Arthur De Jesus

Thank you for considering me as your therapist. Inspired by the gesture of "akbay," my approach is one of warmth, trust, and understanding—I am here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. I recognise and respect your unique experiences, so that you can be in therapy as you are. I practice with safety and inclusivity for all individuals, and committed to being a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, LGBTQIA-friendly, gender-affirming, and neurodiversity-informed practitioner.

With experience and training, I provide evidence-based treatment and tailored support to empower you with the tools and understanding needed to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and resilience.

Please explore this website to find out what I do and how I can help with your therapeutic needs.

(He/him)

Clinical Psychologist

Hello & Mabuhay!

Everyone’s struggles look different on the outside, but many people share a common experience of feeling disconnected from themselves, others, or the life they want to live. At Akbay Psychology, I provide individual therapy for those who are ready to understand themselves more deeply and move toward positive change.

I support adults who may experience or identify with the following:

Who I Work With

Emotionally Disconnected Men

Support for adult men who feel weighed down by responsibilities, high standards, or emotional “shut down.”

Many people appear calm and capable on the outside, but inside they carry stress, worry, and a constant pressure to “keep it together.” You might find it difficult to express emotions, withdraw in relationships, or feel that no matter how hard you try, it’s never enough. Therapy can provide a safe space to lighten the load, reconnect with your emotions, and develop healthier ways of coping and relating to yourself and others.

When left unsupported, this can manifest into reactive anger outbursts at others, losing interests and low motivation, excessive overthinking, and conflict avoidance that impact the quality of our relationships with our partner, family, friends, colleagues, or others.

The Wounded Self

Support for people carrying trauma, low self-worth, or feeling unseen in relationships.

You may have experienced childhood wounds, difficult relationships, or trauma from life events. You may struggle with low self-esteem, feel unseen or undervalued, or silence your needs to protect yourself. For anyone who has faced rejection or discrimination, particularly if you belong to a minority group (e.g. LGBTQ, neurodivergent). Therapy provides a compassionate space to explore your experiences, process trauma, and build self-confidence, so you can feel more connected to yourself and your relationships.

When left unsupported, this can manifest into anxiety in and with relationships, becoming easily stressed by everyday situations, feelings of guilt, and low mood that impact our sleep, appetite, and recreational/social activities. There may be an over-reliance on self-soothing activities that can also negatively affect our overall health and relationships.

Culturally Diverse / Asian Migrants

Support for migrants, Asian Australians, and CALD individuals navigating intergenerational trauma, family conflict, and social injustice/prejudice.

Growing up in families with high expectations, emotional suppression, or complex dynamics can leave lasting patterns that continue to affect your life. Add to this the challenges of cultural pressures, intergenerational trauma, and experiences of racism or prejudice, and it can feel overwhelming or isolating. Therapy offers a space to understand these family and cultural influences, break unhelpful cycles, and develop a stronger, more authentic sense of self.

When left unsupported, the issues can manifest into negative patterns that bias our decisions, resentment towards family/parents, internalised negative beliefs and feelings towards one's cultural/ethnic background, and continuing the intergenerational trauma.

Finding Your Place in Therapy

You don’t have to fit neatly into one category to seek help. Your experience is unique, and your story matters. Whether you see yourself in one of these descriptions or not, therapy can be a place to explore your challenges, strengthen your self-understanding, and find a way forward that feels true to you. Feel free to contact us or send an enquiry.

Location

If you prefer in-person appointments, I am conveniently located in inner east Melbourne, within a welcoming space. In-person appointments available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Address: 386 Malvern Road, Prahran VIC 3181

Hours:

Mondays 9:00 am - 5:30 pm AEST (by telehealth only)

Wednesdays 9:00 am - 7:00 pm AEST

Thursdays 9:00 am - 7:00 pm AEST

Saturdays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm AEST

Australia-wide: Telehealth online appointments are available.