Rooted in Intuition, Nurturing with Connection,
Flourishing

Family Therapy
Maternal Therapy- Anxiety, Depression, ADHD
Couples Counselling
Parenting Support
Group, Community, Corporate Wellbeing
Nice to meet you

Hi, I'm Lisel

After a 12-year career in finance and communications, motherhood sparked a profound quest for purpose—leading me to become a family therapist and counsellor dedicated to supporting expat families in Hong Kong.

I am a licensed psychotherapist with credentials from both the Hong Kong Counselling Profession (HKCP) and the Professional Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Australia (PACFA). My unique background combines corporate experience with deep personal understanding of the challenges modern expat families, raising third culture kids face.
A warm therapeutic space for Mothers

Walking alongside you in your season of Motherhood

I work from a core belief that families are the foundation of thriving communities, with our mothers playing a central role as emotional anchors holding our families and communities together. Yet, mothers, especially in high-pressure environments, often neglect their own mental health and wellbeing.

My mission is to support mothers and families in finding clarity, building authentic relationships, and supporting your wellbeing as you nurture the needs of your people.

My approach

Science backed principles guiding your unique needs

No two individuals experience parenthood in the same way. By adopting a person-centered approach, I am dedicated to understanding your unique story, life experiences, aspirations, and beliefs—all the intricacies that make you, YOU. Together, we will celebrate your strengths while bringing awareness to the lesser-recognised parts of yourself. This process will guide self-awareness, attunement, and emotional healing.

I use principles including:

  • Person-Centered therapy
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

In our work together, my goal is to help you recognise and befriend the lesser acknowledged parts of yourself, make sense of your story, heal your pain, and strengthen your relationship with yourself. This self-connection becomes the foundation for healthy, harmonious relationships with your loved ones.

Together, we will set goals that align with your values, uncover your strengths, and inspire you to take small steps toward achieving your aspirations.Whether you are expecting your first baby, navigating behavioural challenges, raising neurodivergent kids, or facing other parenting challenges, I will meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you foster connection amidst the chaos.

Its never too late

Start the journey today

Being an expat mum means you are constantly moving between worlds: your children's needs, your work demands, your partner's expectations, your own homesickness. Somewhere in all of that, you've lost yourself.

Weekend Sanctuary is your weekly refuge offering you Glimmers. Every Friday evening you will receive a reflective prompt—designed not to add to your to-do list, but to guide you back home to yourself.This isn't therapy. It's not another productivity hack. It's simply a space to pause, breathe, and remember who you are beneath the roles you play.

Each week, you will receive:
1. One reflective prompt carefully designed for the expat mother experience
2. A self-paced reflection practice (takes 15-20 minutes, of your time offline)
3. Permission to do this just for you (no sharing required, no performance expected). This is your sanctuary. Your time. Your journey back to yourself.
PERSONAL
CONSULTATION
HKD$1,200
Personalised to support you
I meet you right where you are.
We work through at your pace
BOOK NOW
SUBSTACK 
COMMUNITY
HKD$459
Exclusive access to community forum and live events
Comprehensive parenting library to support all your needs
Monthly calls with guest speaker on selected topic of the month
JOIN NOW
Grab a coffee

Read our latest blogs

Holidays
Flying with a Newborn and Toddler this Easter? An Honest post for Hong Kong Mums
Boarding a long haul flight alone with a newborn and a toddler? Family therapist Lisel Varley shares honest, warm and practical advice for Hong Kong mums flying solo, from red eyes to airport logistics and everything in between.
learn more
Holidays
Easter Holidays & Screens: A Gentle Guide for Hong Kong Families
There will be screen time this Easter. The goal isn’t a device-free holiday. The goal is a little more intention. A few moments of noticing. A conversation with your kids about why, not just what.
learn more
Parenting
Parenting the Screenager in Hong Kong: Why Role Modelling Phone Habits Matter Most
Meaningful change in our children’s screen time doesn’t start with expensive apps, brash withdrawals or authoritarian approaches. It begins with us role modelling healthy relationship with screens.
learn more