I’m DURRIYA MERAJ

I offer a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health care, shaped by training in both medicine and psychology. My background allows me to understand wellbeing through a broad lens, recognising how physical health, emotional experiences, and cultural context all contribute to the challenges we face.

I began my career as a medical doctor in Pakistan, where I developed a strong foundation in ethical practice, diagnostic reasoning, and the biopsychosocial model. After migrating to Australia, I completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology at ACU and later a Master of Professional Psychology at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Working across private practice, aged care, and community settings has strengthened my skills in assessment, formulation, and evidence-based therapy.

As both an immigrant and a parent, I understand the emotional and cultural challenges that come with transition and identity. These experiences shape my work and allow me to support clients with empathy, authenticity, and deep respect for individual wellbeing.

Areas I Support

Anxiety & worry

Panic & stress management

Depression & mood difficulties

Trauma & complex trauma

Grief & loss

Adjustment difficulties

Cultural and identity transitions

Self-esteem & emotional regulation

Relationship & family challenges

More about me…

I offer my medical knowledge and clinical experience as an integral part of a collaborative process. My mission is to bring relational understanding to psychiatric practice. My approach to creating practical, evidence-based treatment plans is informed by training and experience with a wide variety of tools, including:

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (mCBT)

Conventional and complementary medication

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBTi)

Neurodevelopmental psychology

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy

Family systems theory

Somatic psychology

Interpersonal neurobiology

Psychoeducation and support

Guidance for parents of children and teens under my care