Olivia Ialu

About

I’m a Counsellor/Psychotherapist working with relational trauma and with the relationship we have to ourselves: our sense of identity, what gives our life meaning, and the transitions and initiations that expand our capacity and self-perception. I work deeply with attachment, and hold intergenerational patterns in awareness. My focus is on the beliefs and patterns that sit below conscious awareness and quietly colour how we experience ourselves, our relationships and the world. Underneath all of it, I hold a steady trust that there is an innate coherence within each person, and that therapy is less about fixing what’s broken than about clearing the way back to it.
In sessions I draw on depth psychology, somatic and energetic awareness, and parts work through Voice Dialogue, an approach similar to Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together we get to know the different parts of ourselves that pull in competing directions, so they can be heard rather than fought. Alongside talking, we pay attention to what the body is holding, so that change can settle in at the level of the nervous system and not just the mind.
My practice is also informed by a transpersonal view: that we are souls having a human experience, and that our struggles often carry meaning beyond the symptoms themselves. I bring this in only where it resonates for you, in whatever language, images or beliefs feel true, and it isn’t tied to any religion.
I work with adults navigating:

relational trauma and the aftermath of narcissistic or covert abuse
life transitions and turning points, including motherhood and the postpartum period
grief and loss
questions of identity and meaning
spiritual emergence and experiences that don’t fit neatly into conventional frameworks
reclaiming a sense of self after a period of being lost, diminished or overwhelmed
My background includes a Bachelor of Psychological Science (ACAP) and an Advanced Diploma of Transpersonal Counselling, along with years of work in somatic movement, yoga and contact improvisation, and earlier roles supporting children and young people in residential care and mentoring programs. I’m a registered member of PACFA and practise under regular clinical supervision.
I offer a steady, unhurried space where you can be met as a whole person.

What a first session looks like

Our first session together is an opportunity to get a feel for each other, so you can sense whether you’re drawn to working with me, and so I can understand how to support you. You’re welcome to share as much as you feel comfortable with about what’s bringing you here, what you’re moving through, and anything you’d like to work towards. I’ll share how our sessions might look and go over our agreements around confidentiality and safety, so that our time together feels like a safe and contained space for you to explore at your own pace. There’s no pressure to have it all figured out.

In Olivia's own words.

Works with

Approach

• Psychodynamic therapy
• Somatic approaches
• Family and relationship work

Qualifications

BPsychSc, Adv Dip Transpersonal Counselling, PACFA Registered