In-Person in Parramatta, NSW 2150
Online in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom
My name is Shareen Birges & I am a social worker who specialises in online counselling. I have been practicing for over 15 years & as a result, have a broad range of experience. I have worked with adolescents & their families, adults & couples. I specialise in the care of people with cancer and chronic illness, mental health, dual diagnosis/comorbidity, trauma background (including sexual abuse/assault & childhood abuse and trauma) & people with offending behaviour & people living with BPD. Due to my extensive experience working with adolescents and young people, I have developed an ability to work closely with families & other professionals, whilst keeping the boundary of privacy & confidentiality. I believe I am approachable & create a good balance between challenging clients & allowing their therapy to flow at a pace that feel comfortable to them.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen
Demographic Expertise: Hindu, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Pacific Islander, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Developmental Therapy Looks at how childhood and developmental experiences affect current challenges. It aims to repair unmet needs and foster healthy growth.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Psychosocial Therapy Looks at how social and environmental factors affect psychological health. It emphasizes relationships, community, and resilience.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Helps clients challenge and replace irrational beliefs. It is an action-oriented approach for lasting change.
- Reality Therapy / Choice Theory Focuses on present choices and taking responsibility for actions. It helps clients create more fulfilling relationships and lives.
- Social Learning Therapy Based on the idea that people learn behaviors by observing others. It applies modeling and reinforcement to encourage healthy change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Approach Description: I am a person-centred counsellor. I tailor my approach to each client, which is why I spend a good deal of time getting to know my clients. I use a strengths based & trauma informed framework to support change in my clients & couple this with a biopsychosocial model of care.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- The Waves of Change motto is accessible, affordable and sustainable counselling so I work to provide people with payment plans (where appropriate) & work on a sliding scale for payments. Payments are negotiated prior to counselling commencing & I encourage clients to raise any financial issues that arise once counselling has started, so we can talk about what can be done to ensure we can continue to work together.
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Shareen Birges BASS, GDYMH, MSW
- Female
- Practicing Since 2008
Education: I have a Bachelor in Applied Social Science majoring in counselling, a Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health & a Masters in Social Work. I am eligible to register with PACFA, & ACA & registered with the AASW & am an Approved Victims Services Counsellor.
Shareen Birges Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Parramatta, NSW 2150
- Available Online for residents of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom
- Online Therapy Details: In Person, chat, phone & video, both nationally and internationally (international clients referral acceptance based on a suitable time, for both client and therapist, can be negotiated).
Waves of Change Counselling works on the philosophy of accessible, affordable & sustainable counselling. I know how difficult accessing counselling is & that costs are often outside of affordability for many people. Waves of Change hopes to bridge those gaps & grow as a business that provides support for more people to support their biopsychosocial needs. It is important that mental health services become more accessible, affordable and sustainable for those that need it & Waves of Change hopes to be a leader for change, both individually, professionally, politically, socially & on an industry level. Waves of Change hopes to be able to work with communities, professional organizations, industry lobbyists & politicians to create a community where mental health is less stigmatized & support is more readily accessible, affordable and sustainable.