Master Mental Health for The Grind: Complimentary Talks for You

Sapna Mathews, Senior Counsellor

Sapna believes that all of us, at some time or the other, will hit bumps on the road. When we hit big bumps, we may need a safe, caring space to be listened to deeply and understood. This is where Sapna believes that counselling can play a big part.

Sapna is deeply passionate about being trauma sensitive in her work with her clients. Past trauma can hijack our responses to triggers or stimuli. Learning how to get our power back from the same cycles of “fight”, “flight”, “freeze” and “fawn” responses is an integral part of the recovery process.   She is certified as a trauma specialist and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).

Apart from individual work, she also works with couples using the Gottman Method. Couples need a safe space to work on the bumps in their relationship and to weave a new way to reconnect in a meaningful way.

Sapna is also passionate about working with children using Play Therapy. Children may not have language skills that adults possess and hence may be unable to articulate their feelings. Play therapy helps create a safe space for the child to explore their emotions and deal with feelings that may be linked to an unresolved trauma. Through play, children can learn new coping mechanisms and how to redirect inappropriate behaviours.

In her free time, Sapna loves to watch waves on the beach, finding that perfect cup of coffee or the pursuit of perfectly baked bread.

Professional Qualifications

Master of Arts in Counselling, TCA College (Singapore)

Accreditation and Certification

Registered counsellor with Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Training Parnell Institute of EMDR
Advanced Clinical Training Program in Child Centred Play Therapy (Play Therapy Australia)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy training (Beck’s Institute for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1, 2 and 3)
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual

Amanda Tay, Counsellor

Life would inevitably throw us lemons; and through having a safe space to feel deeply heard, understood, and emotionally supported, Amanda believes that individuals can overcome and lead meaningful lives.

Trained in various fields like Education, Special Needs, Youth & Young Adults, Mental Health and Career Development, Amanda’s approach is integrative. Combining both the art of therapeutic process with evidence-based psychological sciences, she builds a therapeutic relationship between clients and customises her services based on the client’s unique needs.

Through exploration and experimentation, Amanda aims to provide clients with a safe space to process challenges, discover coping strategies, and co-create new narratives on existing issues for personal transformation. With the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy and other schools of therapy, self-awareness and empowerment is developed when clients’ emotional and psychological distress are attended to compassionately.

Professional Qualifications

Master of Arts (Counselling & Guidance), National Institute of Education (NIE) ; Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Postgraduate Certificate in Master of Arts (Special Educational Needs), University of South Wales
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) with Honors, Singapore Management University (SMU)

Accreditation and Certification

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Foundation & Advanced Skills)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Certified
Certified in Career Facilitation Programme
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual

Thomas Tsang, Counsellor

Thomas’s keen interest in counselling started during his long tenure in corporate management since the late 80s. He provided support to many of his peers and staff in dealing with their personal and work-related issues.

When his wife was diagnosed with a chronic illness, Thomas decided to retire early in late 2017 from senior management and pursued his passion in clinical counselling. During his academic study, Thomas tragically lost one of his adult sons to suicide. Struggling to deal with this traumatic event, Thomas learned and healed through many individual and group therapies with the help of a professional suicide prevention organisation.

Having lived through the abyss of grief, sorrow, and even depression, this traumatic experience galvanised and cemented Thomas’ resolve to help the troubled and young people at large. With the support of the organisation, Thomas became an active facilitator-volunteer of support groups for suicide survivors, and an advocate for suicide prevention.

In his professional capacity, Thomas provides counselling with deep conviction and compassion for various issues, including addictions, anxiety, life-transitions, and career coaching. As a father and a caregiver, Thomas is also passionate about helping other caregivers and parents build better relationships with their loved ones and family.

Professional Qualifications

​Master of Arts in Counselling, TCA College.
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics), University of Alberta, Canada.

Accreditation & Certification

Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 1)
Prepare/Enrich for Marriages Certified
Accreditation for Emotional Support to Persons with Potential Suicidality & Managing Suicide Crisis Over Phone
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual

Clifton Tokoara, Counsellor

Clifton is a dedicated counsellor with a passion for empowering couples and individuals to navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. He creates a warm and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood throughout their journey.

Clifton utilises a holistic approach that integrates elements of Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Gottman Couples therapy principles. This blend allows him to tailor interventions to each client’s unique needs, helping them develop effective coping mechanisms, build resilience, and cultivate healthier relationships. Clifton is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring he remains equipped to support clients through their challenges.

Clifton’s passion for history and understanding human behaviour fuels his counselling approach. His fascination with ancient civilisations, from Polynesian voyagers to the rise and fall of the Qing dynasty, adds a unique perspective to his work.

Professional Qualifications

Master of Counselling, Monash University, Australia
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Brigham Young University, Hawaii, USA

Accreditation and Certification

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Emotion Focused Couple Therapy
Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 1 and 2)
Play Therapy
Intercultural Peacebuilding
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual
Prepare/Enrich Marriage Facilitator