Team

Meet the hearts behind Your Care

You don’t need to have it all figured out. We’ll figure it out together.
Meet the Hearts Behind Better Mental Health — Melbourne’s Trusted Psychologists

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Maneesha Singh

Founder & Principal Psychologist

Hi, I’m Maneesha – a South Asian woman, first-generation migrant, and psychologist based in Australia.
My journey has been shaped by the richness and complexity of cross-cultural living – balancing expectations, navigating identity, and holding family connections that span continents. 
From arriving as an international student to becoming a psychologist, I understand the courage it takes to seek support, especially when societal stigma, silence, or pressure are part of the picture. These lived experiences deeply inform how I show up in the therapy room: with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for your story. 
 
I hold a Master of Clinical Psychology and bring over 20 years’ experience in mental health and community welfare. I work with clients aged 15 and over, supporting challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem and body image concerns, perfectionism, and burnout, as well as the impacts of family violence, migration, and systemic barriers.
 
My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, using CBT, ACT, and DBT, in a safe, culturally sensitive space where you can explore, heal, and grow.
 
My practice is grounded in authenticity and care. Whether you’re navigating trauma, burnout, perfectionism, intergenerational tension, or simply feeling caught between worlds – therapy with me is a collaborative space to explore, heal, and grow.

Asena Cenik

Psychologist

Hi, I’m Asena, a Melbourne-based psychologist with a Turkish cultural background.

My experience as a migrant and bilingual woman shapes the empathy and understanding I bring to clients navigating identity, family expectations, and life transitions. I work in a warm, grounded, and collaborative way to help people feel safe, seen, and supported.

I hold a Master of Professional Psychology and work with individuals across a range of ages and abilities, including significant experience with clients under the NDIS. My primary focus is psychological assessment including cognitive, intellectual disability, and ADHD assessments for children aged 6 and above through to adults. I’m passionate about offering clear, practical insights that help individuals and families make confident, informed decisions.

I also support teenagers and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, and self-esteem concerns. Drawing on CBT and ACT, my approach is down-to-earth and designed to help clients build self-understanding and strengthen coping skills.

Whether you’re seeking an assessment or navigating a period of change, my aim is to walk alongside you with clarity, empathy, and respect.

Vasundhara Kulkarni

Psychologist

Hi, I’m Vasundhara, a registered psychologist and a South Asian woman whose work is shaped by the intersections of culture, identity, and lived experience.

Over two decades of experience across community health and not-for-profit settings, I offer trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and socially aware psychological care.

As a migrant and multilingual practitioner, I understand the complexities of navigating family expectations, cultural identity, and intergenerational patterns. These experiences guide the way I support clients with empathy, respect, and an appreciation for the diverse stories they bring.

I work with adults and young people experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship concerns, identity and self-esteem challenges, and the impacts of migration, family violence, and systemic inequities. I have particular experience supporting women facing relational trauma, parenting difficulties, and major life transitions.

My approach integrates evidence-based therapies such as CBT and ACT with culturally attuned and somatic practices. I aim to create a safe, grounded space where you feel understood and supported as you heal and grow.

 

Hridant Vakharia

Registered Psychologist & Clinical Registrar

I am Hridant Vakharia, a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Registrar with a Master of Clinical Psychology from La Trobe University.

My work is grounded in deep respect for each person’s unique story and the understanding that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable. I offer a safe, thoughtful, and culturally responsive space where you can feel genuinely heard and understood.

I have a strong interest in comprehensive psychological assessments, particularly in the areas of autism, ADHD, learning differences, and broader cognitive and educational needs. I provide thorough, evidence-based assessments with clear, compassionate feedback and practical recommendations that meaningfully support individuals, families, and schools.

Alongside assessment work, I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, neurodivergence, relationship and family concerns, and school-related difficulties. My approach is collaborative and strengths-focused, drawing on evidence-based frameworks such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and play-based therapy. I aim to create a space where you feel empowered to better understand yourself, build practical skills, and move toward lasting change.

