
Australia (PACFA)

Anxiety and Stress Management
Emotional Regulation and Resilience Building
Life Transitions and Coping Strategies
Trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Domestic Violence and Abuse Support
Cultural Adjustment and Identity Issues (especially for bilingual clients)
Relationship Challenges (family, interpersonal, and community dynamics)
Recovery-Oriented Practice (fostering empowerment and personal growth in the healing process)
Narrative Therapy (exploring and reshaping personal stories)
Mindfulness and Holistic Approaches (integrating mindfulness into therapy)

Charlene is a skilled bilingual counsellor fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Teochew, dedicated to providing trauma-informed care and narrative therapy. She holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University, completed in 2023, and has earned a double degree in Bachelor of Science (Applied Psychology) and Bachelor of Philosophy from China in 2016.

With a profound understanding of the complexities of the human experience, Charlene emphasises the importance of individuals feeling heard, understood, and connected to themselves as essential elements for meaningful healing. She fosters a secure and empathetic therapeutic environment that allows clients to explore their narratives and experiences, recognising that genuine transformation arises from a foundation of safety and trust.

Charlene has developed practical experience through various placements, including a significant tenure at Women’s Space Darlinghurst, where she engaged in person-centred and trauma-informed practices. She collaborated with social workers to support individuals facing diverse challenges, including domestic violence, homelessness, ADHD, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and complex trauma.

In addition to her work at Women’s Space, Charlene has gained valuable insights into mental health through her experience in a psychiatric hospital setting, which has enriched her holistic care approach. Her university placement was in a high school. It equipped her to address the emotional and academic challenges faced by adolescents, while her role as a university counsellor further honed her skills in supporting students in navigating academic pressures and mental health concerns.

Incorporating a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, Charlene employs narrative therapy, trauma- informed care, and emotion-regulation therapy, to assist clients in articulating their stories and gaining a deeper understanding of their lived experiences. She integrates mindfulness practices and strengths-based approaches, empowering clients to discover their inner resources and build their resilience.

Dedicated to customising care to meet the unique needs of individuals, Charlene fosters therapeutic relationships anchored in trust and empathy. By focusing on the narratives that shape person’s identity, she is committed to facilitating meaningful journeys of healing and recovery, creating a supportive environment where clients can undergo their transformation.