Meet the Counsellor : Empathic Counselling
Picture of the counsellor

My name is Sasha Brittain, and I am a master’s degree qualified ACA registered counsellor, and the director of Empathic Counselling. In addition, I am a wife of 18 years, and a mum! I also have lived experience of trauma, anxiety and depression. This lived experience is the reason that I became a counsellor, and has enabled me to develop and deepen my understanding of people’s pain, and their ability to overcome adversity and create positive and long-lasting change.

I am also passionate about providing culturally sensitive therapy. Before becoming a counsellor, I studied Japanese language and culture, and worked in Japan for a few years as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. As an ESL teacher in Brisbane, I worked with people from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including with refugees. This experience has helped me develop even greater empathy for others, and to see things from a different perspective. This has been invaluable in my work as a counsellor, as understanding all facets of who we are (and why), is the foundation of developing love and acceptance of ourselves and others.

A quality therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and client is the foundation upon which healing work for the client can unfold. Therefore, I strive to always create and maintain a non-judgemental and compassionate space for clients, based on trust, respect, client autonomy and safety. I know that it can feel scary to come to therapy and talk to a stranger about your private feelings! It is absolutely an act of courage to acknowledge the need for support, and to bravely seek support, despite the discomfort. Once you take this first courageous step, I will be there to support you as best I can, providing a safe and non-judgemental space combined with evidence-based therapeutic strategies.

I am passionate about supporting all clients to access their inner resources and strengths, and to empower them to better understand and accept themselves, thereby improving their mental health, emotional wellbeing and relationships.

Academic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (GU)
  • Graduate Certificate in Counselling Skills (ACAP)
  • Master of Counselling (AIPC)

Professional Memberships

  • Australian Counselling Association (Level 2)
  • Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
  • Mental Health Academy

Preferred Therapeutic Modalities

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Psychotherapy
  • Gottman Method of Couples Therapy
  • Logotherapy
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Positive Psychology
  • Psychoeducation
  • Schema Therapy
  • Somatic Practices

Recent Additional Training

  • Trauma Healing Practitioner Course ~ Certified Excellence
  • Somatic Coaching Course ~ Certified Excellence
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 & Level 2 Clinical Training ~ The Gottman Institute
  • Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) with Trauma Survivors: Coming Home to Yourself with Dr. Sue Johnson ~ PESI
  • Reconnecting Couples with Solution-Focused Therapy ~ Elliott Connie
  • Couple Counselling: Models & Interventions ~ Mental Health Academy
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy ~ Mental Health Academy
  • Attachment Theory and Science: A Clear Map for Effective Couple Intervention with Dr. Sue Johnson ~ PESI
  • Healing from Affairs: Moving Past the Trauma of Betrayal and Infidelity with Tammy Nelson ~ PESI
  • Narrative Practice with Couples ~ Mental Health Academy
  • Healing Grief & Loss ~ David Kessler
  • ACT for Beginners ~ Dr. Russ Harris
  • Best Practice Bereavement Care Following Pregnancy & Infant Loss ~ Sands Bereavement Training
  • Supporting the Suicide-Bereaved ~ Mental Health Academy
  • Positive Psychology & the Study of Human Strengths ~ Mental Health Academy

Evidenced-base Parenting digital credential from Mental Health Academy
Working With Trauma digital credential from Mental Health Academy

Gottman Approved Member