Existential
Sensitive & Gentle
Spiritual
Creative
Humorous
Female-Identifying
Get to know Abelina
I am passionate about therapy being a safe, reflective space. In that cocoon, you can build a deeper understanding of yourself, reconnect with what may have been lost, and find the strengths and tools lying dormant within you, that help you navigate your life experiences.
My approaches are mainly inspired by trauma-informed (including somatic-based) attachment, and psychodynamic therapies to support you in your journey of better understanding the underlying reasons for any patterns or concerns you might be struggling with.
“Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within” – Dr Gabor Mate
I also value the importance of inner child work, compassionate inquiry, or self-compassion approaches. These modalities offer valuable tools for feeling more connected and trusting within oneself, which can lead to living a more fulfilling life aligned with your values.
At the age of 5, I moved with my family from my small hometown in Germany to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I grew up for the rest of my childhood and adolescent years. This experience helped me open up to new life experiences, and appreciate different cultures, which I feel has played a significant role in my compassion for others, particularly my valuing of cultural sensitivity.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Somatic-Informed Trauma Practices
Psychodynamic Therapy
Abelina’s “3 Cs” Tool for Coping with Overwhelming Emotions:
1. Curiosity
Can you pause, take a deep breath, and be curious about what your emotions might be telling you? Was there a recent trigger or a build up of stressful moments that may be showing up here? Be an open-minded and curious observer to help reflect on your experience.
2. Compassion
Be kind and compassionate to yourself about this experience. Can you talk to yourself the way you would to a friend or loved on in this moment? Validate your feelings.
3. Connection
Engage in a small activity or gesture to help you feel more connected with yourself in this moment. This may include listening to your favourite song and having a dance, doing something creative (art, music, movement, writing), placing your hands on your heart and taking five deep breaths, giving yourself a hug, or engaging in some gentle stretches or movements to become present with your body and calm the mind
Outside The Therapy Room…
Outside of work you will see me on my yoga mat connecting with myself through either a gentle or fun online yoga class or a pilates workout, having cuddles with my dog, immersing myself in self-development podcasts, videos or readings, spending quality time with loved ones, or enjoying a delicious warm drink at my favourite cafe on Tamborine Mountain.
My Therapy Song…
Jungle – Keep Moving