Ria Tsai

Ria is a Counselling Psychologist who utilizes ACT, CBT and DBT skills to support her clients who are looking for ways to a better life. Ria has worked in both DHB community mental health as well as private therapy clinics. She has a specialized interest in healthy relationships and self-growth. She offers individual, couples therapy and clinical supervision, both online and in-person. 

**Please note: Ria will be going on maternity leave from 01/01/2024 – 30/06/2024**

How do I know if Ria is a therapist who suits me?

Every therapist is different. Some are warm, receiving and nonjudgmental while others are more diagnostic, directive and pragmatic.

Ria goes down the middle because she believes people need both at different times. She is attentive in assessment and explores with you how you arrived at where you are today. She will give you new knowledge and perspectives to consider your issue from, and share various pathways for you to grow and move towards. While she won’t judge you, she will tell you things you likely haven’t noticed and other things you might need to hear.

Ria speaks English and Mandarin.

How do I know if therapy is actually working?

When therapy works, you would likely be:

• Understanding yourself or your problematic patterns better
• Gaining more clarity into your life situation, moods or dilemmas
• Having greater tolerance and curiosity to look at the bigger picture and factors at play
• Moving towards what a better outcome of your situation could look like.

Therapy Approaches

Ria draws from attachment theory, family systems and trauma-informed practice for her clients, as well as problem-solving and communication skills as necessary.

She works with the following therapy approaches:

ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy). Use mindfulness and observation skills to manage your psychological distress, free up more time and energy to pay attention to what is important for you. Align your purpose, values, behaviour and motivations over time.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). One of the most research-validated, evidence-based therapy approaches, learn how your thoughts, emotions, physiology and actions interact with each other. Change unhelpful beliefs and behaviours you have engaged in that are contributing to your current situation, and learn new ways to think more effectively and influence your emotions for a better outlook.

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). Sharpening interpersonal and communication skills, DBT is great for dealing with pesky relationships and personality issues that can drive our interactions towards unpleasant territories in daily life.

Common issues clients seek therapy with Ria for:

• Anxiety and depression
• Addiction
• Attachment issues
• Burnout/Stress
• Confidence & dating difficulties
• Family conflicts
• Identity & self-development
• Loneliness & social problems
• Pornography issues
• Relationship challenges, affairs, break-ups
• Sexual abuse
• Sexuality & intimacy issues
• Trauma/PTSD
• Workplace issues

To book a session, use the Get In Touch box on the right or visit Ria’s website for more information.