My passion in mental health begun at an early age, when I journeyed with friends and family who were strongly affected by abuse, abandonment, bullying, broken families and prejudice, resulting in episodes of depression, panic attacks, anxiety, as well as suicidal attempts. One common thread that wound through those experiences was the loneliness about journeying through these episodes, and I myself felt a sense of helplessness as I walked with them. It was not until I had a moment of epiphany, when one of my loved ones mentioned that allowing her to feel deeply heard set her on a path to recovery. It became evident to me that in being deeply heard, we find the space to express ourselves nonjudgmentally, the support to persevere and deal with our emotions more effectively, as well as gain new insights to view life’s situations and manage them.
This new insight and burgeoning interest led me to enroll myself into an undergraduate degree in Psychology in the University of Melbourne. I then graduated with a Master of Counselling from Monash University Clayton in Australia, where I conducted individual and group counselling services in a psychological centre as well as a primary school in Melbourne with people from culturally-diverse backgrounds. However, when I found myself having to refer clients to psychologists for diagnosis and assessments, I was motivated to expand my skills to better enable myself to meet the various needs of a greater range of people. This drove me to complete a Masters in Clinical Psychology, where I provided individual psychotherapy and administered through psychological assessments with clients in SOLS Health, Women’s Aid Organization, Malaysian Mental Health Association, Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services, Dignity for Children Foundation, SUKA Society and The Mind Psychological Services and Training.
My main therapeutic modality is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) but I also incorporate various techniques from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as more humanistic approaches, such as Rogerian and Existential Therapy depending on the needs of the client. I have worked with clients from different age groups and backgrounds, such as adults, adolescents, children, LGBTQIA, and refugees, with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, adjustment difficulties, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, hallucinations, dissociation and other psychological concerns.
Taking the first step into therapy can definitely be a daunting process, but I am committed to creating a safe environment for you to be deeply heard, to gain insight of the patterns that constantly occur in your life as well as to explore alternative perspectives and strategies to cope. Let us collaboratively work towards a common goal to observe progress in different areas your life. I strongly believe that vulnerability takes courage, shows strength and births forth change. Let me be so privileged as to journey alongside you to hear your story and work together to see your growth and change.