Coby Liew Counselling

● Clinical Supervisor    ● Clinical Psychotherapist    ● Mental Health Social Worker    ● Counsellor

Coby is an experienced mental health practitioner with a passion for life, health, and healing. As an advocate for good mental health, he regularly presents at conferences, media programs, and workshops across Australia and internationally (including in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore), promoting good mental health and emotional wellbeing. With extensive clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Coby is dedicated to supporting individuals in identifying and strengthening their resilience and inner resources through evidence-based counselling.

Coby's life experiences provide him with a unique perspective that sets him apart from other therapists. Born and raised in Borneo (Malaysia) and having lived in multiple countries, Coby has firsthand experience with the challenges that individuals from diverse backgrounds face. This personal journey enables him to deliver culturally sensitive and informed counselling that respects each client's unique needs and experiences, especially within the realm of multicultural counselling.

His approach to counselling and psychotherapy is rooted in the belief that individuals possess the strength and resilience necessary to overcome their mental health challenges. With more than a decade of clinical experience and comprehensive educational training, Coby has developed a deep understanding of therapeutic approaches grounded in counselling and psychotherapy, as well as clinical supervision. He effectively identifies and maximizes clients’ inner strengths while providing a safe, supportive environment to work through their mental health challenges.

As a progressive global citizen, Coby is an advocate for 'equality for all', and his passion for helping others extends beyond his work with clients in the therapy room. He served as a Board Member of the Midsumma Festival, Victoria's largest LGBTIQA arts organisation, providing strategic leadership and governance. Additionally, he was the Director for Volunteer Support at GLOBE Victoria, a reputable networking organisation for professionals and business owners. Coby also founded two community initiatives—"My Rainbow Story Project" and "Unspoken Story"—focused on social advocacy. His commitment to community well-being makes him a vital asset to the mental health profession.

In addition to his professional expertise, Coby brings a wealth of personal qualities to his counselling and psychotherapy practice. Described as down-to-earth, gentle, honest, and practical, his warm demeanor helps clients feel at ease during therapy sessions. This fosters a trusting and productive therapeutic relationship, enhancing communication. Coby is fluent in several languages, including English, Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Hakka, Bahasa Indonesia, and Thai, allowing him to connect deeply with his clients.

Coby specializes in the following areas:

- Grief and loss

- ASD and ADHD

- Gender and sexuality

- Trauma and abuse (including PTSD, complex PTSD, domestic and family violence)

- Relationship counselling and intimacy issues

- Inter-cultural adjustment, adaptation, and attachment issues (multicultural counselling)

- Anger management and emotional regulation

- Sexual health issues

- Eating Disorders

- Depression, anxiety, stress management, and panic attacks

- Workplace conflicts, bullying, and harassment

- Issues faced by international students, asylum seekers, migrants, and people of colour.

Coby's therapeutic orientation is primarily influenced by Narrative Therapy, Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Positive Psychology. Within this framework, he draws on evidence-based counselling modalities, including Person-Centred Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoeducation, Psychoanalysis, and Art Therapy.

Qualifications:

- Doctor of Psychology (Grief and Loss)

- Master of Psychology

- Bachelor of Social Work

- Bachelor of Psychological Science

- Diploma in Social Science (Counselling Psychology)

- Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy

- Practitioner Certificate in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

- Practitioner Certificate in Life Coaching

- Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)

- Licensed Facilitator for Mental Health Social Support (MHSS)

Accreditations:

- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

- Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP)

Coby is a mental health practitioner recognised by:

- Medicare Australia

- Private Health Insurance Providers

- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - international students

- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

***Medicare and private health rebates are available to eligible clients only ***