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About Me

Northern Rivers psychotherapy
Trauma therapist

Bella Vishali Movia

LGBTQ+ therapist

Hi, I’m Bella Vishali, and I am so glad you are here. Taking the step to explore therapy is an act of courage, self-awareness, and hope, and I’m honoured to support you on your journey.

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Vishali is an ancient name that means "with a big heart" or "wholehearted." This meaning guides both my approach to therapy and how I aspire to live my life. I believe in showing up with authenticity, compassion, and a deep respect for the fullness of the human experience—messiness and all!

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My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by a lifetime of learning, personal growth, and professional training. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked as a critical care nurse, which gave me a deep understanding of how stress, trauma, and emotional challenges impact our bodies and minds. Now, as a Gestalt therapist, I integrate relational, somatic, and experiential approaches to support clients in living more connected, empowered, and meaningful lives.

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As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my practice. My personal journey of self-discovery began well into adulthood, requiring deep questioning and a reimagining of my identity. Along the way, I have experienced relationships with men, women, non-binary, and trans individuals, giving me firsthand insight into the unique dynamics, joys, and challenges that can arise within these connections and transitions.

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This perspective enriches my approach to relationship therapy, especially when working with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen, understood, and valued for who they are.​ With a wholehearted commitment to inclusivity and connection, I combine my professional training with my personal experiences to support you in navigating relationships, exploring identity, and building meaningful connections.

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I specialise in inclusive couples counselling and relationship therapy, group therapy, supporting altered states of consciousness, facilitating active meditation, and individual therapy. Each modality reflects my belief that healing happens in connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.

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Whether you’re seeking to nurture your relationships, navigate life transitions, explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, or simply reconnect with yourself, I would love to walk alongside you on this journey. Together, we’ll create a space where you can embrace your whole self and take empowered steps toward the life you want to live.

My Training and Experience
  • Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

    Mind Medicine Australia​

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  • Advanced Clinical Training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy

    The Relational Institute Australia

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  • Facilitating Trauma Informed Group Work

    Centre for Integrated Trauma Therapy​

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  • Certificate of Leader Training

    Tools for Life Institute

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I've worked as a psychotherapist and clinician in both acute residential and community mental health facilities 

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  • Founder and lead facilitator of

    Active Meditation Workshops

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I have been a core staff member of Path Retreats residential program in Australia for many years

 

  • 
Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Forensic Biology Degree

    University of Technology, Sydney

 

  • Bachelor of Nursing
 Degree

    University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury

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I have worked as a critical care nurse for twenty years across multiple hospitals and specialities

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My Professional Registrations

Psychotherapist PACFA

Registered Nurse AHPRA

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