Bharti Gitay is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who works holistically to create a safe space for the therapeutic alliance. Having worked in a recovery framework for many years, she understands that ‘one size does not fit all’.
Bharti completed a Master of Social Work at University of Queensland, a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Care Practice at University of New England and a Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology at University of Melbourne. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology) from Bombay University.
For over 12 years, Bharti has supported adults, young people, children, and families. She has a wide range of experience working with populations including community mental health, refugees, child protection, palliative care and homelessness. She has worked with organisations such as Karuna Hospice, Headspace, Red Cross, Child Protection, and Partners in Recovery. She has recently returned from working in India, where she assisted in setting up a mental health service.
Empathy and care come naturally to Bharti, which assists her in building rapport and connecting with her clients’ inner strengths. She believes that it is a privilege to walk alongside clients on their journey. Bharti’s passion lies in helping her clients develop a positive and growth mindset and talking a language of hope. She specialises in the following areas:
- Grief and Loss
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship difficulties
- Stress challenges
- Low self esteem
- Anger management
- Existential counselling
- Personality disorders
Bharti is skilled at providing both individual, family, and couples counselling, as well as facilitating various therapeutic groups and workshops. She practices a client-centred, trauma informed approach, and utilises a variety of evidence-based practices such as:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mindfulness-based Interventions
- Motivational Interviewing
Bharti was born in India and understands the challenges and adjustment issues people experience settling into a new country. She is a mother and enjoys the deep connection with her children. She is fascinated by storytelling and listening to cultural and family narratives. She loves to live life to the fullest, spending time with family and friends, enjoying laughter and dance together and spending time in nature as often as possible.
