ABOUT ME

Hello, my name is Serene. I am a Clinical Psychologist, who was born in a Chinese family and raised in the multicultural society of Singapore. Since my teens, I have predominantly lived in Australia, where I studied Psychology and subsequently found work to settle down in Perth.

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After undergraduate study, I spent two years in Singapore working with older adults. I conducted IQ testing for research and clinical purposes (e.g. determine extent of brain injuries for work and educational placements; as well as checking and monitoring the types of dementia). I was specially chosen to work with older adults because I speak Mandarin and three Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese), which helped older individuals feel comfortable and understand the work we do together better.

 

Since the completion of a clinical doctorate in 2004, I have worked in the largest correction facility that is privately run, public men’s prison and the largest psychiatric hospital in WA. While employed in public service, I set up private practice in 2004. Between 2008 and 2010, my first full-time private practice period saw me working mainly for Corrective Services to provide the Courts with reports regarding fitness to plea, pre-sentencing and parole reviews.

 

The majority of my clinical experience that spanned more than two decades involve working with individuals struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, Crisis Adjustment Disorder, grief, Schizophrenia, psychotic syndromes and brain injuries.

 

Following cessation of public service, I consult at regional hospitals and lodge, where I provide psychological intervention for assaulted employees; as well as train staff in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to facilitate more effective and efficient service delivery.

 

While Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and its various forms (e.g. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy) are common, I tailor therapy to each individual in eclectic ways. These might include Gestalt, Freudian, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, mentalisation, together with Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP). Clinical hypnosis, as well as Eye-Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) are also used for trauma work.

 

Over the years, my clients have taught me….

• They are stronger than they think.

• When they trust, they turn problems into opportunities.

• The power of the mind will always find a way to heal and reach full potential.

• No matter the severity of life experiences, man can overcome.

 

Please see Testimonials to find out how others have experienced therapy with me.