Introduction:
Hi, I am Celeste, a chartered clinical psychologist. I have lived in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and the United Kingdom, which greatly influenced my perspectives and approaches in therapy settings.
I am curious about how language, cultural beliefs and social norms influence our understanding of mental health difficulties and coping strategies. This forms the basis of my doctoral research on the effectiveness of culturally adapted therapies, and individual differences in treatment response.
I manage my wellbeing outside of work by attending group exercise classes (e.g., spinning, barre, yoga), spending time with my loved ones, and savouring a good plate of Nasi Lemak.
Qualifications:
I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London and an Honours Degree in Psychology. I have also completed the Foundation in Systemic Theory and Practice course, accredited by the U.K. Association of Family Therapy (AFT).
Professional Registration:
I am registered with the U.K. Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and I am a British Psychological Society (BPS) member.
Experience:
I have experience working with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds who have mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma. In particular, I specialise in providing support for individuals who have a physical health condition that impacts their wellbeing. As a consultant, I work with non-profit organisations to apply psychological and behaviour change insights to co-produce solutions for various social issues.
Before my doctoral training, I worked at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, providing psychological support for adults with enduring mental health difficulties and substance use. In this role, I was awarded the Public Sector Transformation Award in 2018 for excellence in service delivery and dedication to serving the community.
I currently work with the National University of Singapore’s Health & Wellbeing team.
How I work:
I hope to create an open and non-judgemental space in therapy for individuals and families. My therapeutic approach is integrative and person-centred, drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. The integrative approach acknowledges that psychological therapy must be tailored to suit each individual’s needs and circumstances.
I believe that while the therapist has the theoretical knowledge and strategies to approach an issue, the client is the expert in their life. Therefore, I will work collaboratively with clients and suggest the most appropriate form of support that best fit their needs. I also believe that each individual has strengths and resilience that enable them to survive in the face of adversity; therapy is about moving towards what is important and valuable for them.
Arrange a consultation: I am available to meet online, via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, on Saturday afternoons.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with me you can contact Vivian. You can call or send a WhatsApp message to 012 5089910. You can also email Vivian at info@resolve.my.