Individual Therapy in Singapore
Whether you are navigating a difficult transition, feeling stuck, or struggling with anxiety or depression, individual therapy offers a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings with professional guidance.
Finding Clarity When Life Feels Overwhelming
For many people in Singapore, the decision to seek therapy is a big step. You may find yourself facing the same issues repeatedly, hoping for different outcomes but feeling trapped in the same pattern. The fast-paced nature of life in Singapore can make it difficult to pause and address your emotional wellbeing.
When your mental health isn’t at its best, daily tasks can become more difficult. You might feel disconnected from others or from yourself. The emotional burden grows heavier. You may look at your life and wonder how things have become so different from what you once envisioned.
Some individuals come to therapy during times of crisis, while others recognize early warning signs and seek help proactively. Whether you are questioning your direction in life or simply wanting to break free from limiting beliefs and behaviours, individual therapy can provide clarity and practical tools to move forward with greater self-awareness.
What is Therapy?
Individual therapy is a collaborative process between you and a professionally trained therapist designed to help you address personal concerns, develop insights, and create positive changes in your life. Unlike talking with friends or family, therapy provides a professional, confidential arrangement focused entirely on your needs and growth.
A safe, non-judgmental space to express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns
In individual therapy, you will have a safe, non-judgmental space to express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with the guidance of a trained professional. Your therapist helps you identify patterns, explore underlying issues, and develop practical skills to enhance your wellbeing and achieve your personal goals.
A successful therapy isn’t about eliminating all difficulties from life – it is about developing resilience and effective strategies to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. The most fulfilling lives aren’t problem-free, but rather built on the ability to respond to difficulties while maintaining a sense of purpose and connection.
At its core, individual therapy acknowledges this idea: we thrive when we have the tools to understand ourselves and manage our emotions effectively. Through therapeutic work, I can help you learn these essential skills and discover new perspectives about yourself.
Many people wonder about the distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their scope:
Counselling typically addresses specific challenges or life adjustments, offering practical strategies and support for immediate concerns. It tends to be more solution-focused and shorter in duration, helping you navigate particular situations like work stress, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.
Psychotherapy (or 'therapy') often involves a deeper exploration of recurring patterns, emotional responses, and underlying psychological influences that shape your experiences. It is a longer-term, in-depth process that delves into your thoughts, feelings and past experiences to understand the root causes of your problems. Therapy can address complex issues like chronic anxiety, depression, trauma responses, or persistent relationship patterns.
Understanding the Difference: Counselling vs. Psychotherapy
Choosing a Qualified Therapist in Singapore
When seeking therapy in Singapore, it is crucial to work with a professionally trained and registered therapist. Unlike some countries, therapy practice in Singapore is not regulated by mandatory licensing, which means individuals without proper qualifications may offer services.
To ensure you receive ethical and effective care, look for therapists registered with recognized professional bodies such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) or the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). These registrations indicate that your therapist meets established standards of education, training, and ethical practice.
What's the difference between the different mental health professionals? Let me explain and help you make the right choice:
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Counsellors and Psychologists both provide psychotherapy, with slight differences in training background. Both can effectively help with emotional and psychological concerns. Psychologists also conduct formal assessments and reports for schools, courts, or employers. This is not within a counsellor’s scope of practice.
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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. You might see a psychiatrist alongside a therapist if medication is needed as part of your treatment.
As a Registered Counsellor (RC) (Licence: C0940) with the Singapore Association for Counselling, I have completed the rigorous requirements necessary for professional recognition, including a master’s degree in counselling along with pursuing an ongoing doctorate in psychology. Professional registration requires not only academic qualifications but also supervised practice hours, ongoing professional development, and adherence to a strict code of ethics.
When researching potential therapists, don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications, registration status, and experience with your specific concerns. A reputable therapist will be transparent about their background and approach, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
How We Work Together: The Therapeutic Process
At my practice, I am trained in several evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Choice Theory Reality Therapy (CTRT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you work through your personal challenges.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
examines how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviours. This approach helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more constructive ways of viewing yourself and situations. CBT is highly effective for issues like anxiety, depression, stress management, and overcoming negative thought patterns.
