Dr Coby Liew

● Psychotherapist    ● Accredited Mental Health Social Worker    ● Specialist Family Violence Practitioner

Coby is an experienced mental health professional 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.

 As Director of Live Your Story Psychotherapy, his work spans psychotherapy, mental health assessment, clinical supervision and professional training. 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, his approach considers the experiences, relationships, culture and circumstances that have shaped a person’s life, while helping them recognise their strengths and develop meaningful ways of moving forward. 

A significant area of Coby’s current practice involves mental health and forensic assessment for Australian immigration, tribunal and court matters. He has particular experience preparing comprehensive assessment reports for Partner Visa matters involving domestic and family violence, as well as protection visa and other immigration matters.

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", focusing on social advocacy and community engagement. His commitment to community well-being makes him a vital asset to the mental health profession.

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.

Areas of specialisation:

- Grief and loss

- ASD and ADHD

- Gender and sexuality

- Domestic and family violence

- Trauma and abuse

- Relationship counselling and intimacy issues

- Inter-cultural adjustment, adaptation, and attachment issues

- Anger management and emotional regulation

- Sexual health issues

- Depression, anxiety, stress management, and panic attacks

- Workplace conflicts, bullying, and harassment

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

Qualifications:

- Doctor of Psychology (Grief and Loss)

- Master of Psychology

- Bachelor of Social Work

- Diploma in Social Science (Counselling Psychology)

- Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy

- Practitioner Certificate in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) & Life Coaching

- Licensed Trainer & Facilitator for the Mental Health Social Support (MHSS) program

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 such as BUPA, Medibank, Allianz etc.

- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - international students

- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

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