Mariam Baroudi, AASW

Mariam Baroudi is a Melbourne-based mental health practitioner with 25 years of experience supporting individuals and families across clinical and community settings. Over a long career she has worked in hospitals, community health services, schools and private practice, gaining a wide perspective on the challenges people face at different life stages. As an accredited member of the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers), she remains committed to ongoing professional development and to keeping her practice grounded in current, evidence-based approaches.

Mariam draws on strength-based, person-centred and cognitive behavioural frameworks to guide her work. She views each person as the expert in their own life and aims to walk alongside clients, offering guidance, support and practical skills to strengthen resilience. Sessions are tailored to each person’s needs, goals and pace, with an emphasis on collaboration and respect.

She has extensive experience helping people manage stress and anxiety, cope with grief and loss, navigate life transitions, meet parenting challenges, and build motivation, self-esteem and confidence. Mariam focuses on practical strategies and insights that support longer-term wellbeing while maintaining an empathetic, respectful and hopeful approach to change.

Evidence-based approaches for online support

Mariam commonly uses cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred and strength-based approaches. Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and developing practical strategies to manage symptoms - it is often used for stress, anxiety and low mood. The person-centred approach emphasises empathy, active listening and collaboration, helping people explore their values and goals at their own pace. A strength-based approach identifies and builds on a person’s existing resources and resilience, which can be helpful for life transitions, parenting challenges and boosting self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Mariam works collaboratively with each person to understand their needs, preferences and goals, and helps select or combine techniques that best fit the individual. Appropriately qualified or registered professionals can adapt methods as progress unfolds.

Online therapy by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging offers practical flexibility - it makes sessions easier to fit around work, family and other commitments, and allows people to access support from home or elsewhere in Australia. These options can make it simpler to maintain continuity of care and to try different ways of working that suit each person’s life and comfort level.