Maliheh Zare , ACA

Maliheh Zare holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and is a Level 3 registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), demonstrating registration with the national professional body for counsellors. With 18 years of clinical experience based in Australia, she focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, resolve relationship difficulties, navigate family conflicts, and address anger and mood concerns.

She draws on a range of evidence-informed methods and tailors them to each person’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build psychological flexibility, and Emotionally-Focused and attachment-based approaches to strengthen bonds and address patterns rooted in early relationships. She also integrates mindfulness practices and relationship-focused techniques when appropriate.

Maliheh works with individuals and couples on issues such as depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, intimacy concerns, sleep difficulties, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional areas of focus include attachment issues, commitment and communication problems, family of origin dynamics, infidelity, isolation and loneliness, and compassion fatigue.

She approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and develops personalized treatment plans in collaboration with clients. Maliheh aims to create a supportive space where practical strategies and emotional insight come together to help people move toward the changes they want.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Maliheh blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with attachment-informed work and cognitive-behavioral strategies to support change. ACT encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while helping clients clarify personal values and take meaningful action, which can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Attachment-based therapy explores how early relationship patterns influence current connections and emotional responses, helping improve intimacy, communication, and family dynamics. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and build practical coping skills.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Maliheh works collaboratively with each client to select and adapt methods that align with their needs, goals, and personal preferences. Together they monitor progress and adjust the plan as therapy unfolds.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, try different session styles, and access support from home or elsewhere in Australia when in-person visits are not convenient.