The focus of this blog is to educate and inform people who are interested in psychology and/or wish to pursue a career in psychology, i.e. to be a psychologist or any other related career, in Singapore and surrounding countries in Southeast Asia.
This blog is not affiliated to any psychological association or societies (such as the SPS or SRP in particular). Some of the topics mentioned may be controversial and not similar to the common thoughts of the local psychological community. If you feel offended by any of the topics, you have the choice of clicking the "X" at the top right of your browser window. I hereby apologise beforehand if you are affected by any topic in any way; however that does not indicate my serious attitude towards the written topic.
This blog is not affiliated to any psychological association or societies (such as the SPS or SRP in particular). Some of the topics mentioned may be controversial and not similar to the common thoughts of the local psychological community. If you feel offended by any of the topics, you have the choice of clicking the "X" at the top right of your browser window. I hereby apologise beforehand if you are affected by any topic in any way; however that does not indicate my serious attitude towards the written topic.
About SG Psych Stuff
SGPsychStud - Why? Why the blog?
SGPsychStud's take on education
Reflection after 2 years of blogging
What is SGPsychStud's role?
SGPsychStud's reflections: Getting a psychological-related career in Singapore
SGPsychStud: R.I.P. Robin Williams [A reflection from Patch Adams(1998)]
Another Reflection at 4 Years and Collaborations for a Better Future in Psychology
SGPsychStud - The Mission Statement
Read the posts by the SG Psych Stuff team: Highlights from SG Psych Stuff team
Read the posts by the SGPsychStud: SGPsychStud's thoughts
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Meet the team
From 2011 to 2015, SG Psych Stuff was managed solely by Carlin (introduction below). From 2015, the team has been expanding and as of 2020, we currently have 6 members in the main team. Scroll to find out more about them!
SGPsychStud
SGPsychStud
A lot of readers think that I am Dr Majeed, because of the most famous and most read post in this blog. However, I am not. My name is Carlin, a psychology educator/practitioner moving between teaching and counselling positions in the tertiary education sector over the last 10 years in Singapore and Australia. Other than a Masters in Applied Psychology, I also hold several other certifications in counselling and coaching. I see myself as a curious and passionate learner, with the love of educating and helping students (and in the midst, influencing psychology students in Singapore for greater changes in the future!). Feel free to ask any questions regarding the psychology scene! I love questions!
I started SG Psych Stuff in 2011, hoping to improve psychology in Singapore and assist students, like yourself, in your journeys in psychology. From a 1-man team in 2011, we have flourished to having different SG Psych Stuff team members overseeing different functions. They will be introducing themselves below.
Personally I do hope to see more recognition of psychologists as a professional in Singapore, and not restricted only to the common understanding of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. This in turn may probably result in accreditation of psychology programs in Singapore (I hope!). To understand more about accreditation, please read these posts:
1. What we need NOW in Singapore psychological education and training system
BrenBren
I graduated from UCL Institute of Education in MSc Psychology of Education in 2013. I have worked in social service sector before in helping cancer patients and family who are in need. Trust me, networking is greatly needed in this sector so you know exactly where you can seek help from for the families. Currently I am working in the education sector, mainly with students who have learning disabilities or special education.
As for myself, I love travelling and to experience different cultures. I also do art and craft and music during my leisure time. I am a great listener to my friends when they need someone to listen to them.
I hope Singapore could provide more opportunities for fresh graduates to have practical experience, rather than only filling us with theoretical concepts. A more inclusive environment for them would be of great opportunity to grow professionals (well, of course, with proper guidance and certifications).
Jerry
By training, I’m a counselling psychologist. I graduated with a Masters degree in Counselling from Monash University (Australia) in 2010 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) in 2005. I see myself as an individual with diverse and cross functional expertise as an educator, psychologist, counsellor and youth-worker, with over ten years of experience in working with youths and young adults; specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
I have worked in many different environments, from one to one and group therapy sessions, to classroom lessons with Normal (Academic and Technical) stream students in secondary schools, to polytechnic student, to conducting motivational workshops and giving talks on at-risk youths or mental health to adults and professionals. I am also currently a full-time Psychology lecturer and counsellor, as well as a volunteer Defence Psychologist.
