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.

Understanding the different mental health professionals can help you make the right choice:

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.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Anxiety & Stress Management

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.

Life Transitions

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.

Relationship Problems

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.

Depression, Mood Disorders

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.

Self-Esteem & Personal Growth

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.

Work-Life Balance & Burnout

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:

Identity affirmation: Honouring your unique journey with sexual orientation and gender identity
Minority stress awareness: Addressing the impact of discrimination and stigma on mental health
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.

How do I know if I need professional help?

Often it is difficult to recognize that we have problems and make the decision to get outside help from a qualified professional. Yet many people take that courageous step every year. If you're experiencing any of the following problems that don't seem to improve despite your own efforts and support from loved ones, it may be time to seek professional help from a therapist. You are feeling exhausted, stuck, and unhappy. You worry excessively all the time. You are overwhelmed by a deep sense of sadness and helplessness. You struggle to feel like yourself for a while now. School or workplace stress is burning you out. You are facing problems in your relationship with your family or partner. You experienced a traumatic incident that you are unable to process. You are going through a major life transition right now. This isn't an exhaustive list – problems don't have to be severe to warrant professional help from a therapist. Sometimes, speaking to someone who is not directly involved, non-judgmental, empathetic, and qualified to ensure you receive the level of professional care needed can mean a world of difference.
What is the difference between therapy and counselling?

Counselling is typically short-term and focuses on resolving specific problems you might be facing. It helps you address immediate issues, providing quick strategies for managing them. Psychotherapy (or 'therapy') is a longer-term, in-depth process that aims to explore and resolve deeper emotional, behavioural, or psychological issues. Therapists and clients work together to understand and change problems by improving areas of life where there is dissatisfaction. It delves into an individual’s thoughts, feelings, relationships, and past experiences to understand the root causes of their problems and develop coping mechanisms for long-lasting change. Both are designed to support your mental well-being, with the main difference being in depth and duration.
Are our sessions confidential?

Yes, yes, and yes – confidentiality is taken extremely seriously in therapy. Everything you share with me stays 100% private and confidential. I won't divulge any details about you, your sessions, or what we discuss to anyone – not friends, family, your employer, absolutely no one without your explicit consent. The only rare exceptions are if you reveal plans to seriously harm yourself or someone else, or if I'm court-ordered to provide records. But those situations are very uncommon. You can speak openly and candidly, knowing our conversations are completely confidential. Building this safe, judgment-free space for you to share freely is a top priority.
How long does therapy take?

Therapy is a highly unique and personalized process, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. How long therapy lasts depends on what you're dealing with. For some people, a few sessions of counselling are enough to get through a specific life challenge – this is what is known as brief treatment. For others working on deeper deep-seated issues, therapy may take several months or even years, to work through more complex psychological challenges or ingrained patterns. It is important to remember you can stop at any time, and you’re always welcome to return in the future. The length depends on your personal situation - how serious the problem is, how committed you are to working on it, how frequent you attend therapy, previous life experiences (e.g. trauma, quality of relationships), and your goals for therapy. Remember, the goal is to get you the help you need, as long as it is helping you. You have the power to heal and grow at your own pace.
How often will we meet?

How often we meet really depends on your needs and what you can afford. In the beginning, it is recommended to attend sessions more frequently to build momentum and make steady progress at the start, e.g. around 3 times a month. Research done on therapy session frequency (Erekson et al., 2015) has shown that people who participated in weekly therapy sessions achieved clinically significant improvements in their mental well-being faster in comparison with people who received less frequent sessions. As you start implementing coping strategies and seeing improvement, we can space out the sessions to 2 sessions a month to save you some money. And once your primary issues are resolved and you've developed sustainable skills, we’ll likely just need a check-in session once a month to keep you on track. This can help reinforce what you’ve learnt and provide ongoing support. We'll work together to find a schedule that gives you the support you need while also fitting your budget. More frequent sessions at first, then transitioning to a lighter schedule as you make progress and start feeling better. The pace is flexible based on your situation.
How long will it take before I begin to see results?

The timeline for seeing results from therapy can vary considerably from person to person. A lot depends on your circumstances, the specific issues you're working through, how consistently you engage with the therapeutic process between appointments. Building self-awareness, developing new coping strategies, and ultimately creating lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. However, most clients begin to experience some positive shifts in six to eight sessions, even if it's simply feeling heard, acquiring new perspectives, or taking initial steps out of old patterns. The key is committing fully to the work and having patience with yourself.
How much does each session cost, and what are the terms of payment?

