Dani Kanagasingam

Approach

Growing up in a South Asian country herself, Dhanisha has a unique understanding of the cultural sensitivities and complexities involved in mental health care for individuals from diverse backgrounds. This cultural competence ensures that her clients feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that honour their experiences. Dhanisha is especially passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients and is dedicated to providing care that is trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, and focused on clients’ strengths.

Dhanisha adapts her therapeutic approach to suit each client’s individual needs. She integrates a variety of evidence-based methods, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) Early Start Denver Model (ESDM – early intervention), and mindfulness-based practices. Dhanisha likes to work very closely with her clients to develop a treatment plan that best suits their specific therapeutic goals.

Experience

Dhanisha is a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and an accredited Medicare provider. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Griffith University (Brisbane), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) from Deakin University, and a Master of Professional Psychology from La Trobe University (Melbourne).

Dhanisha brings a rich and diverse background to her clinical work, shaped by both academic training and hands-on experience across Australia and Malaysia. During her time in Malaysia, she worked and volunteered in psychology clinics, supporting children and adolescents with learning difficulties. In these roles, she often collaborated with clinical psychologists and provided support within school settings, deepening her appreciation for tailored, individualised interventions. She believes that each person is unique, with their own strengths and challenges, and that effective therapy must reflect this individuality.

Her commitment to supporting others was further strengthened through her involvement with the Rotary organisation in Malaysia, where she volunteered extensively with charitable initiatives, particularly those supporting orphaned children. Witnessing the disparities experienced by individuals with disabilities inspired Dhanisha to provide tutoring and develop customised learning resources for children and adolescents with additional needs. These experiences reinforced her belief that while theoretical knowledge is important, the most meaningful therapeutic outcomes arise when clinicians meet clients where they are—honouring their lived experiences, cultural identities, and personal journeys.

Dhanisha is passionate about creating a therapeutic space that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and client-centred. She is committed to ensuring that every individual she works with feels seen, heard, and empowered.

Languages Spoken:

• English
• Bahasa Melayu