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019-380 0902 // 018-667 0902 enquiries@kinandkids.com

Esther Tan 

Clinical Psychologist, Licensed and Registered Counsellor (Malaysia)

All of us go through different challenges at different points of our life. At times when the hardship become too difficult to manage, it can get overwhelming and affect our mental health and emotional wellbeing. For some, there may be a clear and distinct reason for these distressing thoughts and emotions, while for others, several cumulative factors may contribute to the distress. Regardless of how the situation is for you, therapy can be an avenue for you to explore and navigate through these issues.

During my six years of studying in Melbourne, I completed a 9-month clinical internship at a local Australian primary school. Upon returning to Malaysia, I worked as a school counsellor at an international school for 2 years. I also did another clinical internship at KIN & KiDS to gain more clinical experience. I decided to pursue my master’s in clinical psychology because I wanted to deepen my knowledge about psychopathology in generally, and neurodevelopmental conditions in children.

I love working with children of all ages! Prior to becoming a counsellor, I worked as a kindergarten teacher. This experience increased my awareness of the crucial need to provide social, emotional, and behavioural support to our little ones. As a school counsellor, I wanted to be equipped in providing a suitable mode of therapy that aligns with the developmental needs and stages of children. Due to their developmental age, talk therapy is usually not be suitable for children. Therefore, I decided to pursue a Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills with Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK). In play therapy, I use toys and play-based approaches to build a therapeutic relationship with my child clients and facilitate change. I believe that regardless of ethnicity or nationality, children need understanding, compassion, and love to grow into secure and confident individuals.

My clinical work with children and adolescents covers a range of emotional, behavioural and social difficulties, such as self-esteem, family and relationship problems and divorced families. I worked with neurodivergent children with learning difficulties, autism, ADHD and other disabilities. Apart from children and adolescents, I have worked with adults from diverse backgrounds during my internship with Thrive Well and Centre for Psychological Services (CPCS) at HELP University, addressing life transitions and changes, family and relationship issues, career decision-making, grief, loss, and mental health issues. At KIN & KiDS, I have also provided executive functioning and study coaching to secondary students who are preparing for their major exams.

As a therapist, I use an integrative approach that combines systemic and attachment-focused theories. This means I look at how different parts of a person’s life influence each other to maintain stability. I also help individuals recognize their strengths and values to overcome challenges and live a meaningful life. It is also important to me that you receive care in line with professional standards and ethical practice.

Regardless of age, I believe that we all have an intrinsic desire to be heard, seen and to be valued. As your therapist, I will do my best to provide you with a safe space so that you are free to express your feelings, explore your current life struggles, and gain insight. If you are ready to take the courageous step forward in seeking professional help for healing, growth or making a positive change in your life, I will walk with you in this journey as your collaborative partner.

Education

Master in Clinical Psychology, HELP University

Master in Counselling, Monash University (Australia) 

Other qualifications/training

Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills with Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK)

Professional Affiliations

Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology

Email

esthertan@kinandkids.com

Other Therapists in Our Team

  • Lee Shealin
    Licensed and Registered Counselor
  • Jean Ong
    Clinical Psychologist (Malaysia)
  • Raynette Soon
    Licensed and Registered Counselor (Malaysia)