About my

Approach

"Our psyche,

a tapestry woven by both nature

and nurture,

finds itself cast into a

sociocultural realm.

Here, we inherit faith,

belief systems

and modes of existence,

shaped by the ceaseless dance of events

and interactions from the very dawn of our lives.

These experiences sculpt our minds,

influencing our thoughts,

perceptions, and behaviors.

Though we are indeed

thrusted into the embrace of

our biology and societal constructs,

this does not preclude us from reclaiming our agency.

Through humble acceptance and mindful retraining,

we can reforge our path and heal amidst the currents of existence."

- Dr. Amirah Shah

The Philosophy

As one of Australia's leading experts in transcultural mental health,

I provide my clients with expert guidance through psychoeducation, encouragement, and contemporary treatment models -

paired with culturally informed best practice.

During my research years, I was inspired by Martin Heidegger, a philosopher of Germanic descent,

who introduced the concept of Geworfenheit: “Thrownness."

It describes our human individual existences as being 'thrown' into the world.

Every individual is born into a unique set of circumstances, social constructs, gifts, talents, interests and limitations.

This simple four syllabled German word shapes my approach in counselling and psychotherapy.

The Synergy

I work best with people who are willing to do the work, people who are autonomous and driven to heal themselves. I draw from the knowledge and practices that I have gained both personally and professionally.

The Method

The reason I can provide you with the tools and help orient you forward towards your unique journey of growth and healing is because I have had such support given to me. I help you develop deeper levels of self-awareness and understanding, develop the new skills, acquire more knowledge and cultivate the wisdom to improve their lives.

In order to help you alleviate their struggles around grief, trauma and transcultural matters, I offer various perspectives and psychoeducation: from a trauma-informed neurobiological standpoint, neurodivergence lens, Gestalt, biopsychosociospiritual approach, somatic approach, mindfulness, meaning making and meaning reconstruction, meditation and contemplation, solution-focused approach, mind-body connection, relational dynamics, intergenerational excavation, acceptance and commitment therapy, and even anthropology. I also have the capacity to incorporate religious perspectives particularly Judeo-Christian-Islamic), and philosophical perspectives (Phenomenological, Neoplatonist, Buddhist, Socratic, Aristotelian and Epicurean, Jungian).

I provide you with the psychological environment to authentically, freely and safely heal and explore your relationships with yourselves, the people in your lives, and your future/ ideal selves without fearing judgment. I am also trained as a psychedelic-assisted therapist and am across the research and literature on how to navigate responsible healing with powerful substances.

Above all, I hold genuine care and deep regard for the people I work with.

“Holistic self-realization is the realization of your heart’s desire. Why holistic?

Because it involves your entire being.”

- Stefan Edmunds

The End