Our Approach
People come to therapy for various reasons. It can be about looking for a greater understanding of ourselves, of and from others, and of our situations.
Bridge and Connect gives clients a space for connection and support. We balance evidence-based approaches with compassion and care, inviting clients to bring openness as we step through this journey together.
Joyce Ma
Clinical psychologist
I have worked with individuals with various life situations, including trauma and complex PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation and familial disconnection. I have enjoyed working with clients of all ages across public and private mental health settings, including adults in forensic and community drug and alcohol services, and young people and families in community mental health ICYMHS. Alongside private practice, I am currently also working with children and families requiring functional rehab in Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) as a senior psychologist.
My style of therapy is grounded in evidence-based approaches, integrating elements of CBT, Schema-informed therapy, ACT, DBT and Compassion-Focused Therapy. You’ll also find touches of play and humanness peppered through sessions with me to bring lightness to the heavier parts of life. I believe the therapeutic relationship is a central part of therapy, and I work with each client collaboratively to tailor treatment to their unique needs and situations. Coming from a migrant background, I have particular sensitivity to the complexities that come with being in between cultures, and take my appreciation for intercultural and cross-boundary connections into my approach with therapy.
Beyond the therapy space, I am either in the kitchen creating edible/non-palatable experiments or on the road exploring nature with family and friends.