Emotions, Anxiety & Stress
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Emotions, Anxiety & Stress
Anxiety, persistent worry, low mood, fatigue, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, or finding it difficult to genuinely switch off.
A safe space to feel understood — and to understand yourself more clearly.
Sometimes we know that something is not quite right, but we do not yet know what to do with it. Counselling can offer space to slow down, put words around what is happening, and begin to understand what you need.
English / Mandarin · Online & face-to-face
Warmth
Understanding
Growth
Support
Master of Counselling — Monash University
PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor
English & Mandarin
Online & face-to-face
You do not need to have everything figured out
You do not have to wait until things feel ‘serious enough’ to reach out.
Anxiety, pressure, low mood, relationship difficulties, questions about identity or direction, or experiences that are hard to put into words can all leave us feeling tired or alone.
Counselling can provide a steady, non-judgemental space where you do not have to keep performing ‘I’m fine’. We can begin with what is happening now and take time to understand your feelings, experiences and needs.
Areas of support
What we might work on together
Everyone comes to counselling for different reasons. These are some of the areas I can support you with; they are not a fixed checklist.
Emotions, Anxiety & Stress
Relationships
Adolescents & Young Adults
Life Transitions & Adjustment
The Impact of Past Experiences
Self-Understanding & Growth
About
Hi, I’m Yinru (Marilyn) Ma.
I am a PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor working with adolescents, young adults and adults.
My work is primarily informed by psychodynamic and trauma-informed practice. I pay attention to what is happening now, while also being curious about how past experiences, important relationships and recurring patterns may shape how you feel and relate today.
I believe the counselling relationship is an important part of the work. You do not need to appear ‘fine’, and you do not need to explain everything at once. We can begin from wherever you feel ready.
PACFA Registration No. 32560Sydney, NSWEnglish & Mandarin
Professional verificationClick to verify credentials
PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor
Registration No. 32560Verified profile on Psychology Today
View profile →How I work
Counselling is not about telling you how to live or giving you a standard answer.
We can work together to understand what is happening, what these experiences mean to you, and why certain feelings, relationships or patterns may keep returning.
Psychodynamic-informed
Alongside what is happening now, we may notice links between emotions, relationships, earlier experiences and patterns that can be difficult to see on your own.
Trauma-informed
Safety, choice and your pace matter. You will not be pushed to explore anything before you feel ready.
Collaborative & culturally responsive
Counselling is something we do together. Culture, family expectations, language, migration and identity can be included when they are relevant to your experience.
Getting started
Counselling can begin with a small first step.
You do not need to prepare a complete story. A simple enquiry is enough to begin.
Send a brief enquiry
A short email is enough to get started. You can share the broad reason you are reaching out, whether you prefer online or face-to-face, and a few times that may suit you.
15-minute introductory consultation
We briefly discuss what you are looking for, how I work, practical arrangements, confidentiality and its limits, and whether working together appears to be an appropriate fit. This is not a full counselling session.
Begin counselling
If we decide to proceed, we can arrange 50-minute sessions and discuss a frequency and focus that suit your needs.
Clear & simple
Fees & appointments
Online counselling is available.
Face-to-face counselling will be available in Sydney; the consulting-room location is being finalised.
Sessions are available in English or Mandarin.
Cancellation, rescheduling and informed-consent details will be provided before formal counselling begins.
Individual counselling$15050 minutes
Face-to-face in Sydney — consulting-room location to be confirmed
Make an enquiryFAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the 15-minute introductory consultation?+
It is a brief conversation to understand what you are looking for, explain how I work and practical matters, and consider whether the service appears to be an appropriate fit. It is not a full counselling session. Formal counselling sessions are 50 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?+
There is no fixed number that suits everyone. Some people come for a shorter period around a current difficulty; others want more time to explore longer-standing patterns. We can review this together.
Can I have counselling in Mandarin?+
Yes. Sessions are available in both English and Mandarin.
Do you offer online and face-to-face counselling?+
Yes. Online counselling is available. Face-to-face appointments will be offered in Sydney once the consulting-room location is confirmed.
Is counselling confidential?+
Counselling is generally confidential, with limited exceptions involving serious safety concerns or legal requirements. Confidentiality and its limits are explained as part of informed consent.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate?+
Not at this stage. Under Better Access, Medicare mental-health rebates are currently available through eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists rather than PACFA-registered counsellors. Sessions with me are privately billed at $150 for 50 minutes. Some private health policies may include counselling benefits, but eligibility depends on the policy and the practitioner’s provider recognition, so please check with your fund and with me before relying on a rebate.
What if I am not sure we are the right fit?+
That is an important part of choosing a counsellor. The 15-minute introductory consultation gives us a chance to discuss what you need, how I work and whether continuing together seems appropriate.
Get in touch
If you are considering counselling, you can start with a simple enquiry.
You do not need to write a complete history. A brief note about what has been happening, the kind of support you are looking for and your preferred appointment format is enough to begin.
marilyn.lotuscounselling@gmail.comSydney, NSW
Email is for general enquiries and appointment arrangements. Please avoid sending detailed medical or mental-health information in your first message.
Lotus Counselling is not a crisis or emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For immediate support, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.