Paula Borges

Paula is an independent psychotherapist and registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA Level 4), with a strong clinical background in psychology from Brazil, where she practised as a clinical psychologist. She has worked extensively with individuals and families, supporting clients through life transitions, personal challenges and trauma recovery.

Paula’s professional training in EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) underpins her evidence-based, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice. She blends these approaches with attachment-based and behavioural interventions to support the whole person, mind, body and emotions.

With over a decade of experience across therapeutic and educational settings, Paula brings a warm, compassionate and relational presence to her work. Her international training and lived experience enrich her understanding of cultural identity, migration and belonging, allowing her to hold a truly holistic view of wellbeing.

Paula believes that healing happens through safety, authentic connection and being deeply heard. She is passionate about helping people find clarity, meaning and emotional resilience, whether navigating identity changes, anxiety, processing trauma, or addressing intergenerational patterns.

Therapeutic approaches Paula focuses on include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
• DBT-informed emotional regulation work
• Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
• Attachment-based and person-centred approaches
• Behavioural interventions
• Culturally responsive and trauma-informed care

Key areas of support Paula specialises in:

• Trauma and post-traumatic growth
• Anxiety, depression and emotional regulation
• Relationship and family systems
• Identity, life transitions, and self-esteem
• Cultural identity, migration, and belonging

Paula welcomes adolescents (from age 12) and adults into her counselling space, offering both telehealth and in-person sessions. She is committed to creating an inclusive and culturally safe environment for clients of all backgrounds and identities.

Paula is fluent in English and Portuguese.