Hi, I’m Marit.
I am a black woman, born in Perth, Western Australia, now living in Naarm (Melbourne, Victoria).
My mother is Indian-Singaporean and my father was Ethiopian. My mother came to Australia as a student in the 70’s and migrated to Perth; my father left Ethiopia in the 70’s due to a communist revolution and settled in Perth as a refugee.
I have a unique insight into being a first-generation Australian, growing up in a Western culture with both South-Asian and East-African influences in the home.
As a black woman, I am curious about navigating identity, culture and race; and have lived experience of being impacted by marginalisation and racism while living in a predominantly white society.
As a therapist, I can support you with: exploring your identity; navigating relationships and workplace difficulties; and finding solutions to challenging problems.
Person Centered Therapy
I have a Person Centred approach to therapy. This means I work collaboratively with individuals. Together we will figure out what you need - whether it be just having someone listen to you, or developing strategies in dialogue with one another.
I am passionate about helping People of Colour to find the answers within themselves, to cope with living in systems of oppression, and to be empowered to be self-defining.
My practice is person-centred and trauma-informed – I take into account your environment and experiences, and normalise your response to living in difficult circumstances.
My practice is:
Trauma-informed
Strengths-based
Solution Focused
Non-judgemental
Empathetic
Genuine
And is informed by the following theories:
Person Centered Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Gendlin’s Focusing
Qualifications
Post-Graduate Diploma of Counselling
University of New England 2021
Certificate in Treating Racial Trauma: Strategies for Working with the Wounds of Racism
National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine 2022
Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy
The Embody Lab 2022
Certificate in Emotion Focused Therapy
Psychwire 2021
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Curtin University 2005
Registered Counsellor
Professional Association Membership
I am a Level 1 Member of the Australian Counselling Association.
Supervision
My practice is supervised by Dr. Kathomi Gatwiri. This means that I have private sessions with Dr. Gatwiri, who supports me in my work, to better support you.
Bio: Dr. Kathomi Gatwiri has an interdisciplinary PhD in Social Work & Cultural Studies, a Masters degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Social Work with First class honours. Dr. Gatwiri is a registered Psychotherapist, with the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia and a senior academic at an Australian University.