Psychologists Singapore

Psychologists malaysia
Singapore psychologists at TYHO

Psychologists in Singapore

Find a compassionate listener today!

At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we prioritise excellence and client satisfaction above all else. We’re proud that 98% of our clients have reported that they are happy to endorse TYHO to others.

You are not alone in your journey. Connect with a psychologist in Singapore who understands and values you and your experiences.

Singapore psychologists at TYHO

Find Your Psychologist in Singapore

We urge you to look into the detailed profiles of each TYHO psychologist. You can also refer to our client reviews before deciding.

We provide both online audio/video and in-person sessions. You can find your psychologist’s address in the blue box on their short profile if you prefer in-person sessions. Please click the “Find More Psychologists” button below to view more profiles. 

Psychologist in Singapore, Sweedy Ngiam

Sweedy

Psychologist
Sweedy works with individuals and couples facing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions…
starting from S$ 120
Highly-reviewed Singapore-based online therapist, Punitha Gunasegaran, from Talk Your Heart Out

Punitha

Psychologist
Punitha is an experienced psychologist who specialises in couples therapy, self-harm, addictions, trauma and PTSD, burnout & childhood issues…
starting from S$ 160
Psychologist Singapore - Alexandra

Alexandra

Psychologist
Alexandra is a psychologist who draws on her multicultural experiences to support clients facing relationship, workplace & self-esteem issues…
starting from S$ 160
Psychologist in Singapore, Rathi

Rathi

Clinical Psychologist
Rathi specialises in trauma-informed therapies aimed at healing trauma, childhood relational wounds, PTSD, and associated mood disorders….
starting from S$ 220

How Therapy Works on TYHO

Psychologist in Singapore

Choose a Psychologist

Explore our psychologists’ short videos, profiles, and reviews to find the best match. You can review their expertise, therapeutic approaches they use in their sessions and learn a little about their backgrounds and interests.

Psychologist in Singapore

Book Your Session

In your chosen psychologist’s profile, click the ‘Book a Session’ button to choose the service type, medium, and date. You can view the total cost and availability of your psychologist before booking a session.

Psychologist Singapore Calender

Start Therapy

After payment, you will immediately receive a booking confirmation. Start therapy right from your TYHO dashboard. Work with your psychologist on a structured therapy program with tools like your Therapeutic Plan and Intake Form.

Why Therapy With TYHO?

We help you connect with highly qualified, experienced and empathetic psychologists in Singapore.

Experienced Psychologists

Our psychologists have the expertise to conduct psychological assessments & profiling (subject to availability of tests). They are also registered with the Singapore Psychological Society.

Adaptable Scheduling Options

We know time is precious. That's why we offer sessions in duing the day, after work hours, and on weekends. Plus, you can also schedule a session on the same day as well!

High Client Satisfaction

You are our priority. We have 5-star ratings on trusted platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot for the quality of our service. You may also read anonymous testimonials on our Reviews page.

Convenient Digital Access

Our user-friendly platform helps you book a therapy session in less than a minute. Your TYHO dashboard allows you to view and manage your sessions all in one place – you don’t need to download another app.

Customised Therapy Approaches

Our psychologists use a holistic approach and draw from several therapeutic modalities like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), integrative psychotherapy, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) to match your needs.

Strict Privacy Measures

We follow stringent security protocols like using secure servers and transaction encryptions to protect your privacy. Your psychologist also has an ethical responsibility to keep your sessions confidential.

Psychologists in Singapore: Introduction

What does a psychologist do?

At TYHO, our psychologists’ primary goal is for clients to gain insights into their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. Understanding why you do what you do and how you develop your personality traits will help you navigate your problems, pursuits and relationships.

If you experience situational problems (eg health anxiety, conflicts in your workplace or relationships) or personal issues (like lacking balance in eating, sleeping, or moving) – you can seek help from a psychologist.

Psychologists in Singapore also help with long-term conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),  and trauma. 

Our psychologists use evidence-based approaches like person-centred therapy and choice theory and reality therapy (CTRT) to help you: 

  • Manage your mood
  • Replace negative thought patterns
  • Develop healthy ways to express your emotions
  • Maintain meaningful relationships
  • Overcome procrastination

There are many different forms of therapy, and psychologists will change the approach they use according to your needs and issues.

Psychologists will also conduct research or psychological assessments to identify and diagnose any mental health disorders that you may have. Such assessments may include medical reports, school records, interview responses, etc.

