Celeste brings a rich tapestry of experiences to her role as a clinical psychologist. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London and is accredited by the UK Association of Family Therapy (AFT) as a Systemic Practitioner.
Having lived in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and the United Kingdom, Celeste's diverse cultural background profoundly informs her perspectives and therapeutic approaches. Migration has been a significant part of her life, igniting her interest in understanding how language, cultural beliefs, and social norms influence how individuals make sense of mental health challenges and their coping mechanisms.
Celeste has amassed experience in both public health and private sectors across Singapore and London. Before her doctoral training, she provided psychological support to adults with enduring mental health challenges and substance use at the Institute of Mental Health in Singapore. Upon returning to Singapore, Celeste served as an in-house psychologist at one of the local tertiary institutions, providing psychotherapies for adults and advocating workplace wellbeing through consultations with various stakeholders. Currently, she is actively engaged in academia (lecturing and research) to translate evidence-based interventions into practical and sustainable strategies that improve the public mental health of Singapore communities.
Throughout her career, Celeste has provided psychotherapies to clients of all ages facing diverse mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, work stress, self-esteem, and bereavement. She specialises in helping individuals and their loved ones cope with medical trauma, such as surgical or birth trauma, stroke survivors, and those experiencing mental health difficulties as a result of various health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cancer and diabetes. Celeste is also deeply committed to assisting individuals in navigating the intersectionality of various identities, including race, gender, and sexuality, within the context of mental health.
In therapy, Celeste uses an integrative and trauma-informed approach grounded in compassion and values-focused therapeutic models. Drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, she endeavours to create a nurturing space tailored to each individual's unique journey. Moreover, Celeste adopts a systemic lens. This means she seeks to comprehend how the intricate dynamics between individuals’ relationships, behavioural patterns and life choices are interconnected with the issues they face in their lives. At the heart of Celeste's practice lies a deep-seated belief in each individual's inherent wisdom and resilience. While she brings knowledge and strategies to the therapeutic journey, she recognises that the client holds profound expertise in their life experiences. Therefore, she collaborates with clients with warmth and empathy, guiding them towards the most suitable support that aligns with their needs and aspirations.
Outside work, Celeste finds joy in adventure, whether hiking in nature, travelling to different countries, or delving into the depths of a captivating book or film. Her passion for art fuels her exploration of creativity as she immerses herself in the world of theatre performances, galleries and museums. These varied interests mirror her boundless curiosity and deep appreciation for beauty in life.
* not a medical or dental qualification