Yale NUS College

Zhengqin is the Head of Counselling at Yale-NUS College. He holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree from Singapore and is certified in practising Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) by the EMDR Institute, USA. He has been trained as a National Care Officer and was formerly a Human Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART) team lead under SGSecure. His work and training has involved working with adults and youth in public and private health sectors, as well as working in forensic settings.
 
Zhengqin’s approach is primarily informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which he uses effectively in the assessment and treatment of his clients' mental health concerns. In addition, he uses a wide range of techniques from other therapy models including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychotherapy and Mindfulness. He has worked with individuals on stress and anger management, depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, trauma (e.g., accidents, natural disasters, assault, rape or sexual/physical/emotional abuse), grief and loss, and relationship difficulties. His has also worked with individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, psychotic illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia), and paraphilias. He is also trained in conducting psychological assessments for adults.
 
Zhengqin applies a collaborative approach to tailor therapy to the personalities and needs of his clients. His overarching goal is to help clients become the most connected version of themselves (connected with their values, identity and relationships), feel empowered to face life’s challenges and enjoy life, and experience psychological wholeness and wellness.

Joanna is a Clinical Psychologist at Yale-NUS College. She was awarded her Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree from Australia. She has been trained as a National Caring Action in Response to Emergencies (CARE) officer and was previously a member of the Human Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART) as part of SGSecure. Joanna has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with complex and chronic psychological or psychiatric disorders across the public and private health settings in Singapore. She is also trained in conducting psychological assessments for children and adults in both forensic and non-forensic settings.
 
Joanna adopts an eclectic framework of evidence-based modalities to address her clients’ needs. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. She is experienced in providing therapy to individuals with a broad spectrum of difficulties, including mood, anxiety, adjustment, anger, stress-related, interpersonal relationships, grief, and loss. She has also worked with a diverse range of clients with presentations such as personality disorders, psychosis, autism spectrum disorder, and selective mutism.
 
Joanna’s clinical approach considers the individual’s presenting difficulties to be unique and strives to create a safe space for her clients. She takes a non-judgmental, empathic stance in understanding her clients and providing them with individualised treatment plans that are tailored to their needs. Joanna hopes to guide her clients in their journey of exploring and working through past wounds by finding meaning, healing, and be in search of better versions of themselves as they go forth to lead fulfilling lives.

Claudia is a Clinical Psychologist at Yale-NUS. She earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology in Australia and is a member of the Singapore Psychological Society. As well as extensive experience working with adults, Claudia has expertise in child, adolescent and family psychology in the private and public health sectors in Singapore and in Australia.
 
Claudia has a strong background in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She uses a range of techniques and therapies with demonstrated effectiveness to assess, diagnose and treat her clients' mental health concerns. These include Maudsley Family Based Therapy, Parent Management Training, Psychodynamic Play Therapy, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness interventions.
 
Claudia enjoys working with a wide range of clients, with ,a diverse and complex range of presenting issues. Her special therapy interests include depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and personality disorders. Through a collaborative and empathic approach with her clients, Claudia helps them connect with their deeper values, equip them with an increased sense of empowerment, self-compassion and an improved quality of health and well-being.

Kathleen will not be taking any new students.

Kathleen received her Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counselling at South University and a Masters of Art Therapy (MAAT) from Saint Mary of the Woods College in the US. After completion of a residency at HCA Parham Doctors’ Hospital and in private practice, she received her credentials as a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR). Her resume includes working in hospitals, educational institutes, private practice, a community service board, and insurance company settings.
 
Kathleen also has training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Developmental Approaches in Treating Addiction, and Stephen Ministry Training. She also has trained as a Disaster Mental Health (DMH) Volunteer with the Red Cross, as hospice volunteer with Bon Secours Hospital, and as a Patient Advocate for the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) advocating for those affected by sexual assault or domestic violence.
 
Kathleen’s approach is client-centred, holistic, interactive, and strength-based, drawing from her skills as a clinician and art therapist with creative interventions such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialetical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Art Therapy. She also draws from inspiration from the resiliency and strength of her clients. She has worked with clients who have struggled with anxiety, depressive disorders, bipolar I and II, personality disorders, eating issues, autism spectrum disorders, severe mental illness, trauma & abuse, alcohol or substance use and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Nelly is currently completing her Masters in Counselling with Monash University. She is attached to the Yale-NUS Counselling Centre for her professional placement. As a coach and a facilitator, she has worked with diverse groups of leaders from different nationalities, professional background, and organization cultures. She believes in bringing one’s best self through greater self-awareness. Continuing her professional development, she is keen to deepen her ability to help others achieve greater wellbeing using a wide range of modalities.
 
Nelly brings her authenticity and compassion in working with her clients. Through her connection with many clients, she found purpose in integrating emotional and mental wellbeing. She is trained in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience of leadership. Her intention is to help clients, through a collaborative approach, in discovering their inner strengths and happiness.

Clarice is currently studying her Masters in Counselling Psychology (Monash University) and is completing her placement at Yale-NUS Counselling Centre.
 

Clarice was working as a full-time dancer and dance instructor for the past 8 years before commencing her studies in Counselling Psychology. As a dance teacher, Clarice guided and mentored students through performances and competitions. She strongly believes in the power of the arts to impact lives, having personally experienced this herself. She also believes in the value of positive challenges in shaping one’s identity and perspective to navigate through life.
 

Her desire to gain more practical tools and knowledge to better guide and help young adults led her to pursue her current studies. She hopes that through her own constant self-improvement, she can become a better supporter of her students and clients, challenging and empowering them to work towards the lives they envision for themselves.

Zhon Hern is currently pursuing his Masters in Counselling with Monash University, and is completing his placement at the Yale-NUS Counselling Centre.
 

Formerly a major in Philosophy, Zhon Hern has worked as a public servant in various sectors, including serving as a lecturer in Singapore Polytechnic, as well as enabling people-government engagements across public agencies through his posting at the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth. He enjoys working with students and citizens from a wide variety of backgrounds, and is interested in questions of identity, self-actualisation and sense of belonging.
 

Zhon Hern’s approach to counselling is informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. In his practice, he believes it is vital to create a safe and comfortable environment, where one is able to be authentic, and speak freely without being judged. He also believes that going to college is a time when we not just greatly expand knowledge of the world around us, but also increase understanding of our own selves, our relationships with others, and one’s place in the world.