OUR MISSION
Sound knowledge, practical direction.
Our aim is to combine thoughtful counselling with an evidence-informed approach, explaining our reasoning in plain language and keeping the work relevant to everyday life.
AO PSYCHOLOGY / ABOUT AO PSYCHOLOGY
About AO Psychology
Get to know the person and thinking behind our practice.
Founded by Ali Ocal, AO Psychology & Counselling brings together a counselling background, psychological studies and an interest in how people think, feel and function. We are building a Melbourne practice starting with online counselling in English and Turkish.
MEET THE FOUNDER
A personalised and professional approach
I’m Ali Ocal, the founder of AO Psychology & Counselling. I’m an ACA Level 2 Registered Counsellor with a strong interest in evidence-informed, client-centred practice.
I work with adults, children, adolescents and families, providing a safe, respectful and supportive space to explore challenges, build understanding and work towards meaningful change.
I established AO Psychology & Counselling to make quality, accessible and culturally responsive counselling available to the Melbourne community, with a telehealth-first approach. I also offer counselling in Turkish for clients who prefer to speak in their first language.
ACA Level 2
Registered Counsellor
Registered Counsellor
Support for adults,
children and families
children and families
Counselling in English
and Turkish
and Turkish
Telehealth-first
across Australia
across Australia
Qualifications & professional background
Professional background
Ali Ocal · Master of Counselling (Victoria University) · ACA Level 2 Registered Counsellor
Qualifications & training
Our mission and future direction
OUR VISION
Growing into a multidisciplinary practice.
Our longer-term vision is to bring qualified allied health professionals together, with a particular focus on children, adolescents, young adults and families.
OUR PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATIONS
What informs our work.
Our approach draws on counselling education, psychological knowledge and continuing professional development—not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Evidence-informed thinking
We consider relevant research and counselling knowledge alongside each person's circumstances. An initial understanding is a starting point, not a fixed conclusion.
Looking beyond a label
Emotions, relationships, development and everyday functioning influence one another. Screening can explore patterns, but does not replace a formal diagnosis or specialist assessment.
Knowing professional limits
We explain what each service can reasonably provide and when a different assessment or professional may be more appropriate. Good boundaries matter as much as a supportive conversation.
OUR PRACTICE TODAY
Explore services AO Psychology begins as a counselling-led Melbourne telehealth practice, with English and Turkish available. Our long-term aim is to grow into a multidisciplinary allied health team. Face-to-face appointments are not available at launch. We offer NDIS-funded counselling to eligible self-managed and plan-managed participants, subject to funding and suitability.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
The commitments behind the practice.
These principles guide the way AO Psychology communicates, makes professional decisions and continues to develop.
Keep learning and refining.
Formal study and ongoing professional development inform the practice. We remain curious and open to adjusting our approach rather than relying on one answer for every situation.
Say what a service can do.
We distinguish counselling, screening and written guidance, including their limits. Clear explanations help people decide which service or referral is appropriate.
Trust is built, not assumed.
Respectful communication, language and personal preferences, appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries matter. Read our professional scope and service limitations.
Considering an appointment with AO Psychology?How appointments work
A considered practice begins with a conversation.
Make an enquiry