Real therapeutic work is a shared responsibility. Therapists bring presence, skill, and structure; clients bring their history, hope, guardedness, and courage. Both shape the dynamic.

When therapy feels hard, it’s often not a failure. It’s the natural tension of touching parts of ourselves long protected. Therapists quietly hold enormous invisible labour: adjusting pace, reading emotional shifts, and creating safety — often without recognition.

Sometimes, clients leave without seeing the care that carried them. Therapists, bound by confidentiality, hold that invisible grief in silence.

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist in Camberwell Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy for healing from relationships, culturally-informed family conflicts and intergenerational trauma in Melbourne near you.

Many clients carry emotional burdens shaped by family dynamics, not personal flaws. This blog explores the subtle yet powerful impact of intergenerational trauma — how it affects trust, boundaries, and self-worth — and offers a compassionate path toward healing and reclaiming emotional safety.

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy for culturally-informed family conflicts and intergenerational trauma in Melbourne near you.

We often view men’s mental health through a deficit lens—what they aren’t expressing, how they aren’t coping emotionally. But what if we shifted our definition of the problem, and therefore its solution? This piece explores how men do express emotion, the societal scripts that silence them, and how therapy and relationships can better support emotional safety for men—without requiring them to become someone else entirely.

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy in Melbourne near you.

We often think of love bombing as something that only happens in romantic relationships. But intense praise, sudden withdrawals, and soft control can show up in friendships too — and it’s deeply confusing. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unseen in a “kind” friendship, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about the subtle relational injuries that are harder to name but just as real.

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy in Melbourne near you.

Every couple experiences conflict, but what separates thriving relationships from those that fall apart isn’t whether they fight—it’s how they repair. Research from the Gottman Institute reveals that successful repair attempts are the strongest predictor of a lasting, fulfilling relationship. So, how can you and your partner turn moments of tension into opportunities for deeper connection? Let’s explore the science of repair and how to strengthen your bond.

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy in Melbourne near you.

Connection is at the heart of human well-being. Research shows that strong, meaningful relationships improve mental health, buffer against stress, and even extend our lifespan. In a world that often prioritises independence, are we undervaluing the impact of deep connection?

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy in Melbourne near you.

Finding the right therapist isn’t just about credentials—it’s about connection, trust, and feeling understood. Just like meeting a new friend or partner, the therapeutic relationship needs to feel safe and supportive. In this guide, we explore how to assess fit, what questions to ask, and why staying open to the process (even when it’s challenging) is key to long-term growth and healing.

Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy in Melbourne near you.

In a world that prioritises confidence, boundary-setting, and self-protection, humility is often overlooked. But true humility isn’t about shrinking yourself—it’s about growth, self-awareness, and making space for others without fear. This article explores why humility is essential for deep relationships, emotional resilience, and personal development. Written by Dr Natasha Tung, clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran Melbourne delivering evidence-based, high quality, compassionate therapy in Melbourne near you.

Wondering if your struggles are “bad enough” for therapy? You’re not alone. Many people worry they should just “tough it out” or fear therapy won’t work for them. But therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s about growth. As a Melbourne clinical psychologist and couples counsellor in Prahran, I help people break free from old narratives, heal from past wounds, and create lasting change. In this post, we’ll explore common concerns about therapy, why it feels different from advice, and how it can help you thrive in ways you might not have imagined.

Therapy is not only about validation but also about containment through contexualisation, understanding, and direction. The trend of overly identifying with diagnosis or overly labelling others can be detrimental to your personal growth and relationships. Learn from Melbourne Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Therapist on how therapy can help you contextualise emotions and truly heal. Psychology sessions near you in Prahran by a competent and compassionate Asian Therapist.

Apologising isn’t just about admitting fault—it’s about courage, emotional maturity, and fostering stronger relationships. This article explores why we resist saying sorry, the power of a sincere apology, and how to navigate apologies without over-apologising. Dive into research-backed insights on how apologies impact trust, self-growth, and social connection.

Feeling better for a week doesn’t always mean you’ve fully healed. Many people experience temporary highs in therapy, only to fall back into old patterns when deeper issues remain unresolved. Understanding the cycle of avoidance, building emotional resilience, and addressing root causes are key to long-term well-being. Learn why real change takes time and how therapy can help break these cycles.

Avoiding difficult conversations in relationships can lead to emotional disconnection and unresolved resentment. Many people hesitate to speak up, fearing conflict or making a fuss over “small” issues. However, these conversations are essential for building deeper connections. Learn why conflict avoidance happens, how to navigate tough discussions, and how therapy can help improve communication in your relationships.

It can be frustrating and disheartening when you see the value of couples therapy, but your partner isn’t on board. Their hesitation may stem from fear, skepticism, or uncertainty about the process. Instead of pushing, a more effective approach is to invite them into the conversation with curiosity and patience. In this article, we explore why partners may resist therapy, how to communicate your concerns without pressure, and what you can do to nurture your relationship even if they’re not ready—yet.

Breakups can feel impossible to move past, especially when emotions, memories, and unanswered questions linger. If you're feeling stuck, it’s not just about the relationship—it’s about the deeper emotional ties and patterns keeping you in place. In this article, we’ll explore why breakups can feel so painful, the common experience of regret and hindsight bias, and practical ways to heal and reshape your narrative so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Couples therapy isn’t just for improving relationships—it can also be incredibly valuable during or after separation, divorce, or a breakup. Whether you’re looking for guidance on navigating emotional challenges, co-parenting effectively, or simply gaining closure, therapy can provide essential support and tools to make these transitions smoother and healthier. Learn how couples therapy can help you communicate better, process emotions, and build a cooperative approach moving forward.

Are you considering couples therapy but have questions about how it works? In this blog post, we answer the most commonly asked questions about couples therapy, from what to expect in a session to how relationship therapy can help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create a stronger, healthier partnership. Whether you’re facing specific relationship issues or just looking to improve your connection, couples therapy can offer the tools and support you need for lasting change.

Couples therapy isn’t just for couples in crisis—it’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their relationship. Whether you're dealing with communication problems, emotional issues, or past relationship trauma, therapy can help strengthen your bond and create lasting change. In this blog, we answer common questions about couples therapy, including who it’s for, what to expect, and how relationship counselling can help you and your partner improve connection, resolve conflicts, and build a healthier partnership.

Are you and your partner caught in the same frustrating arguments, feeling stuck in a cycle that never seems to change? The issue might not be the argument itself, but an emotional skill that hasn’t been developed yet. In this blog, we explore the key emotional skills—like self-awareness and persistence—that can transform how you communicate, express your needs, and strengthen your relationship. Ready to break free from repetitive conflicts? Read on to learn how small emotional shifts can lead to lasting change.

Perfectionism often feels like a badge of honor, but it can secretly drain your energy and self-worth. While striving for excellence can lead to achievements, the pursuit of flawlessness can also create constant stress, fear of rejection, and deep dissatisfaction. In this blog post, we explore how perfectionism manifests in different areas of life, and the painful emotional and cognitive processes that one experiences while caught in perfectionism. Learn how therapy can help you break the perfectionism cycle, tolerate discomfort, and embrace imperfection for greater self-compassion and fulfillment.