Samyr Leal , AASW

Samyr Leal is an AASW social worker with 21 years of experience supporting people through relationship, parenting and grief challenges. He brings a warm, multicultural and non-judgemental approach to sessions and speaks English and Portuguese.

Samyr draws on practical, evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness to help people manage stress and anxiety. He works with individuals who are facing separation, relationship conflict, parenting strain, or the pain of loss. Sessions focus on clear steps people can try between meetings.

His background includes work with relationship centres, magistrates’ courts, schools and both governmental and non-governmental agencies in Australia and Brazil. That experience shapes a grounded style that pays attention to safety, real-world pressures and cultural differences.

Samyr often helps people unpack attachment or abandonment worries, body image concerns, communication problems and issues around guilt or shame. He also supports those dealing with panic attacks, impulsivity and isolation, and people navigating financial stress or the fallout of narcissistic relationships.

In sessions he aims to build practical skills alongside self-understanding. Conversations are collaborative and focused on what matters most to the person. He offers phone, video, chat and text-based formats to fit different needs and routines.

Therapeutic approaches that suit online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and still move toward a meaningful life. It often suits clients who want to clarify values and take small, steady steps despite anxiety or grief. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns through practical exercises, and it is often useful for panic, anxiety and stress. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a respectful, non-judgemental relationship where the person leads the pace and focus of the work.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Samyr will talk with each person about goals, preferences and what has helped before. Together they decide which approaches or combination will best fit the presenting concerns and everyday life demands.

Online sessions offer flexibility and different ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat supports shorter check-ins during the day, and text messaging helps track thoughts or practise skills between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and other commitments while keeping the focus on progress and practical strategies.