Claudia Montanez
Counsellor
I help capable, thoughtful adults who are outwardly managing but inwardly struggling—burned out, stuck, or overwhelmed. My approach is warm, collaborative, and shaped by 20 years of cross-cultural experience.
I specialise in:
About me
I’m Claudia, a psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA), offering one-on-one therapy online to people navigating life’s more complex, in-between moments. I’ve worked in the mental health field since graduating in 2007—and if I’m honest, probably since long before that. I’ve been curious about human behavior for as long as I can remember: what shapes people, what drives them, and how we each carry our own version of the world.
My path has taken me across countries, systems, and seasons of life. I was born in Colombia, spent 13 years living and working in Australia (where I became a citizen), and now live in Germany with my children. Moving here was one of those decisions that felt both terrifying and absolutely right. My own journey has taught me a lot about starting over, adapting, and finding a voice in unfamiliar places.
Many of the people I work with are going through major life transitions—relocation, separation, parenthood, identity shifts, or working to make sense of their experiences in settings where they often feel unseen or misunderstood. I often support clients who feel ‘too much,’ ‘not enough,’ or like they’re carrying a weight no one sees. They’re usually responsible, thoughtful, and externally composed—but inside, they feel stuck, painfully out of sync, exhausted by inner criticism, disconnected, or quietly overwhelmed.
My practice is inclusive, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that gaining insight into your own story can lead to meaningful change.With 20 years of experience, I bring an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy, shaped by each person’s unique context. Alongside therapeutic work, I’ve also led multidisciplinary teams and contributed to public policy initiatives focused on mental health promotion, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ wellbeing. These experiences continue to shape my practice through a strong psychosocial lens, listening not only to individuals, but to the social, cultural, and structural realities that shape their lives.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
My interest in psychology began with a simple question: Why do we behave the way we do? I was drawn to an approach that integrates insight with practical application.
I remain committed to this work because it consistently offers depth, connection, and purpose. For me, therapy is about tuning in—being fully present with another person, listening not just for what’s said but for what’s underneath. I love the challenge and creativity of it: bringing together the knowledge from research and training, my own lived experience, and the specific moment we’re in to find what actually lands for someone—the right word, the right metaphor, the right pause. Rather than following a fixed formula, I focus on what’s most relevant and helpful for the person in front of me.
People often tell me they feel at ease with me, even when sharing things they’ve kept hidden—without fear of being judged. That’s the kind of space I aim to create: steady, respectful, and responsive to what each person needs.
If you need someone to really listen—I will listen. If you need silence and space—I can hold that too. If you’re looking for tools or techniques to manage anxiety, depression, or stress—I’ve got those. If you want to explore patterns from your past or understand why the same issues keep coming up, we can work through that together. If advice feels helpful and it’s appropriate, I’ll offer it. If you’re trying to sort through a decision or clarify your thoughts, I’m here for that too. And if we need to laugh—or sit with something serious—we can do both.
I offer therapy in English and Spanish, and I bring all of myself to this work: my curiosity, care, lived experience, clinical knowledge, and my full attention.
Experience
Clinical Psychologist April 2021 – Sep 2022 Brisbane - Australia Brisbane City Psychologists
Clinical Psychologist May 2018 – Mar 2019 Brisbane - Australia New Directions Psychology
Clinical Psychologist Mar 2018 – Mar 2019 Brisbane - Australia Our Medical Home (Loganholme and Oxenford)
Clinical Psychologist Sep 2017 – Jan 2017 Brisbane - Australia Bulk Billed Counselling
Counsellor Feb 2016 – April 2017 Brisbane - Australia DrugArm Australasia
Psychologist - Public Health Dec 2008 – Dec 2010 Bogota Colombia E.S.E. Hospital San Cristobal
Psychologist - Public Health May – Sep 2008 Bogota Colombia Foundation “Alternativa Renacer”
School Counsellor Jul 2007 – Feb 2008 Bogota Colombia Hernando Durán Dussán School
Career Counsellor Mar-Jun 2006 & Jan-Apr 2007 Bogota Colombia Educational Institution Preuniversitario Formarte
Psychologist Intern Aug 2005 – Jul 2006 Bogota Colombia National University of Colombia
Additional Experience
● Volunteer Jul 2011 – Jul 2014 Brisbane, Australia Queensland AIDS Council - Lesbian Health Action Group
Education
Psychology Degree Aug 2001 – Feb 2007 National University of Colombia -This degree has been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society and is Comparable to a Six Year accredited sequence of study in Psychology completed in Australia.
Services
Intro Call
Individual Session
Individual Session
Insurances