TYHO clinical psychologists (a sub-group of psychologists specialising in psychopathology) can also conduct diagnostic tests (subject to availability of tests).

Diagnostic tests include evaluations of your interpersonal skills, personality traits and cognitive abilities. 

How do TYHO psychologists help during therapy sessions?

How your therapy sessions are structured depend on the specific issue you are facing, your psychologist’s approach and their style of conducting sessions. 

Please be assured that your therapy experience is our topmost priority, and we bring you only the best and most professional psychologists. 

All TYHO psychologists in Singapore have the required qualifications (minimum Master’s degree in counselling), relevant experience, and specialisations in their therapeutic practice. In addition, all psychologists are assessed for soft skills such as being non-judgemental and empathetic. 

Understanding You Better

In general, though, your psychologist will seek to know more about you and ask questions. Your answers would allow your psychologist to form a plan for helping you with the issues you are facing, including setting goals collaboratively with you.

For example, they might ask you about the following:

  • What prompted you to book a session with them?
  • What has been bothering you, and how long has it been since it began?
  • What kind of triggers have you found to aggravate your issues — or what alleviates them?
  • What goals you have in mind, in the particular session or for the long term?

The above questions are only some examples of the interactions you can expect in the initial sessions.

Facing Issues Together

When you attend therapy, you will have a space to solve your problems, and understand yourself better, and improve or develop healthy habits. 

If you do not feel comfortable with your psychologist or feel hesitant to share certain information, please feel free to draw boundaries. You can choose the pace you want during therapy – that is completely okay. Talk to your Therapist about your feelings and set the pace of the session. 

You will eventually begin to feel comfortable with your psychologist. However, you might have to actively work to improve the therapeutic alliance (eg your therapeutic relationship with your psychologist). 

It may take several sessions for your psychologist to get a complete picture of your life experiences, so try to be patient. Try not to rush the process of therapy – you may have years of trauma and distress, and it may take some time to work through all of them. 

Your psychologist will work with you to create a therapeutic plan, especially after your issues are identified. 

For example, your psychologist may use approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Specific tools like role play in CBT may help improve your communication skills, assertiveness, and help you develop meaning and purpose in life. 

Therapy is a very collaborative process (eg requiring your full and active participation), hence, your psychologist will work with you and determine the best treatment approaches for your needs.

What should I tell my psychologist?

The first thing to remember is that there are no off-limit topics except for specific boundaries you agreed on with your psychologist. 

A place to start is discussing your immediate emotions and worries. These feelings could include something that happened in the past hour or earlier in the week. 

For example, you may have noticed:

  • A pattern of avoiding food when you feel sad
  • Poor sleeping patterns
  • Racing and uncontrollable thoughts about your future or past (eg if you constantly think, “What is wrong with me?“)
  • Distress while interacting with people in a social setting
  • Dread when you think about work

You may also wish to bring up feelings that have been bugging you but which you can’t put a name to. 

Your psychologist can help you articulate your emotions and clarify them further.

How Can Psychologists Help You?

What sort of issues do psychologists help with?

The issues a psychologist is equipped to help with can vary based on their training and individual specialisations. 

As such, it is difficult to present a single comprehensive list covering all psychologists. In general, however, some of the issues that TYHO psychologists are trained to help with include the following:

What are some questions to ask a psychologist?

During your first session with your psychologist, you may need help with how to proceed. You may also need clarification on whether your psychologist fits you well or whether they can offer you the support you want. 

Given that the therapeutic journey takes several months or even years, depending on the issues troubling you, it is important to address these questions.

Some questions that you may want to ask your psychologist are as follows:

Do psychologists give advice?

While your psychologist may undoubtedly have their own opinions and beliefs, mental health professionals, including psychologists, avoid providing advice. 

A key idea of therapy is that you are the expert on your life experiences. Hence, the goal is to understand what motivates you and how to make better decisions with guidance and professional support. 

TYHO psychologists avoid providing a ‘quick’ solution, as it usually decreases a person’s trust in themselves. Direct solutions would also incorrectly imply that the psychologist knows your life better than you do. 

To avoid invalidating you, psychologists use various therapeutic techniques to help you gain self-awareness. They also provide tools to cope with life’s challenges, and improve your overall mental and physical well-being. 

Doing so would involve you working together with your psychologist. Together, you will explore different perspectives, identify patterns in thoughts and behaviours, learn new skills to be more confident and assertive and connect with your past experiences.

That said, your psychologist might offer guidance or suggestions based on their professional expertise, especially when managing mental health conditions, stress, depression, or life transitions. 

