Sam Chin
Background
I grew up in a small town in Malaysia, surrounded by strong family ties, cultural pride, and a deep sense of belonging.
In my late teens, I left Malaysia and spent the next decade living across the US, the UK, and now Australia. While my roots remain grounded in my Asian upbringing, living in the West stretched how I saw myself. It challenged what I thought I knew and expanded who I believed I could become.
As I kept adjusting, absorbing, questioning, I began to see the tension between staying loyal to cultural expectations and honouring my evolving values; I realise how easily self-esteem can depend on staying in line.
When worth depends on meeting inherited ‘shoulds’, belonging can come at the cost of self-betrayal. And when you ignore those roots entirely, you risk guilt and disconnection. I understand the push and pull between loyalty to tradition and the need for self-definition.
My Passion
My passion is in weaving together Eastern and Western perspectives to support people who carry the weight of cultural and personal expectations those who feel ‘not enough,’ overwhelmed, or caught between worlds.
At the heart of my work is respect for roots and traditions, alongside an openness to growth and self-definition. I help clients navigate the balance between honouring your culture without letting it dictate your worth, and living your truth without losing where you came from.
Qualification
I hold a Master’s in Psychotherapy and Counselling, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach that prioritises felt experience and nervous system regulation. I draw from both experiential and evidence-based modalities, including Somatic Parts Work, Person-Centred Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I also have training in Addiction and Recovery.
I’m a registered practitioner with PACFA and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
*I offer a free 15-minute exploratory call. Click Book Now to schedule.