Hi, I’m Sahan, a Perth psychologist supporting adults and adolescents through a wide range of mental health challenges, including trauma and difficulties that may be longstanding, layered or interconnected.
About Perera Psychology
Perera Psychology is a solo psychology practice based in Thornlie, Perth, founded on the understanding that mental health difficulties do not always fit neatly into a single diagnosis or explanation. People can experience multiple concerns at once, and these can be shaped by their history, relationships, environment and individual circumstances.
Founded and run by me, Sahan Weerakoon, the practice provides individual psychological therapy for adults and adolescents.
My approach
My approach is grounded in evidence-based psychological practice while recognising that effective therapy needs to be responsive to the individual. This means developing an understanding of not only the symptoms someone is experiencing, but also the patterns, experiences and factors that may be contributing to or maintaining those difficulties.
The aim is to provide psychological care that is thoughtful, collaborative and clinically grounded. Rather than reducing someone to a diagnosis, therapy is informed by a broader understanding of the person and adapted to their particular needs, goals and circumstances.
More about me
Psychology was not something I had mapped out from the beginning. I chose it somewhat on a whim, but as I moved through my studies, it gradually became something much more meaningful. What started as an interest in the science and research behind how people think, feel and behave became an appreciation for the opportunity to sit with someone one-on-one, understand their experience, and help them work through the things that are getting in the way.
My early work was in the NDIS and disability space, supporting children and families with a range of developmental, behavioural and emotional needs, including autism and ADHD. That experience shaped the way I think about people and psychological difficulties as something that can rarely be understood through a single symptom or diagnosis, but as part of a broader picture involving a person's experiences, relationships, environment and individual circumstances.
As my work expanded into private practice, so did the range of people and presentations I worked with. I developed a particular interest in trauma and PTSD, while also enjoying work across mood and anxiety difficulties, neurodevelopmental presentations, interpersonal concerns, longstanding patterns and other areas of mental health.
For me, good psychological work is about developing a thoughtful understanding of the person in front of me and using that understanding to guide treatment. Getting to be trusted with that process is something I value, and I try to bring curiosity, clinical thinking and a genuinely human approach to the work.
Outside of psychology, I spend a fair amount of time gaming across my Switch 2, PC and PS5, and I enjoy training at the gym, with the occasional run peppered in. I am also (unfortunately) a fairly serious coffee enthusiast, I’m currently on three coffee grinders and counting, which is probably more than any one person reasonably needs. Mostly though, I’m just a person, the same as the people I work with.
Mental health is rarely simple
I started this practice around the idea that mental health is rarely simple, and therapy shouldn’t pretend that it is.
I work with people one-on-one, at a pace that feels right for them. Our sessions are collaborative and my aim is to understand what's actually going on for you, not just the label attached to it, and to work through it together in a way that feels manageable.
Where it's a good fit, I also draw on EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that can be particularly helpful for trauma. You can learn more about this in the article below.
Wherever you're starting from is the right place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Some questions that are usually asked by my clients before we start working together. If you're still unsure, or your question hasn't been answered here, please feel free to reach out through my contact page.
How do I get started?
Getting started begins when you reach out through email or through the contact form on our contact page. From there, I'll be in touch to have a chat about what you're looking for, send through the registration and consent forms, and get your account set up so you're ready to book.
Do I need a referral to see you?
Not necessarily. Many people come through a GP referral, especially if they're using a Mental Health Care Plan, but you're welcome to reach out directly to enquire.
How much do sessions cost?
Sessions are $250 for 50 minutes. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates $98.95, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $151.05 per session. You can find the full breakdown on our fees page.
What's a Mental Health Care Plan, and how do I get one?
It's a plan your GP can set up that lets Medicare cover part of the cost of your sessions.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Sessions are available both in person and online via Telehealth, so you can choose whatever works best for you.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults and adolescents across a broad range of presentations, including complex and co-occurring ones. If you're not sure whether I'm the right fit, please get in touch and we can work it out from here.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel or reschedule anytime through the booking portal. There's no charge with more than 48 hours' notice; within 48 hours is half the fee, and within 24 hours is the full fee.
What happens after you reach out?
Once you get in touch, I'll be in contact to have a chat about what's bringing you in and what you're looking for, and so you can get a feel for how I work.
From there, I'll send through the registration and consent forms and get your account set up, so you're ready to book your first session whenever is a good time. I keep the process as simple as I can, and you definitely don't need to have anything figured out before we start.