But this isn’t ‘advice’ in the conventional sense; it’s more about providing evidence-based strategies for managing psychological challenges.

Remember, each therapeutic relationship is unique, and the exact approach can depend on the psychologist’s style, your specific needs, and the nature of the issue you’re dealing with.

counselling in Singapore
Psychologists in Singapore - Two people sitting on the couch with a cup in hand.

What to Expect at the Psychologist

Going to your first psychology appointment might be scary and overwhelming. You are not alone in this experience. Many people feel anxious before starting therapy because they may not know what to expect at counselling. 

Hence, in this section, we will discuss what to expect from psychologists at TYHO. This guide will help you:

  • Ease your nervousness around uncertainty
  • Provide you with invaluable information to improve your therapy experience with us
  • Prepare you for your first few therapy sessions

The first session you have with your psychologist will be similar to breaking the ice between two strangers. 

Your psychologist will have a relaxed conversation with you and try to get to know you better. You can take this opportunity to ask them questions about their experiences, therapeutic approaches, and about their general outlook in life. 

Some of the questions psychologists ask include your background, what work you do or what you study, how you have been feeling the past few days, and your reasons for seeking help. 

Remember, try to be as honest as possible. The more you share with your psychologist, the easier it is for them to tailor their approach to your needs. However, note that you can take your time to talk about things you are not yet comfortable with. 

Some of the areas of life you can discuss in the first few sessions can include: 

  • A bit about your past or current relationships
  • Overview of your emotional struggles, such as feeling low or upset all the time
  • Your short and long-term goals in life and therapy

After your first session, TYHO psychologists might conduct a psychological assessment. Although it might sound intense, assessments are simply a more structured tool to understand you as a person. 

Psychological assessments may include questionnaires, or your psychologist may ask you to engage in certain activities or tasks. For example, they may ask you to fill out a personality test. 

A personality test is a professional method of assessing your traits and patterns of thoughts and behaviours. Most personality tests include open-ended questions and introspective self-reports along with rating scales. 

The psychologist will then use the filled-out form to learn more about your feelings, how you react when you are sad, upset, or angry, and how you solve problems in life. 

If you are looking for a psychological assessment, please contact the TYHO Corporate team before booking a session with a psychologist. 

The process of therapy is complex, unique, and non-linear. During therapy sessions, you will begin to talk about your problems. There are no restrictions to what you can or cannot say to your psychologist. 

For example, you can talk about how you can't sleep at night, overeat when upset, cannot express your thoughts and feelings to your partner, have interpersonal conflicts, or constantly feel like life has no meaning or purpose. 

During sessions, you can expect a lot of talking and exchanging thoughts, active listening from your psychologist, and a genuine interest in your story. Your psychologist will help you:

  • Explore healthy ways to express your emotions (eg through art, music, and writing)
  • Learn skills to become assertive and improve your communication skills
  • Clarify your values, belief systems and thoughts
  • Explore your past experiences in life, including your childhood, and how they may have affected you

Sharing your most private and vulnerable incidents may not be comfortable, but remember that you are in a non-judgmental space. 

Discomfort is a common part of therapy in Singapore, but it’s definitely also a part of the healing process.

Talking to a psychologist or getting therapy is not a quick fix – it's a journey. Over time, you will begin to observe changes in how you think, feel, and react to situations or people. 

The progress might be slow or fast, but the most important point to remember is that every session and every small change you notice in yourself contributes to improving your mental and physical well-being. 

After several sessions with your psychologist, you may start to reach your therapy goals and may even set new ones. TYHO psychologists value their clients above everything else, and they will celebrate your milestones along with you. 

Hopefully, you now have a clearer idea of what you can expect from the psychologist. Please note that the above points may or may not happen in the exact order. 

Sometimes, psychologists may conduct assessments in the first session, or you may even want to talk about personal things immediately. All that is okay and expected. There are no set rules or orders about what to share first. 

Your experience with therapy differs from others because every person, every situation, and every session is unique. The beauty of therapy is also the personalisation involved in tailoring mental health solutions for each individual based on their needs and preferences.

In general, however, the benefits you can expect out of therapy are:

  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Using healthy coping mechanisms to express yourself
  • Improved skills to manage conflicts in relationships
  • Improved your self-awareness and unlearning harmful habits

Please be assured that TYHO psychologists will be with you every step of the way. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a psychologist in Singapore online?

