All our clinical psychologists have extensive training as ‘scientist-practitioners’. This means we use a specific structured approach to help each person we meet. The structured approach allows us to help people of any age or background and resolve a wide range of problems.
These problems could include low mood, too much worry, over-eating, under-eating, thinking about killing yourself, stress, chronic pain, drug & alcohol dependence, attention problems, learning issues, relationship troubles, bereavements, phobias or any other emotional issue that we may have to face in life.
We’ve written out some general advice for these problems in the ‘information and advice’ section of our website. If you’d like advice tailored specifically to your circumstances then you can arrange a consultation with us.
What happens when you meet with a clinical psychologist?
We understand that meeting with a clinical psychologist can be anxiety provoking. We will do our best to make you feel comfortable. It may help to know that everything we discuss will be kept confidential (you can read about the code of ethical principles that we follow here). We prefer to work collaboratively so we will encourage you to ask questions or challenge us at any time. Our sessions should feel like a conversation but we’ll be guiding you through a structured approach with four main phases:
In the ‘assessment phase’ we try to get to know you as best we can. We will ask you questions to understand how the difficulties you face came to be. If you would like a friend or family member to share information with us then we would be happy to talk to them too.
In the ‘formulation phase’ we work with you to build up an explanation of why the problems started, what’s keeping those problems going and most importantly what we can do to help.
The ‘intervention phase’ will be tailored to you based on the formulation we have developed. We are all trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which scientific studies have shown is one of the most effective psychological therapies (for more information see our page explaining CBT). However, we also know a number of other evidence-based therapies. For example, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) & Schema Therapy.
It’s important to us that you benefit from our work together. The ‘evaluation phase’ is usually an ongoing informal measurement of whether things are getting better for you.
If you’d like more information or if you’d like to arrange an individual consultation please see our ‘arrange a consultation’ section.
Do our psychologists use tests & diagnostics?
We are able to use a range of ‘psychometric tests’. However, we usually find that in-depth discussions are sufficient to gain all the information we need.
We only make a diagnosis if you ask us or if your insurance claim requires it. This is because, in common with many other psychologists, we find that diagnosis has more disadvantages than advantages. You can read more about our views on diagnosis here.
There are occasions when we will use a range of psychometric tests and assessment tools. We would recommend such an assessment if a problem may be due to an underlying biological issue that’s affecting your learning, memory, attention, processing speed or other neurological processes. You can ask us for a neuro-psychological assessment directly or we may suggest one based on information we find during our discussions.
Neuro-psychological Assessments for School Age Children & University Students
We can conduct in-depth assessments that help understand why a student is having academic, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
The assessment helps us understand a students strengths and difficulties. We can use this understanding to make recommendations on how a student can get around their difficulties and perform to their potential.
We write detailed reports which can, if you choose, be sent to teachers, tutors or exam boards. They can be used to apply for exam accommodations such as extra time.
Some people call these assessments ‘IQ tests’ but psychologists usually call the assessments a ‘Cognitive Assessment’, a ‘Neuro-psychological assessment’ or a ‘Learning Assessment’.
If you’d like to learn more about the assessments that we can carry out please click here.
Other Services Offered by our Clinical Psychologists:
Free Advice & Information for Common Problems
We know it isn’t always possible for people to meet with us. So we have provided general advice and information about common problems and difficulties on this website.
For advice on problems that children & adolescents often face click here.
If you are able to meet with us we can offer advice and guidance specific to your personal situation that should help you make progress more quickly than if you try to get out of a difficult place on your own.
Our aim is to increase the services and resources available in Malaysia. Unfortunately, it is likely to take us time to develop those services. In the meantime, you can contact Thrive Well who offer reduced rates for those who have lower incomes. We don’t have a formal relationship with Thrive Well but we have supervised some of the clinical psychologists that have worked there.
Talks & Workshops
On occasion we gives talks and workshops around Malaysia. You can see details of some of these events here.