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Dr Tani Khara
Grief and Trauma Therapist

"I work as a trauma therapist and academic researcher, focusing on how human–animal relationships shape mental wellbeing"

About Me

I am a grief and trauma therapist based in Sydney. Having grown up in Singapore, I bring a cross-cultural lens to my work with professionals navigating identity, loss and complex life transitions.

Many of my clients are outwardly successful - yet internally exhausted or carrying unresolved trauma. Therapy offers space to untangle these layers safely and respectfully.

Who I work with

  • Women & Gender-Diverse Professionals: I work primarily with women - including transgender women and members of the LGBTQ+ community - navigating personal and professional complexity.

    • Workplace stress and burnout

    • Neurodiversity at work (including ADHD and autism)

    • Identity exploration and self-worth struggles

    • Relationship stressors

    • Impact of past trauma at work and home life

  • Veterinary & Animal Care/Protection Workers: A significant part of my work supports those working in animal care and protection - including veterinary professionals, charity and shelter workers, wildlife carers, and animal advocates. This work carries unique psychological demands, including:

    • Compassion fatigue

    • Moral injury

    • Euthanasia-related trauma

    • Emotional exhaustion

For certain clients, I may use more structured modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT).

 

In other instances, I draw on more exploratory approaches such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Narrative Therapy (NT). I also incorporate spiritual and existential perspectives into client sessions, where relevant.

 

My approach is grounded in presence and respect, allowing room for deep exploration, healing and meaningful change.

I bring warmth and care - and I aim to create an inviting, safe space for exploration, healing and growth. 


 

Understanding Trauma Therapy

A trauma therapist is trained to help people process and heal from distressing life experiences. In practice, this means creating a safe, supportive space where the impact of trauma on thoughts, emotions, and the body can be understood, worked through, and gradually transformed into resilience and growth.

Qualifications

Degree:

  • PhD (University of Technology Sydney)

  • Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Monash University) - Currently completing.

Academic Research

I research and publish in the domain of psychosocial issues mental health and human-animal interactions as part of University of Technology Sydney.

Expertise and Interests

Areas of Specialty​​

  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement - Including death-related grief, anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and mourning tied to identity shifts or major transitions.

  • Trauma - Including complex trauma, developmental trauma, attachment wounds, and experiences of violence or violation.

  • Stress & Anxiety - Chronic worry, generalised anxiety, panic, and the pressures of high-responsibility roles.

  • Depression - Encompassing persistent low mood, emotional numbness, and feelings of hopelessness or disconnection.

  • Workplace Issues - Such as burnout, chronic stress, workplace bullying, low motivation, and navigating complex team dynamics or leadership roles.

  • Existential Concerns & Life Meaning - Including end-of-life reflection, spiritual crises, and the search for purpose, belonging, or direction.

Client Focus

Age Group: Adults (18+)

Client focus: Individuals & Couples

Key Interest Area: Individuals working in animal care and advocacy

Therapeutic Approaches

I work with a variety of therapeutic techniques, including:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Mindfulness-based approaches

Years of Experience

  • 20+ years

 

Availability

Monday to Saturdays (In-person and video/ telehealth)

Contact Form

Contact Us

Get matched with the psychologist who suits your needs best.

A member of our intake team will be in touch over the phone to explore your counselling options

Therapist Preference (If you have one)

Funding and Referrals

Get In Touch

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