Hulya Kusella is a welldoing.org integrative psychotherapist based in Mitcham 


What attracted you to become a therapist? 

I have always had an interest in people. Prior to working as a therapist (20-plus years back) I was a hairdresser. When I started to pay more attention to customers' stories and emotional wellbeing rather than their hair it gave me insight into my future role.


Where did you train? 

I have never stopped training, there is always so much I can learn. My earlier training was at CPPD and then I did further education with the University of Surrey and Post Graduate courses in online therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy. 


What sort of people do you usually see?

I see many people from different backgrounds, socio-economical statuses, each with their own unique challenges, struggling with various issues around anxiety, depression, loss of identity or experiencing post traumatic symptoms.


What do you like about being a therapist? 

Learning about each person and seeing how the therapeutic relationship enriches overtime. It’s always an honour to bare witness to their personal transformation.


What is less pleasant? 

Having limited amount of sessions with individuals due to fixed contracts arranged by third parties.


How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us? 

I started my journey in 2017 with welldoing.org, I feel it’s a user friendly website and can reach a wider audience that are looking for support.


Have you used the booking and payment system? And how do you find that? 

I have just accessed the booking system recently, so that individuals have more choice and control over session arrangements and communication.


Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

I believe that sharing knowledge and information is empowering and I regularly touch upon additional resources - if it’s in the individual's best interest.


What you do for your own mental health?

I am a great believer that we have a responsibility to ourselves to practice and maintain good health and exercise different dimensions in our lives. I regularly meditate, get involved in cardio exercise and stretching as well as use skills and knowledge of what I share with others for emotional and psychological wellbeing.


What’s your consultation room like? 

My in-person practice with its simplicity can be calming, non-intrusive and private that can provide the space for individuals to explore their own inner world. I also have an online practice that is fully encrypted for individuals' safety and privacy.


What do you wish people knew about therapy? 

Therapy is a process that needs time and patience. Although change can happen from the minute you enter the practice room, there are no quick fixes. To dedicate this time to better understand yourself and allow healing to occur is a wonderful thing and a vital part of self-care.