Vivian Puah
Licensed and Registered Counselor (Malaysia)
Registered Play Therapist (USA)
Life’s journey is full of ups and downs and at times, we may feel overwhelmed, trapped in patterns we cannot seem to break, or weighed down by emotional pain and uncertainty. Therapy can be a safe, supportive space where you are heard, understood and accepted; a place to explore your experience, process your emotions, rediscover your inner strengths and resilience and consider new possibilities during challenging or transitional periods in life. I will journey alongside you, supporting you in tapping into your inner resources, developing emotional resilience, connecting more deeply with yourself and others and working towards meaningful changes that align with your personal goals.
I hold a Masters in Counselling from HELP University and have been supporting children, adolescents, young adults and parents in my role as a counsellor. Over the years, my professional experience has spanned a variety of settings, including schools, non-profit organisations, shelters, and private practice. I have worked with younger populations experiencing emotional issues, trauma, behavioural challenges and relational difficulties. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the emotional worlds of children, teenagers, and families, as well as the challenges they face in managing relationships, behaviours, and emotional well-being.
In addition, I have conducted group counselling sessions with children at a shelter as well as facilitating school holiday camp for children. I worked as a tuition teacher for elementary school children whilst I was pursing my undergraduate study and formerly worked as a learning support staff in an international school for a few years. My experience with children has given me insight into their world. I have also received further graduate-level accredited training to enhance my knowledge and skills in working with children as well as their families. I believe that play is the language for children and children can express themselves more fully through play.
Drawing on my experience in both educational and clinical settings, I incorporate play therapy, trauma-informed practices and attachment-based approaches to create a safe environment for growth and healing. I believe that play is the natural language of children and through play, they can express themselves freely and process their experiences. To better support children and families, I have also pursued specialised training and certification in play therapy to strengthen my clinical work.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in a systemic and attachment-based perspective, integrating insights from Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). I believe that our relationships with others are deeply connected to how we relate to ourselves, influenced by our life experiences and attachment patterns. In therapy, I support clients in exploring the underlying needs beneath the presenting concerns. I also work collaboratively with clients to enhance emotional awareness, strengthen self-acceptance and develop more nurturing way of connecting with themselves and with others. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where clients can uncover inner resources, cultivate self-compassion and foster more secure, meaningful relationships.
I am a Licensed and Registered Counsellor with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia) and a Registered Play Therapist with the Association for Play Therapy (APT), USA. As a practicing counsellor and play therapist, I adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association, the Malaysian Board of Counsellors as well as the Association for Play Therapy to ensure that you receive care in line with professional standards. I am also currently working towards becoming a certified counselling supervisor.
I can speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese and basic Malay.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Email: vivian@kinandkids.com.
Education & Professional Licenses/ Accreditation
Masters in Counseling (HELP University, Malaysia)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Southern New Hampshire University)
Other Qualifications/Training
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Essential (24 hours) (2025)
Trauma Informed Play Therapy (2024)
Certificate in Satir Transformational Systematic Therapy (2019)
Professional Licenses/ Accreditation
Licensed and Registered Counselor, Malaysia
Registered Play Therapy, Association of Play Therapy, USA
Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider (In Progress)
vivian@kinandkids.com
Click here to read Vivian’s profile in Mandarin.