Esther Tan
Licensed and Registered Counsellor
Clinical Psychology Intern
All of us are not exempt from the challenges of life. At times when the hardship becomes too difficult to manage, we may feel overwhelmed and experience distress. For some, there may be a clear and distinct reason for these distressing thoughts, emotions and feelings, while for others, there may not be a specific reason or explanation. Regardless of which category you find yourself in, I would like to encourage you to take that step forward and reach out for help.
Coming in for the first time can be an intimidating process and experience and so I hope to be able to help you gain better insight and work collaboratively with you to discover, explore and brainstorm available options and empower you to make those changes that will bring about positive and wholesome changes in your life.
I completed my Masters in Counselling and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Monash University, Australia and the University of Melbourne, Australia respectively. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Clinical Psychology at HELP University, Malaysia. During my six years of studying abroad, I had the privilege of meeting and connecting with individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life. I also had a wonderful opportunity to work as a counsellor in a local Australian primary school where I provided counselling and student support to individuals who experienced a range of emotional, behavioural and social difficulties including self-esteem and family issues, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, friendship problems and difficulties regulating and expressing emotions and feelings.
While enrolled in my Masters in Australia, I completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills with Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK) concurrently. I enjoy working with children and I am passionate about supporting children in need. It is therefore important that I receive professional training in this area to equip myself in providing a suitable mode of therapy that aligns with the developmental needs and stages of children. Due to their developmental age, talking therapy may not be suitable for children and therefore in play therapy, toys become the child’s words while play is the child’s language.
I have exposure working with children of various backgrounds ranging from those with learning difficulties, disability, autism, ADHD as well as children of divorced parents. Regardless of ethnicity or nationality, I believe that children need understanding, compassion and love to grow into secure and confident individuals. Before commencing my tertiary studies, I worked in a kindergarten here in Malaysia and became aware of the crucial need to provide social, emotional and behavioural support to our little ones. I am currently working as a school counsellor at an international school, supporting both local and international students in the primary and secondary grades.
Regardless of age, one thing that I am certain of is that all of us have an intrinsic desire to be heard, seen and to be valued. I believe that having a safe space to express our feelings and life struggles is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing. You are not alone, and with that, I invite you to take a courageous step forward in seeking help for healing, growth and to lead a flourishing life.
I am a Licensed and Registered Counsellor with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors. As a practising counsellor, I adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Malaysian Board of Counsellors and the Code of Ethics of the American Counselling Association to ensure that you receive professional care.
I speak English and basic Malay.
Education
Student, Master in Clinical Psychology, HELP University
Masters in Counselling, Monash University, Australia
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Melbourne, Australia
Other qualifications/training
Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills with Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK)
esthertan@kinandkids.com