Saijel Dheda, ACA

Saijel Dheda is a registered counselling therapist who works with families, teenagers, individuals and couples across New Zealand and Australia. She brings postgraduate training and a trauma-informed focus to clinical practice, with particular attention to identity, migration, colonisation and intergenerational trauma.

Saijel holds a Master’s degree in Counselling from the University of Auckland and has undertaken training in trauma-informed practice, family therapy and cross-cultural counselling. Her approach is informed by this background and by extensive work supporting people through parenting challenges, domestic violence recovery, anxiety, LGBTQ matters, adolescent issues, relationship difficulties, depression, low self-esteem and complex childhood trauma.

She combines a relatable, empathetic manner with a dependable presence in sessions, creating a non-judgemental environment where clients can explore difficult experiences. The directory lists ACA among her credentials, indicating membership of a professional counselling association. Saijel’s practice aims to support clients from diverse cultural backgrounds as they navigate life transitions, strengthen family connections and work through trauma-related concerns.

Client-centred and Mindfulness Support Online

Saijel draws on client-centred therapy to prioritise the person's own goals and values, offering a supportive space where clients lead the pace of change and explore their feelings without judgement. This approach is helpful for people seeking clearer self-understanding, stronger relationships and practical support through life transitions.

She also integrates mindfulness therapy, which uses present-moment awareness and simple attention practices to reduce reactivity and build coping skills. Mindfulness can be useful for managing anxiety, stress and the emotional impacts of past trauma.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Saijel works with each client to decide which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time in partnership with the client and other appropriately qualified or registered professionals as needed.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage through video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit counselling into daily life. These options help clients access consistent support from home, work or elsewhere and permit a mix of real-time and written communication to suit different situations and comfort levels.