Choice Theory Reality Therapy (CTRT)
focuses on helping you make effective choices that lead to greater happiness and connection. This approach emphasizes personal responsibility and helps you identify what you truly want in your life, evaluate whether your current behaviours are helping you achieve these goals, and develop plans for positive change.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
combines mindfulness strategies with commitment to meaningful action. This approach helps you accept what is outside your control while committing to actions that enrich your life according to your values. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy is particularly helpful for developing psychological flexibility and living a more purposeful life.
All these approaches are evidence-based and have shown remarkable effectiveness in helping individuals improve their mental wellbeing. During your initial session, we will work together to determine which techniques and exercises will best address your specific situation.
Common Issues Addressed in Individual Therapy
Living in Singapore's fast-paced environment can contribute to high levels of stress and anxiety. I help clients develop effective coping strategies, identify triggers, challenge anxious thinking, and build resilience to better manage life's pressures.
Major life changes such as career shifts, relocation, relationship endings, becoming a parent, or retiring can be both exciting and challenging. I help clients navigate these transitions while maintaining emotional wellbeing and a sense of purpose.
People who want to improve their relationship skills or process relationship difficulties. I help clients explore patterns in their relationships, develop healthy boundaries, improve communication skills, and navigate family/romantic relationships with greater confidence.
When feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness persist, daily functioning becomes difficult. I provide support in understanding and managing depressive symptoms, rebuilding motivation, and rediscovering meaning and joy in life.
Many individuals seek therapy to develop a stronger sense of self, overcome limiting beliefs, or work toward personal goals. I support clients in building self-confidence, clarifying values, and creating a more fulfilling life aligned with their authentic selves.
Singapore's achievement-oriented culture can make it difficult to maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life. I help clients address burnout, set meaningful priorities, and create sustainable practices for their physical and mental well-being.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Singapore
As a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I offer specialized individual counselling that addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in our local context. My practice is built on a foundation of respect, understanding, and celebration of all identities, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ individuals in Singapore navigate unique complexities beyond typical personal issues, from family acceptance and societal attitudes to minority stress and identity development. Through my extensive work with the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore, I have developed a deep understanding of these challenges and how they can impact mental well-being.
My approach to LGBTQ+ counselling is grounded in:
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Identity affirmation: Honouring your unique journey with sexual orientation and gender identity
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Minority stress awareness: Addressing the impact of discrimination and stigma on mental health
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Intersectionality: Recognizing how multiple identities (ethnicity, religion, nationality) interact with LGBTQ+ identity in Singapore’s diverse society
Whether you are navigating coming out, building a family, managing family expectations, or simply working through relationship or personal challenges, I provide a safe and judgment-free space where your relationship is respected and validated.
Individual Counselling Services in Singapore
Located conveniently in the East side of Singapore near Eunos, Joo Chiat and Katong area, my practice offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy Singapore lifestyle. Understanding the demands of work-life balance, I also provide evening weekday appointments and weekend sessions for people who can't attend during business hours.
My comprehensive individual therapy services (60 minutes) in Singapore include:
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Individual counselling sessions
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Evidence-based approaches (CBT, CTRT, ACT, etc)
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Online therapy options for those unable to attend in person
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Bilingual counselling services (mix of English and Mandarin)
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One of the most affordable therapy options in Singapore
Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply want to enhance your personal growth, my evidence-based approaches and culturally sensitive counselling can help you create a more fulfilling and balanced life within our local multicultural context.
Book an appointment with LightingWay Counselling & Therapy practice today!
Therapist and Counsellor
Registered Counsellor (RC) of Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
M.A. in Counselling and Guidance, Singapore
Hi, I’m Stella, a professional psychotherapist and counsellor based in Singapore. I am committed to provide high-quality, professional, and inclusive therapy for all. Using evidence-based modalities like CBT, CTRT and ACT, I utilize an integrative toolkit and trauma-informed care to support you towards better mental health.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where you can openly share, gain insight, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Read more about my credentials here.
FAQs About Individual Therapy
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