Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Caroline Ouma

Caroline Ouma, PACFA

Australia

PACFA counsellor - family of origin issues

See online therapy options
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Grief and loss
  • Attachment issues

About Caroline

Caroline Ouma is a PACFA-registered counsellor with 13 years' experience working in Australia. She focuses on stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression and coping with life changes. Sessions are offered in English and Swahili to suit clients who prefer either language.

Caroline works with people who find patterns from their family of origin still shaping their choices and relationships. She talks through how expectations, roles and communication patterns learned in childhood can turn up as worry, emptiness or difficulty committing. She also helps with issues such as attachment concerns, codependency and problems with boundaries.

Her background includes practice with people navigating migration and cross-cultural identity, so cultural context is woven into how she works. Caroline uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a trauma-informed perspective. In sessions she helps people notice patterns, try new ways of responding and practise straightforward coping skills.

Practical tools are part of the process. Caroline helps clients develop strategies for managing anxiety and low mood, and for processing grief or major life transitions. Conversations are direct and focused on what can change in day-to-day life.

People usually begin with a short intake and a discussion of immediate priorities. From there Caroline and the client set goals and agree on the pace of work. The counsellor encourages clear steps clients can try between sessions to test new ways of relating and feeling.

Approaches used and how online sessions work

Caroline draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a trauma-informed perspective. Cognitive behavioural approaches focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying small behaviour changes to reduce anxiety and low mood. Compassion-focused ideas teach self-soothing strategies and ways to respond to self-criticism that often come from early family messages.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Caroline and the client discuss current difficulties, goals and preferences and then try methods that fit those aims. They review what helps and adjust the approach as needed, working together to find the best fit.

Session formats are not detailed in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow regular check-ins during life transitions. Some people prefer shorter phone check-ins when video is difficult, while others use full sessions for deeper work. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements and session length when you book to match your everyday schedule and needs.

Areas of expertise

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

13+ years

Listed in

Australia

Languages

English, Swahili

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression and coping with life changes, plus related family of origin issues.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a trauma-informed outlook and focuses on practical skills and insight building.

How much experience does she have?

Caroline has 13 years' experience working in counselling roles in Australia and internationally.

What credential does she hold and where is she based?

She is registered with PACFA and practices in Australia.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Swahili.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.

Caroline OumaPACFA

See online therapy options