Hello and welcome to Sama Sama Counselling!
My name is Mariyah Shahrin (she/her) and I am a registered counsellor currently practicing at Nest Psychology Brisbane in Toowong.
My journey into this line of work started early, as I felt a strong curiosity about the human experience, people, and how to help them from a young age! My post-graduate studies fostered this curiosity and sense of justice in assisting people to achieve their best potential and life goals.
Now, I’m a registered counsellor who has spent time working with individuals experiencing dependence on alcohol and drugs, as well as their loved ones in a community mental health service. In this role, I was very fortunate to work with people in a range of capacities, including general mental health concerns, life planning and goals, and developing skills to advocate for themselves. I still see individuals in this capacity, and take a harm minimisation approach that is compassionate of your experiences.
As I extend my career in counselling, I am very passionate about working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, culturally diverse communities, neurodivergent individuals as well as everyone else who experiences mental health concerns. I grew up in Malaysia, giving me lived experience of how complex these identities can be at times. You can read more about my areas of interest here.
The intersection between culture, sexuality or gender identity and one’s experiences is meaningful to me and I’m very excited to assist you in navigating and celebrating these identities in a society that may not be particularly welcoming to them.
About Sama Sama Counselling
Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities
I like to think that I have a warm, curious and approachable energy in the therapy room! My counselling approach is holistic, where I will often try to get to know what’s happening in all aspects of your life to try to create a well-rounded understanding of your strengths and experiences. I also enjoy taking a client-centered approach where you get to lead where our sessions go — whether that is to “fix” a particular problem you’re experiencing, or to better understand yourself!
As such, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches which include, but are not limited to:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Narrative Therapy
Person-centered Therapy (PCT)
Attachment Theory
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Strengths-based Approaches
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
Feminist Therapy
Creative approaches & activities
Why Sama Sama Counselling?
In the Malay language, "sama-sama" can mean together or togetherness. Being originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this meaning resonates with me as it is how I view counselling and the relationship we have in the therapy room. Being able to build connections with clients through being together in those moments is highly meaningful to me. I'm looking forward to connecting with you in this space!
Qualifications & Memberships
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminology & Psychology, University of Auckland
Master of Counselling, University of Queensland
Level 2 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Certified Triple P Parenting and Fear-less Triple P Practitioner