When we use the term Psychologists in Singapore the perception is that it often refers to clinical psychologists. I hope to see an inclusivity in the recognition of psychologists from other fields like organisational, counselling, forensic psychology, as well as psychologists who chose the path of education (teaching) in psychology.
Jon
Hello everyone, my name is Jon and I'm currently pursuing my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation at the University of Sydney. I am also working part-time as a research assistant at the Institute of Mental Health, and am part of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
In my free time, I am an active volunteer at the Institute of Mental Health and lead a group of passionate youths to serve the mentally ill. I am also involved in mental health advocacy and work to promote the field of psychology in Singapore.
I would really like to see more integration and cooperation within the Singapore psychology scene as I believe the only way we can move forward as a field is to put aside our differences and work together. This would mean that the various fields of psychology (clinical, organizational, forensic, etc.) would need to come together, share their experience and good practices within each of their fields so we can establish a proper framework from which future psychologists wishing to enter the field of psychology can adhere to.
Xav
Hello! My full name is Xavierlyn but I prefer people to call me Xav. I graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2020. I'm currently doing my Social Work Graduate Diploma at the National University of Singapore while balancing full-time work as a case manager in the healthcare sector. I manage the SG Psych Stuff social media accounts and generate design content, occasionally writing for the blog as well. Aside from SG Psych Stuff, I actively volunteer at the Institute of Mental Health and lead the largest volunteer group in IMH to serve the residents volunteer group there (with Jon). I am passionate about issues relating to elderly mental health (e.g. depression, neurogenerative diseases in old age) and psychological dimensions of end-of-life care. I aspire to work as a medical social worker and hope to be able to use my experiences to mentor youths curious and passionate about eldercare issues.
During my free time, I enjoy journalling, knitting, reading and exploring new places. I enjoy meeting new people and learning more about their perspectives as well so if you're keen on discussing more about the issues mentioned above, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn! :)
Jas
Hello, everyone! My name is Jasmine but I go with “Jas” for short. I am graduating from Nanyang Technological University with a degree in Psychology in May 2020. In SGPsych Stuff, I mainly help out with publicity and social media management (hello, Xav! <:). Occasionally, I write as well. My passions lie in the realm of applied psychology (I know, this is pretty broad), because I love the process of using theories to formulate solutions for real-world issues. I relish the experiences I have had both in research and working with vulnerable populations on the field. Recently, my interest in counselling was also piqued after applying basic counselling skills as part of my thesis. Eventually, I hope to pursue a Master’s degree in some form of applied psychology. I hope to continue to grow as a researcher and a psychologist to effect concrete changes in the lives of vulnerable populations. My current fields of interest lie in forensics, resilience and community psychology.
Outside of academics, I love volunteering and meeting people from all walks of life. In my final year of undergraduate studies, I have been blessed to be given the opportunity to befriend and tutor children from Singapore Association for the Deaf. The experience has taught me about the importance of bridging the gaps in society and empowering individuals to do their best to improve their circumstances. Also, working closely with fellow passionate volunteers has been deeply humbling for me. Additionally, I love art and design (explains why I am in a publicity role). I enjoy utilising it as an informative medium to raise awareness of psychology and social issues.
Rachel
I am a passionate advocate for mental wellbeing. I first cut her teeth in the editorial industry as a magazine writer, and is currently a Content Strategist for The School of Positive Psychology.
Always curious and ready to learn, I believe that sharing stories of hope will help to strengthen resilience in individuals and communities.
In my free time, I love to indulge in the joys of music, dance, and flow arts.
Sam
Hello! My name is Sam, and I spent eight years in the arts and advertising industry before making the switch to join the social services in 2018.Since the change in career, I have provided care to destitute individuals with psychiatric diagnoses; and worked with horses to develop self-efficacy, impulsivity management, confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness in youths and individuals with additional needs. I am currently working in psychiatric healthcare, supporting the allied health team and providing clinical therapy services to patients. My dream is to be a multi-disciplined practitioner as both a registered clinical psychologist as well as a counsellor and set up a centre that provides affordable mental health services to the community. I know that it’ll be a long academic and clinical journey, but as long as I give my best, I’ll have no regrets.
I enjoy statistics, research, puzzles, board games, and strategy games. I also love to grow various species of ferns and orchids, as well as keep fish and aquascape. Last but not least, I have a tuxedo cat named Mono, who gets really emotional while birdwatching.