- Carl Rogers
Ms Tinchu Kumar
Social Worker AMHSW
Ikigai Therapy Services
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
Tinchu Kumar is the Founder and Director of Ikigai Therapy Services, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, EMDR Therapist, and Expressive Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Tinchu is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, heal from past experiences, and build meaningful, fulfilling lives. Her practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centred approach, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered.
Drawing on her extensive experience across diverse clinical and community settings, Tinchu integrates a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Schema Therapy, Expressive Therapies, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Background
Before moving into private practice, I worked in public mental health, particularly in early psychosis services, ICYMHS, where I supported young people and their families through acute and complex presentations. That experience gave me a strong foundation in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care and working within multidisciplinary teams.
Since transitioning into private practice, I’ve been able to build on that experience by offering more flexible, individualised therapeutic work. It’s allowed me to deepen my focus on the therapeutic relationship, tailor interventions to each client, and support people over a longer arc of their recovery and personal development.
Services
My service notes focus on being clear, concise, and clinically meaningful while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. I ensure they accurately reflect the client’s presentation, risk assessment, interventions used, and progress over time.
I also document in a way that aligns with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented principles—using respectful, non-judgmental language and highlighting strengths as well as challenges. Ultimately, my goal is for notes to support continuity of care, clinical decision-making, and accountability, while remaining person-centred.
Quality Provision
Providing high-quality service means ensuring care is safe, consistent, and truly person-centred. I focus on creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, heard, and actively involved in their care. This includes using evidence-based approaches, maintaining clear boundaries, and regularly reflecting on my practice through supervision and feedback.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Social Work - 2008
- PGDiP in Social Practice - 2009
- Cert in Expressive Therapies - 2023
Modalities
Attachment Theory - CBT - DBT - EMDR - Meditation - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred - Sand Tray - Sandplay Therapy - Schema Therapy - Strengths-Based - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I take an integrative, trauma-informed and person-centred approach to therapy. I focus on creating a safe, collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences. My work draws on evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, schema therapy, and trauma-focused methods, tailored to each individual’s needs. I prioritise building a strong therapeutic relationship, supporting emotional regulation, and helping clients develop insight, resilience, and a sense of meaning in their lives.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
- EMDRAA
Appointments
Weekdays, Afterhours and Weekends
Fees & Insurance
Medicare rebate provided.
Languages
English
Malayalam
Payment Options
Account payment/PayID
Contact Tinchu
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Tinchu Kumar
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My decision to pursue psychotherapy and counselling has been strongly influenced by my clinical experiences, particularly working with individuals who have experienced trauma alongside early psychosis and severe mental health challenges.
In my work, I’ve consistently seen how trauma can shape a person’s sense of safety, identity, and relationships. Many individuals I’ve worked with present with complex histories where distressing experiences impact engagement, trust, and emotional regulation. This highlighted for me the importance of adopting a trauma-informed approach—one that prioritises safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
Through these experiences, I recognised that building a therapeutic relationship is not just about intervention, but about creating a space where people feel genuinely safe, respected, and not retraumatised. Taking the time to understand each person’s story, pacing the work appropriately, and being mindful of power dynamics became central to my practice.
I also saw how trauma-informed care can significantly improve engagement and outcomes—especially when individuals feel heard and validated, rather than pathologised. Supporting people to regain a sense of control, rebuild trust, and reconnect with their strengths has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.
Over time, I realised that these therapeutic, trauma-informed interactions were the core of what I found most fulfilling. This led me to pursue psychotherapy and counselling more intentionally, as it aligns closely with my values of compassion, respect, and person-centred care. -
Humanism
Existentialism
Systems theory
Ethics
Feminist theory -
I’m particularly interested in how people make sense of distress and rebuild their identity after challenging experiences, especially in the context of trauma and early mental health difficulties. I’m drawn to the recovery journey—how individuals reconnect with meaning, relationships, and a sense of agency. I’m also interested in the impact of trauma on safety, trust, and emotional regulation, and how creating a therapeutic space can support healing, empowerment, and long-term wellbeing.
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In my therapeutic practice, I aim to build trusting relationships through empathy, active listening, and respect for each person's unique experiences. I integrate person-centred principles with cognitive-behavioural and strengths-based approaches to help clients identify their goals, develop coping skills, and enhance their overall wellbeing.
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Clients often begin to feel that progress is being made when they notice that they are thinking, feeling, or responding differently to situations than they did before therapy began. These small shifts can provide encouragement and support continued engagement in the therapeutic process.
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Therapy has made a positive difference in my life by helping me understand myself better and develop healthier ways of coping with challenges. Through therapy, I have learned to identify and manage my emotions more effectively, improve my communication skills, and challenge negative thought patterns. It has increased my self-confidence and resilience, enabling me to make decisions more thoughtfully and maintain healthier relationships. Although I still face difficulties at times, therapy has provided me with tools and strategies that support my overall wellbeing and help me navigate life's stresses more effectively.
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What I enjoy most about being a therapist is helping people recognise their strengths and supporting them as they make positive changes in their lives. Seeing clients develop confidence, overcome difficulties, and improve their wellbeing is incredibly rewarding.
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Yes, I definitely have bad hair days! Being a therapist doesn't make me immune to messy mornings, spilled coffee, or days when nothing seems to cooperate. The difference is that I've learned to accept that perfection isn't necessary. Sometimes showing up authentically—even with imperfect hair—is enough.
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I think one of the greatest challenges we face is the global mental health crisis. Many people struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the effects of trauma, yet barriers such as stigma and limited access to support prevent them from receiving help. Increasing awareness, improving access to services, and strengthening community connections are essential steps toward addressing this issue.
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A book that really inspires me is Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. I appreciate its focus on purpose, meaning, and balance—particularly how it highlights the connection between what we value, what we’re good at, and how we contribute to others. It resonates strongly with my work in mental health, where supporting people to reconnect with purpose and identity is such an important part of recovery.