ABOUT PSYCHOLOGIST MIKA

Pronouns: She/Her

Mika is a warm, genuine, and reflective therapist who brings curiosity and compassion into her work. As a proud Māori woman from Aotearoa, New Zealand she values connection, storytelling, and culturally-informed ways of understanding identity and wellbeing. She aims to cultivate a space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported to explore their inner world and life experiences.  

Clients often describe Mika as calm, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. They appreciate her down-to-earth nature, gentle humour, and ability to balance emotional depth with practical guidance.

Mika adopts a trauma-informed and neurodiversity affirming approach to therapy and is committed to supporting and empowering individuals seeking meaningful, enduring change in their lives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Professional Psychology, University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Melbourne

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

• AHPRA Registration – PSY0002807641

Mika is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). As a psychologist in clinical practice, Mika adheres to the ethical and professional standards set by the Psychology Board ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care in her practice as a psychologist.

Therapeutic Philosophy

Mika adopts a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy, working alongside each person to explore their story, values, and goals. She believes meaningful change happens through understanding oneself more deeply, noticing patterns that shape behaviour and emotion, and developing insight to break unhelpful cycles. Mika supports clients to make meaningful connections between their experiences and inner world, helping them build tools that feel authentic and sustainable. She tailors her approach to each client, drawing on their strengths, culture, and lived experience.

Therapeutic Approach

Mika believes that the foundation of therapy lies in a safe, trusting relationship. She sees therapy as a space to reconnect with one’s values, identity, and sense of purpose – especially through times of transition or uncertainty. She approaches each person as the expert in their own life and views her role as walking alongside them, helping them rediscover clarity, balance, and confidence in their path forward.

Mika draws on a variety of evidence-based approaches informed by the clients’ needs and goals. Using trauma-informed practices, weaving in creative and culturally grounded methods where relevant. Mika’s therapeutic approaches includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Child Centred Play Therapy.

Mika has a growing interest in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Therapies and continues to grow her skills in this area.

Professional Experience

Mika has experience working across the lifespan with children, adolescents, and families exploring identity and experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, low self-esteem, emotion regulation difficulties, relationship difficulties and identity-related concerns. She has provided therapeutic support in both school and clinic settings, with experience collaborating closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams.

Areas of Experience & Interest

• Adjustment and Life Transitions
• ADHD
• Autism
• Anxiety including General Anxiety and Social Anxiety
• Self-Esteem
• Attachment
• Bicultural Identity Challenges
• Circadian Rhythm and Hormone Health
• Complex Trauma
• Depression
• Emotion Regulation and Stress Management
• Burnout (including neurodivergent burnout)
• Existential Concerns
• Gut-Brain Intersection
• Identity Exploration
• Parenting & parent-child attachment
• Relationship and Interpersonal Difficulties

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Mika enjoys reconnecting with her Māori culture through language, storytelling, and traditional healing practices. She also loves exploring new places, going to markets, cooking, puppy cuddles, and spending time in nature and with her community to recharge and find balance.

Mika is a highly respected member of the Positive Wellbeing Psychology team, providing psychological support to clients at our Armadale psychology practice and also offering online psychological services via telehealth Australia-wide.