My practice is grounded in curiosity, care, and authenticity. Whether I am supporting a child finding their voice, a young person exploring identity, or an adult seeking clarity and direction, I work alongside you to foster growth, resilience, and confidence.

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy hiking, video games, horror movies, and cooking  interests that help me stay balanced and connected beyond the therapy room.

Natalie Bryson

provisional psychologist

I’m Natalie Bryson, a provisional psychologist who brings a kind, warm, and empathetic approach to therapy. I believe meaningful healing happens when we honour the connection between mind, body, and spirit, not by pushing ourselves harder, but by gently tuning in to what we truly need.

I hold a Master of Professional Psychology and am registered with AHPRA, as well as a member of APS and AAPi.

I work with young people aged 15 and over, as well as adults, and bring more than 10 years’ experience in school settings. My background in education allows me to deeply understand the pressures young people face — academically, socially, and emotionally. I am also trained as a yoga teacher, and I thoughtfully incorporate mindfulness and body-based practices to support nervous system regulation and emotional wellbeing.

I support young people and adults experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional regulation difficulties; school-related stress, school can’t, and burnout; neurodivergence, sensory sensitivities, and nervous system overload; low mood, loss of motivation, and challenges with confidence or self-esteem; friendship and social difficulties; the impact of invisible or chronic illness; and navigating complex family situations, change, or stress. I also support women through the pre- and post-natal period and offer parenting support.

My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, while remaining deeply respectful of each person’s lived experience. I aim to create a calm, safe space where you feel genuinely seen, supported, and never judged.

My work is informed by extensive training across psychology, education, and mind–body practices.

Naira

Psychology Intern

Hi, I’m Naira, a psychology intern with a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing.

I completed VCE Psychology throughout my schooling and am now excited to apply this foundation through hands-on experience in a professional psychology practice.

I’m enthusiastic about learning, contributing meaningfully to the team, and continuing to develop my understanding of psychological care. I value a thoughtful, respectful approach to mental health and am keen to support the work of clinicians while building my own skills in a real-world setting.

CLIENT LIAISON OFFICERS

Carmel

Client Liaison Officer

Hi, I’m Carmel, a South Asian woman, a content strategist, consultant, and a voluntary social worker with over two decades of experience.

Hi, I’m Carmel, a South Asian woman, a content strategist, consultant, and a voluntary social worker with over two decades of experience.

My work is shaped by a deep commitment to people, communities, and meaningful connection. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of empowering individuals, supporting families, and engaging with communities of all ages across cultures and countries. This breadth of experience has strengthened my belief that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to be seen and heard.

Alongside my work in strategy and consulting, I have spent time as an outdoor instructor for children aged 9 to 14, where I brought together learning, nature, and personal growth in a nurturing and experiential way. These experiences continue to inform my grounded, thoughtful approach to working with people.

A traveller at heart and deeply connected to the natural world, I see life as a journey without borders. I value connection, care, coexistence, and the safeguarding of all living beings, and I strive to carry these values into everything I do.

Team of CLO's

Client Liaison Officers (CLOs)

When you reach out to Manasha Psychology – via text, email, phone, or our online contact form – you’ll be warmly supported by one of our Client Liaison Officers.

Our CLOs are compassionate, professional, and culturally aware. They are here to:

👉🏻 Understand your therapy needs, availability, and goals

👉🏻 Provide clear information about fees, rebates, and our cancellation policy

👉🏻 Prepare you for a successful start to therapy by explaining the value of consistency and what to expect in the process

They are trained in confidentiality and trauma-informed communication. If you’re in crisis or urgently need support before your first session, we’ll guide you toward appropriate crisis services such as Lifeline, the Suicide Call Back Service, or your local mental health team.

BEGIN YOUR HEALING JOURNEY

Begin Your Transformation to a More Fulfilling Life

We offer a trauma-informed, culturally curious, and person-centred approach to support your unique journey. Using proven methods like CBT, ACT, DBT, CFT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy, we work with you to create meaningful and lasting change. Let’s take the first step together — towards healing, growth, and greater wellbeing.