Yes, you can! TYHO psychologists in Singapore who provide online therapy sessions converse with their clients via audio or videoconferencing.

Videoconferencing, in particular, allows psychologists to perform psychological assessments or tests on their clients, as they can read their clients’ facial expressions and body language in real time despite not interacting with them in person.

You can choose a modality based on your comfort level. After a few sessions, if you wish to change your preferences, that is okay. You can communicate with your psychologist regarding your needs and preferences!

Are psychologists regulated in Singapore?

People practising as psychologists are not currently regulated in Singapore. 

Nonetheless, according to the Ministry of Health (Singapore), professional bodies such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) and Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) guide its members’ professional and ethical conduct. 

At the moment, registration with these bodies is not mandatory. However, almost all TYHO Therapists in Singapore are either registered with or are awaiting registration with SAC and SPS.

Is a psychologist a doctor?

While psychologists can diagnose psychological conditions and offer psychotherapy, it should be noted that psychologists do not prescribe medication. 

Most psychologists do not attend medical school and are not trained to provide prescriptions. 

If you require medication, a psychologist may refer you to a psychiatrist.

What is the difference between a general psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

General psychologists (or counselling psychologists) and clinical psychologists share much in common. 

At TYHO, both clinical and counselling psychologists aim to help you work through your emotional difficulties, such as controlling anger and unhelpful behaviours like excessive shopping or drinking, to cope with emotions. 

Both types of psychologists may also use similar therapeutic methodologies and conduct psychotherapy during their sessions.

The main difference between the two types essentially comes down to severity. On one hand, clinical psychologists tend to focus more on managing issues faced by individuals with severe psychological conditions or illnesses. 

On the other hand, counselling psychologists work with clients facing various life stressors arising from interpersonal conflicts, academic pressure or expectations, work or financial stress, family or generational trauma, or mild mood disorders. 

Of course, often, there is a significant overlap between the issues that clinical psychologists and counselling psychologists help with. 

Therefore, choosing a specific type of professional on our platform does not make a significant difference. 

Instead, we encourage clients to consider whether their preferred psychologist will be a good fit for them on the basis of the psychologist’s background, specialisation and approach to counselling.

How do I choose a good psychologist?

A good place to start is to check if your psychologist is licensed. While there’s no mandatory licensing regime in Singapore, the Singapore Register of Psychologists maintains an official register of recognised psychologists here

However, as registration is not mandatory, despite the legitimate credentials held by your psychologist, their name may not be found on the register.

Please note that most TYHO psychologists in Singapore are registered with the Singapore Psychological Society.

You may also want to ensure that your psychologist is a good fit for you. A key determinant is your comfort level with your psychologist and whether you feel at ease around them. 

You can initially book a session with a shortlisted psychologist and try working with them for 3 to 4 sessions to gauge your feelings.

After a few sessions, if you want to change your psychologist, please feel free to do so. Finding the right professional will take time, and you should give yourself the chance and time to find someone who understands you. 

Having the right professional by your side can have profound benefits on your mental wellbeing. 

Some signs that your psychologist may match you well are:

  • You feel validated and listened to
  • You trust them and view them as an ally
  • You have noticed changes in yourself for the better
  • Your psychologist offers a range of possible solutions and is willing to provide suggestions if the current treatment does not work out for you
  • Your psychologist provides you with the tools you need to adopt better habits
What are the signs of a bad psychologist?

Figuring out that your psychologist has ill intentions can be confusing, especially if you are new to therapy and do not know what to look for.

As a guideline, in Singapore, the Singapore Register of Psychologists has a Code of Ethics for psychologists practising in Singapore. 

You can find the full code of ethics here—but in general, some of the general principles are as follows:

  • Your psychologist should give you proper respect. This means being respectful of your values, attitudes and beliefs. Your psychologist should not be attempting to impose their values onto you.
  • Your psychologist should always work for your benefit. They should consider the potential of their actions to impact your life positively and work with that in mind.
  • Your psychologist should maintain confidentiality where possible. Barring legal and ethical interventions, your psychologist should protect your personal information from being leaked. They should also seek your consent before recording or using any personal information.
  • Your psychologist should not discriminate against you based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
  • Your psychologist should also not harass, exploit or engage in an intimate/romantic relationship with you.

If you feel threatened during therapy or find they may have violated some of these principles, raise them with your psychologist. 

Please also reach out to us via email at [email protected] if you need help or assistance.

What qualifications do you need to be a psychologist in Singapore?

At TYHO, we require at least a relevant Master’s degree, training, and experience in therapeutic approaches to provide psychological services.

