My name is Belina Pupa. Over the past six years, I have worked with children, families and individuals as an agent of support and guidance. Before opening my own practice, I was working in the criminal justice field and civil courts in USA. My professional life includes a commitment to serving the needs of children, families and individuals as a mental health social worker. I believe that change happens when people are given guidance and support, to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. As a therapist, I have been described as ‘trusting, empathetic and down to earth’ and having a calming presence that has enabled people to feel safe in opening up and tackling their problems. In my private time, I love gardening, camping and everything that nature can offer.
Social Work /Counselling Background and CBT
Working in my own private practice counselling and therapy has enabled me to work with many women and men both individually and as part of a couple, addressing different issues.
I am a qualified mental health social worker. My specialty is in helping people of all ages improve their well-being, physical and psychological health. Most of the people I work with have sought therapy for, many have suffered from symptoms of anxiety or depression and it is often these which bring people to therapy. I am interested both in helping achieve lasting change as quickly as possible and in engaging in therapy for as long as is needed. I am committed and experienced to being as fully present as possible in the therapy process. In addition, I can offer you six years of experience in social work, including family counselling and case management. Additionally, my clinical skills have been gained in non- government, government and private practice settings. Furthermore, I have further developed excellent case management, therapeutic and interpersonal skills.
Treatment Orientation
Trained in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic approaches to therapy, I can tailor interventions to the needs of my clients. Depending on the presenting problems, I may consult with parents to improve their children’s behavior, work with couples to improve their communication, perform individual therapy for individuals struggling with emotional or behavioral difficulties, or conduct family therapy to assist families dealing with loss or transition. I am committed to involving the family in the therapeutic process, especially when I work with children and adolescents.
Language/ Culture
I speak fluent English, Albanian and Italian. Also, I have conducted therapy in Albanian throughout my career and have spent significant time in Tirana, Albania as a social worker and counselor. In addition, I have been a lecturer at the “Fakulteti I Drejtesisë” university in Tirana. Inspired by the abundance of opportunities available to broaden and enrich the lives of my students, I have taken part in school-based teams that presents workshops on Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Responsiveness to staff and the community.
Professional Therapist Credentials
I hold a master’s degree in Social Work from the university of South Australia. In, addition, I am completing a master’s degree in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) at Flinders University of South Australia. Furthermore, my previous education includes bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology Diploma from Wayne State University, USA. I have accredited postgraduate counselling and therapy qualifications. I hold professional memberships with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Also, I maintain regular supervision and ongoing additional professional and personal development.
