About
Meet Nillufer D'Silva
Clinical Supervisor, Counsellor, Play Therapist & LEGO® - Based Therapy Facilitator
Welcome — I'm so glad you're here.
Reaching out is often the hardest part, and if you've made it this far, you've already done something brave. Whatever you're carrying, you don't have to carry it on your own.
I'm a qualified counsellor and clinical supervisor, and my work is simply to offer a safe, warm and non-judgemental space where you can think, heal and grow at your own pace. Whether you're moving through a difficult season of your own, or you're a practitioner looking for a steady place to bring your work, I'd be glad to walk alongside you.
For Clients
Your space to heal and thrive
In our sessions, you are the focus — always. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to sit beside you while we gently make sense of the patterns and roadblocks that have been keeping you stuck.
There's no script here. My approach is conversational, grounded and shaped entirely around you. Together we'll build on the strengths you already have, find some clarity, and work towards the kind of balance and peace that lasts beyond the therapy room.
My framework
No two people are the same, so no two sessions look the same either. I draw on a range of approaches and gently shape each one around you and what you need that day.
Cognitive behavioural frameworks
These are all about the link between what you think, how you feel and what you do — and gently loosening the patterns that keep you stuck.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — noticing the unhelpful thoughts that run on autopilot, and practising kinder, more useful ones
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) — practical tools for riding out big emotions without being swept away by them
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — making room for hard feelings instead of fighting them, so you can get on with what matters to you
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) — learning to catch low moods early and stay steady, using mindfulness alongside everyday strategies
Humanistic frameworks
These start from the belief that you already hold what you need to grow — my job is to help you reach it, and to accept yourself along the way.
- Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) — being met with warmth and no judgement, exactly as you are
- Gestalt Therapy — working with what's happening right now, in the room, rather than only talking about the past
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) — getting close to the feelings that are hard to face, so they lose some of their weight
Trauma-informed and somatic frameworks
Trauma lives in the body as well as the mind. These approaches go slowly, and safety always comes first.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) — gentle guided eye movements that can help painful memories feel less overwhelming (Level 1 trained)
- Somatic Experiencing — tuning into what your body is holding, and letting stress that's been stuck there, finally settle
For Practitioners
Collaborative clinical supervision
Supporting other practitioners is some of the most rewarding work I do — whether you're finding your feet in your first roles or navigating the realities of an established private practice.
Supervision with me is a warm, reflective space to bring the cases that stay with you, think through ethical grey areas out loud, and look after your own wellbeing before burnout creeps in. I see it as a partnership between colleagues — somewhere you can be honest about what's really happening, sharpen your skills and grow your confidence.
Qualifications
- Certificate of Attainment in Individual & Group Supervision Supervision Training Services, Melbourne — ACA approved
- Master of Counselling Edith Cowan University
- Graduate Certificate of Counselling Edith Cowan University
- Master of English Literature Annamalai University, India
- B.A. Psychology, Criminology & English Literature Roshni Nilaya, India
Additional training
- EMDR Level 1 trained EMDR Academy Australia
- Certified Interplay Facilitator & Therapist Interplay Therapy Australia
- Certified Facilitator, LEGO® - Based Therapy and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Progressive Play
- Youth Mental Health training PESI Australia
- ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Perinatal Grief & Loss COPE
- Attachment Theory in Clinical Practice Awareness Psychology Clinic — PACFA endorsed
- Mental Health First Aid
- First Aid & CPR HLTAID011 / HLTAID009
Memberships & registrations
- Registered Counsellor (Level 3) Australian Counselling Association — Member No. 19715
- ACA Registered Supervisor ACA College of Supervisors (ACACOS)
- ARHG Provider Provider No. AC19715T
- Medibank Provider Provider No. A375201W
- ahm Provider Provider No. 21282994
- Bupa Provider Provider No. J002431
- HCF Provider Provider No. 00370376
- Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance Current — $20 million each, held through the ACA group scheme (certificate available on request)
Checks & clearances
- Working with Children Check Current
- NDIS Worker Screening Clearance Current
- National Police Check Current
- Australian driver's licence Valid
Areas of expertise
- Children and young people Play therapy · LEGO® - Based Therapy and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® · Bullying · School refusal and disengagement · Separation anxiety and attachment
- Mental health and wellbeing Anxiety · Depression and low mood · Stress · Anger · Self-esteem and body image
- Grief, loss and change Grief and bereavement · Life transitions
- Relationships and family Relationship and family conflict · Family violence
- Risk and safety Self-harm · Suicidal ideation
- Work and study Work and career concerns
Ready to take the next step?
Finding the right fit in a counsellor or supervisor is incredibly important. I invite you to reach out for a free, brief discovery call so we can chat about what you are looking for and see how we can best work together.