Simi Qi

Mascot: Wednesdays and Fridays

I secretly wanted to be a journalist growing up, but became an accountant in my first career. Now that I have changed my career to being a psychologist, I see the common denominators between a journalist and a psychologist. I view both professions as people-centred, willing and able to truly listen to another person without judgment, whilst doing one’s best to understand another’s world views and perspectives, holding space for one’s emotion, and to summarise, to connect with another person. It is through truly meaningful connections that we heal, from misunderstandings, judgment, emotional neglect, and generally speaking – adverse experiences. I believe this to be the superpower of therapy.

My approach to therapy is to be fully present in the room, listen to what the client says, and also what’s left unsaid. What clients feel hesitant to say can derive from being misunderstood, judged, neglected, or shut down repeatedly. And my job as a psychologist is to gently and empathetically encourage the truth to be spoken out loud. I believe it is only through acknowledging the reality that we are able to move forward from it. And my training allows me to walk through this challenging path with my clients at their own pace and help them build confidence and skills to continue with the path when therapy ends.

I have worked across diverse settings, including University counselling services, hospitals, and now private practice. My approach with treatment modalities typically begins with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to work through changes at a cognitive level. Depending on each individual’s unique cases, it may be more effective to adopt Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). As therapy proceeds, I may also introduce Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), which focuses on skill building and Schema Therapy, which addresses underlying attachment wounds. The assessment, formulation, and treatment planning are constantly evolving as therapy continues, but will always be a collaborative process between the client and me as a psychologist. I am always passionate about learning more so that I am able to work effectively with each client towards their goals. I practice primarily in English and am a native speaker of Mandarin, which allows me to work with Mandarin-speaking clients as well.

Outside of work, I enjoy dancing, hiking, travelling, and learning new languages.

Phone: 0415 811 277
Email: info@psycspot.au

Rosebery Psychology Practice:
Suite 410 / 77 Dunning Ave
Rosebery NSW 2018

Mascot Psychology Practice:
Shop G05 / 659-669 Gardeners Rd
Mascot NSW 2020