One of the things that perplexed me during early stages of my practice, was how reasonable, caring, and rational individuals would repetitively engage in thoughts and behaviour that do not benefit them, and continue to do so despite disastrous consequences to themselves and those around them.

The realization came quickly that we find ourselves in such situations through (in)decisions, attitudes, reactions, defences, and the like—not out of choice but due to cumulative experiences growing up, adapting, and perhaps attempting to survive cultural and environmental circumstances that are largely outside of our control.

Having adapted and survived this way for a time, we find ourselves struggling to see or even entertain the thought of another way to respond to situations or even live; we lean instinctively to what is familiar, accessible, and practiced—even when costs are higher and would lead to less-than-desired consequences/outcomes.

In therapy, I walk with you through your journey of self-discovery, grief and loss of what could have been but is not, acceptance of your life experiences and how they have shaped our present reality, and surface your agency/autonomy in all of this. In that time, you’ve already begun shaping and actualizing your preferred reality.

Experience

My experience in social services began at a residential shelter for youths, where I provided direct care for its residents, including their families, in partnership with other community colleagues such as family service centres, child protection and probation officers, and volunteers.

In line with my interest in doing deeper therapeutic work, I would go on to provide auxiliary support for individuals with mental health issues (psychotic/anxiety/mood/obsessive-compulsive/personality spectrum disorders) in the community. This includes home visitations for individuals unable or resistant to getting necessary help with mental/medical health professionals, conducting preliminary mental state assessments, providing psychoeducation and counselling, and providing access to options/recommendations for care.

In my time as a mental health rehabilitation counsellor, I’ve had to work extensively with or navigate between various stakeholders such as doctors/psychiatrists, law enforcement, concerned family/friends, and manage mental health crises, which at times involve emergency services.

Over the past 5 years, my practice has centred around addictions, which complements my existing work and experience in mental health, as it often involves co-occurring morbidities (other existing mental health issues). Substances or compulsive behaviours are sometimes the only available means of survival or existence for clients through periods of their lives, with the reliance on it developing into addiction. 

In addition to therapy, I provide clinical supervision to counsellors in training and practicing peers.

My therapeutic services are offered late evenings (9pm - 11pm) Monday through Friday and Saturday/Sunday afternoons. Alternative timings or arrangements (online) can be discussed.

Qualifications

• Master of Counselling (Monash University)

• Ba. Psychology (James Cook University)

• Registered Counsellor (SAC, Singapore Association for Counselling) Reg. C0757

• Practitioner L4 (APACS)

• Qualified Member (ATSAC, Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity)

• Registered SMART Recovery Training Facilitator (SMART Intl.)

Professional/CE Training

• Relational Gestalt Therapy (Pacific Gestalt Institute – ongoing)

• Diploma in Clinical Supervision (SPC Academy)

• L5 Diploma in Working with Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Sex Addiction (CPCAB/ISAT)

• Basic Gestalt Play therapy + Sand-tray work (AHD)

• Certified Addiction Counsellor Training (APSAC)

• Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (TII)

• International Gaming Disorder Training (IGDC)

• Motivational Interviewing

• Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation (APRS/CPRP)