Please check out the cost of each session here. Appointments can be scheduled via our online booking system. Payment for therapy services is due at the time of booking. We accept various payment methods, such as PayNow, GrabPay, and credit card.
Can I use insurance to pay for my counselling sessions?

While I cannot file insurance claims on your behalf, I can provide detailed invoices for your sessions. You can then submit these invoices to your insurance company for reimbursement if your policy covers mental health services. Some insurance providers in Singapore offer mental health coverage, for e.g: AIA Aviva NTUC Income You may also be able to claim reimbursement through your employer's group benefits insurance plan. Coverage details and claim procedures may vary depending on your specific policy. It's best to check with your insurance provider or your company's HR directly to understand your coverage and reimbursement for mental health services.
OK, I think I’m ready. How can I best prepare for therapy?

While you don't need to prepare anything specific, you might find it helpful to think about what brings you to counselling and what you are hoping to gain from our sessions. Some people find it useful to jot down their thoughts as a good reference point for our discussion. It also helps if you can come up with a schedule for your sessions and attend them. It's the same idea with, for example, if you're picking up a new language, you attend classes at the same time on the same day every week consistently to make good progress. It's completely normal to feel a bit nervous about your first session – it is a natural reaction to any new experience. Remember, your therapist is there to support you, not to judge. Simply arrive as yourself😊
Can I bring a friend to my therapy session for support?

We understand feeling nervous about your first session. However, we generally don't allow friends or family members to sit in on sessions. This is to create a safe space where you can speak openly. The presence of another person may make you hesitant to discuss certain topics or emotions fully. We get that you may still feel very anxious about attending alone. In exceptional cases, we may allow a support person to accompany you for the first few minutes of your session to help you get settled, and they can wait right outside the office during therapy. Your support person will be there to meet you again once your session is over.
Is online therapy as effective as traditional, in-person therapy?

Yes, studies have shown that online therapy is as effective as traditional face-to-face sessions for various mental health concerns (Varker et al., 2018; Pierce et al., 2020; Sampaio et al., 2021). Through video conferencing, you can access a safe and confidential virtual environment to discuss issues with a qualified professional, while enjoying the convenience and comfort of connecting from your own home.
How much notice is required if I can’t make it for my appointment?

If you need to reschedule your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours’ advance notice. This allows us to open up that time slot for other clients waiting to schedule. Any late cancellations without providing the required 24-hour notice will be subject to our cancellation policy. This cancellation applies even if missing the appointment was unintentional. This is a standard practice across counselling clinics and centres in Singapore. Please read more about our booking policy below.
I find therapy fees expensive. Can you explain?

I totally get it - therapy can feel like a big expense. Let me break it down a bit. My fees are actually aligned with what is charged by other trained and qualified therapists in Singapore. In fact, I offer a more affordable rate compared to many private practices. Here’s the thing: I'm not funded by any governmental or social agencies. I'm an independent professional running my own practice. That means the fees cover not just our sessions, but also all the behind-the-scene stuff like office rent, admin costs, and keeping up with professional requirements. What you’re paying for is years of specialized training and dedication in my skills to provide the best care possible. The cost reflects the personalized attention and ethical practices I bring to each of our session. I encourage you to view it as an act of self-care rather than an expense. Your well-being is precious, and you deserve support from a professional in their field. Prioritizing your mental health allows you to show up as your best self in all other areas of life. The positive impact on your relationships, productivity and overall well-being can be a valuable self-care investment.
I understand your fees, but they're still not affordable for me. What now?

I hear you. It's tough when you want help but the cost feels out of reach. Your mental health is important, and I don't want financial constraints to stop you from getting support. If you find my fees outside your budget, there are definitely other options out there. Our SG public healthcare system offers subsidised mental health services, such as polyclinics, family service centres, public hospitals, voluntary welfare organisations, or university counselling centres. The wait times may be longer (several months' wait), less appointment frequency due to high demand, but they can really help. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. I encourage you to explore these alternatives rather than forgoing mental health support altogether. Your well-being matters, regardless of where you receive care.

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 provide evening weekday appointments and weekend sessions for people who can't attend during business hours.

My comprehensive individual therapy services in Singapore include:

Individual counselling sessions (60 minutes)
Evidence-based approaches (CBT, CTRT, ACT, etc)
Online therapy options for those unable to attend in person
Bilingual counselling services (mix of English and Mandarin)
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.

Contact LightingWay Counselling & Therapy practice today to schedule a consultation.

Specialty/Areas

Anger Management Therapy
Anxiety Therapy
Depression Therapy
Grief Therapy
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
Relationship / Couples Therapy
Trauma Therapy

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