Fridayu Fristiasa

When life feels unmanageable or confusing, it can be difficult to know where to start. Psychotherapy offers a way to slow down, to turn inwards and begin making sense of what feels overwhelming.

The suffering you’re experiencing may be linked to difficult life experiences, current pressures, or ongoing struggles with anxiety or depression. It may relate to how you see yourself or how you relate to others. I view distress as meaningful, as it is often a sign that something within you is asking to be acknowledged, understood, and cared for.

My Approach

As a relational, psychodynamic psychotherapist, I offer longer-term therapy focused on understanding the deeper layers of your experience. Together, we explore feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and even physical sensations that may feel confusing or difficult to manage.

We may gently reflect on your early life experiences, relationships with others, your relationship with yourself, and significant life events.

In telling your story, unconscious patterns can begin to surface,  patterns that may once have protected you but no longer serve you in the present. We can pay attention to what emotions, sensations and thoughts arise to gain a better understanding of yourself

I aim to walk alongside you in bringing these things into your awareness, helping you develop greater self-understanding and self-compassion. Along the way, we may also work on strengthening your capacity to express your needs, navigate relationships more confidently, and relate to yourself with greater kindness and compassion.

The therapeutic relationship itself is central to my work. I value creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and collaborative, where all aspects of your identity are welcomed and explored with care.

Areas of Interest

I work with adults (18+) and have a particular interest in:

• Anxiety and stress
• Childhood and family experiences
• Cultural identity
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Loneliness
• Addiction
• Emotional regulation

Background and Experience

Born in Indonesia, I moved to Aotearoa as an infant with my family. My own cultural journey informs my sensitivity to identity, belonging, and the complexity of living between worlds.

Before training as a psychotherapist, I worked in the health and fitness industry, supporting individuals in their wellbeing. Over time, I felt drawn to support people in a deeper, more meaningful way, which led me to pursue psychotherapy. Within my training, I worked at the AUT Integrated Health Clinic, providing psychotherapy to a diverse range of clients. I completed my placement and worked as a locum case manager at Higher Ground, a residential therapeutic community for addiction rehabilitation, where I facilitated both individual and group therapy.

Beginning therapy can feel like a vulnerable step, but you don’t have to take it alone. If you feel ready to begin this journey together, I warmly invite you to reach out.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation if you would like to discuss how therapy together may help you.

As I do not bring my phone with me in session, the best way to contact me is via email at: [email protected]