Samyr Leal

Samyr Leal is an AASW social worker who brings 21 years of experience supporting people through relationship strain, grief and anxiety. He works in a warm, direct way and focuses on practical steps people can use day to day. Samyr also speaks English and Portuguese and draws on experience from work in Australia and Brazil.

He has a long background helping people manage parenting challenges, separation and the emotional impacts of relationship breakdown. He also helps with stress, panic attacks, body image concerns and feelings of isolation. He aims to make conversations straightforward so people can focus on what matters to them.

Samyr’s earlier roles have included work at relationship centres, courts, schools and both government and non-government agencies. That work involved supporting people facing homelessness, mental health problems and legal issues, and it informs how he approaches practical problems now.

In sessions he uses a mix of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred work, with elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Jungian ideas where helpful. He often combines mindfulness and narrative techniques to help people notice patterns and try new responses.

People can expect a collaborative process that looks at strengths and next steps. Samyr aims to help clients build clearer communication, manage intense emotions and find ways to move forward after loss or separation.

How therapeutic approaches guide online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, and then choose actions that reflect personal values. It is useful for anxiety, stress and life-direction concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviours to reduce symptoms like panic and worry. Client-Centred Therapy creates a supportive, empathic space where the person leads the conversation and the therapist follows their concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Samyr will discuss different methods and together consider what fits best with the client’s goals and preferences. The decision is collaborative and may change over time as needs shift.

Session formats are not detailed in the biography, so please confirm available options before booking. Online work can help fit counselling into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It can also make it easier to keep continuity of support while juggling family, work and other commitments.