Devika Dhadhal, PACFA

Devika Dhadhal is a family counsellor with seven years of clinical experience supporting individuals, children and families through a wide range of life challenges. She believes that meaningful change begins when people feel truly heard and understood, and her practice centres on listening to both spoken words and the underlying emotions and stories that shape behaviour and relationships.

Devika draws on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, tailoring each session to the strengths, pace and needs of the person or family in front of her. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, she works collaboratively to help clients make sense of their experiences, shift unhelpful patterns and reconnect with their capacity for change.

Her areas of focus include relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, anxiety, stress and low mood, life transitions, identity and self-esteem concerns, and the effects of trauma or adverse experiences. Using a strengths-based, practical approach, Devika supports clients to develop coping strategies, build resilience and create sustainable change so they feel more grounded, empowered and connected to themselves and others. She is listed with PACFA, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, and offers therapy in English, Gujarati and Hindi while practising in Australia.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Devika uses a mix of structured and relational approaches suited to different needs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns - it is often used for anxiety, low mood, panic and stress-related concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current emotional responses and interpersonal patterns - it can help with attachment issues, relationship difficulties and caregiver stress. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a collaborative, non-directive relationship where the therapist offers empathy and acceptance to help clients find their own solutions and build self-worth.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Devika works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods fit best with their goals, needs and preferences, and adapts strategies over time as progress is made.

Online therapy with Devika is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to provide flexible access to support. These options make it easier to fit counselling into busy schedules, accommodate different comfort levels with communication, and maintain continuity of care when in-person sessions are not possible. Appropriately qualified or registered professionals and therapists can use these formats effectively to support emotional wellbeing and relationship change.