Can a psychologist diagnose in Singapore?

Yes, psychologists can use diagnostic tests to diagnose mental health illnesses and disorders. 

Can I consult a psychologist for free?

There are several routes you can take to consult a psychologist free of cost or at a low price, including:

  • Your company’s Employee Assistance Program. Check to see if you can avail of therapy services at your company’s cost. TYHO is an EAP provider and is listed with the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore. 
  • Your insurance coverage. Check to see if it includes mental health support or therapy.
  • Your religious organisation. Check if your place of worship provides counselling. Many churches and other religious organisations offer free counselling, including non-religious counselling.
  • Your school or university. If you are a student, your school or university may provide free or low-cost options for counselling.
  • Not-for-profit organisations. Check if they provide free or low-cost therapy options.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

Therapy is a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. You can share your struggles and work towards a goal with a trained professional Therapist at TYHO. On our platform, the term ‘Therapist’ refers to mental health professionals who provide therapy, including counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychologists.

In general, however, psychologists are different from other therapists in that they specialise in diagnosing and treating severe disorders and behaviour problems. Additionally, psychologists can also conduct psychological testing. 

In essence, the main distinction between a psychologist and a therapist is often in their training and therapeutic background. While all psychologists can be therapists, not all therapists are psychologists. 

Regardless of the type of mental health professional they are, all TYHO Therapists are equipped to help with a wide range of mild to moderate mental health issues. 

When assessing who to see for your mental health needs, please visit the Therapists full profile to read about their qualifications, training, experience, and specialisations. 

Most importantly, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable opening up with them and discussing deeply personal issues. 

What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

Psychologists and counsellors in Singapore (collectively called Therapists on our platform) are trained in providing talk therapy to help you improve your mental health and well-being.

In most situations, which type of professional you consult is not critically important. This is because there are considerable overlaps among them for the training they have received, the types of problems they help with, and the approaches they use. 

All TYHO professionals can recognise and help with the more common mental health issues, whether mild to moderate depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or addictions.

Having said that, there are some differences between the type and level of support that will be provided depending on the Therapist you pick. 

Here are some key points to remember:

  • Psychologists have usually studied psychology at a master’s level and are experts in the science behind human emotions, behaviour and mental processes.
  • Psychologists use evidence-based strategies to diagnose and manage mental health illnesses and disorders non-medicinally over the long term. They may also assess, analyse the results, and diagnose psychological or behavioural conditions.
  • Counsellors generally have a minimum of a postgraduate diploma, although at TYHO, all Professional Counsellors all have at least a Master’s in Counselling degree. They are highly skilled in applying integrative therapies to assist people in working through their personal and emotional issues.
  • Counsellors tend to adopt a more person-centred approach that focuses on the overall well-being of their clients when helping them address specific problems. If you want to talk about a specific issue (eg adjustment to a new job, divorce, coping with loss, problems at school, bullying), then a counsellor is more appropriate to approach.
Is it better to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

In general, psychologists and psychiatrists differ on the following points:

  • As mentioned above, psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, however, have trained as medical doctors and can prescribe medication.
  • Psychiatrists can diagnose, manage and provide a range of therapies for psychological conditions. Psychologists, however, primarily focus on providing therapy to their clients, though they can still provide diagnoses.

As such, whether it is best to see a psychologist or psychiatrist will depend on the issues you are currently facing. 

Seeking a psychiatrist may be better if you require treatment and medication for severe conditions. 

However, please note that the choice between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is not mutually exclusive. You can consult a psychiatrist for medication to help manage physical symptoms, such as increasing your appetite, sleeping better, and reducing anxiety-related gastrointestinal problems. 

At the same time, you can consult a psychologist for therapy to manage the psychological symptoms of the same condition. The psychological symptoms could include unhelpful thoughts, feeling hopeless, losing interest in activities once enjoyed, overthinking, or constantly feeling guilt or shame. 

It is also not uncommon for psychologists to offer referrals to psychiatrists and vice-versa.

Uncertain about starting therapy now?

That’s perfectly fine! You’re warmly invited to become a part of our community at TYHO.

Our priority is to ensure a welcoming environment where you can freely discover all aspects of your inner world.

As you take this important decision at your own pace, we encourage you to engage with our community. We offer insightful blog posts, free resources, and interactive events to enlighten, entertain, and inspire.

Psychologist in Singapore - TYHO community. Multiple hands joined together on top of each other to signify unity.

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