The seed of pursuing a career in the psychological field was sown during my teenage years. I spent much of that time feeling angsty and sorrowful, a period my family still refers to as "my dark ages" to this day. Being the “typical middle child” in my parents’ eyes, I often found solace in isolating myself from social interactions, feeling as though nobody cared about me or understood me, exacerbated by a turbulent relationship with my mother. To my teenage self, the world appeared painted in shades of grey, with emotions tightly enclosed within me, and I saw no way out. It was during this time that I realised there must be something I could do, both for myself and for others facing similar challenges. This realisation led me to understand the importance of caring for one’s psychological well-being alongside physical health.
This experience propelled me into an academic journey toward becoming a clinical psychologist. I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCSI University. Subsequently, I furthered my education by enrolling in the Master of Clinical Psychology program at Taylor's University, proudly becoming one of its first batch of students. Throughout my clinical practicums, I gained exposure to various settings, including private practices and hospitals, where I had the privilege of working with clients from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds. In these settings, I provided services in psychological interventions, assessments, and psychoeducational talks.
My graduate training primarily focused on evidence-based therapeutic approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which afforded me a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Additionally, I had the opportunity to undergo training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) during my clinical practicum at Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah. DBT emphasises empowering individuals to develop practical skills for managing emotions and overcoming challenges. Integrating CBT as my primary therapeutic modality with the skills of DBT, I have worked with clients across various domains, including neurodevelopment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety and stress-related disorders, and bereavement.
Currently, I serve as a resiliency coach for The Mind's Special Projects Team. In this role, I apply my expertise to support employees in enhancing their psychological well-being, enabling them to cope with stress, cultivate resilience, and thrive in both personal and professional domains through individual and group coaching sessions, psychoeducation initiatives, and psychological wellness workshops.
Driven by a profound desire to help others navigate life’s challenges and lead to fulfilling lives, I acknowledge the interconnectedness of individual experiences, physical, emotional, social, and cultural factors in shaping one's values and mental well-being. Therefore, I firmly believe that everyone holds the key to their own advocacy and empowerment. Like an artist with a blank canvas, you possess the innate ability to paint your life with the colours of your choosing, while I am here to provide you with the brushes and paints you need. So, are you ready to create your masterpiece?
