Pearlyn Yap, Counsellor
Pronouns: she / her
Hi, I’m Pearlyn, a counsellor who works with children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers.
I believe that therapy should be a place where you feel seen, supported, and gently empowered to reconnect with your strengths and sense of self-worth.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to supporting individuals develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, especially during seasons of overwhelm, self-doubt, or emotional pain. I aim to offer a warm, safe, and inclusive environment where you can explore your concerns with care and respect.
Since 2017, I have worked closely with vulnerable persons who struggle with mental health concerns, challenging behaviours, special education needs (ASD, ADHD), and developmental conditions (mild intellectual disability) through therapeutic group programmes. I have also supported youths living in residential care, which has shaped my sensitivity to trauma, attachment, and the importance of feeling safe in relationships.
My main therapeutic approach is Client-Centred. Depending on your needs, I draw from Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (AF-EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Expressive Play, and Mindfulness-based approaches.
I am intentional about creating a trauma-informed, strengths-based space that is neuro-affirming and LGBTQ+-affirming.
Age groups
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Areas of focus
Anxiety
Depression
Self-esteem
Stress and burnout
Anger management
Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic disorders
- Anger management
- Stress management
- Career counselling
- Relationship issues
- LGBTQ+ issues
- Identity
- Self-esteem
- Social emotional skills
- Grief/Loss
- Working with children and adolescents
- Working with young adults
- Working with neurodivergence
- Anxiety & depression
- Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties
English
I’m a huge cat/animal lover, and enjoy yoga, hiking, water sports, whisking matcha, and reading.
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, “Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.” I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” — Carl R. Rogers
Professional Credentials
Credentials and Additional Training
- Master of Counselling, Flinders University, Australia
- Bachelor of Arts, National University of Singapore
- Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) Part 1 & 2 trainings, by Dr Laurel Parnell at Parnell Institute
- Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Individual (CCTSI), Trauma Institute International
- Using LEGO® in Play Therapy, West Coast Institute USA
- Basic Training in Gestalt Play Therapy, West Coast Institute USA
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Professional Training, by Dr Joel Yang (Social Service Institute)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), by Adj. A/Prof Angie Chew (Brahm Centre)
- “Dealing With Feelings” CBT Programme, Institute of Mental Health
- Advanced Certificate in Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW), TLSW International
- Engaging Reluctant Adolescents Using Motivational Interviewing/Approaches, Social Service Institute
- Understanding Children with Special Needs, Social Service Institute
- Certified Advanced Psychological First Aid, Singapore Red Cross
- Treating Clients with OCD with ACT and Exposure Response/Ritual Prevention, by Daniel J. Moram
- Suicide Intervention Skills Workshop (SISW), Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Certified Equine-Assisted Intervention Practitioner, Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A, USA)
- Diploma in Equine Psychology, Centre of Excellence
Professional Experience
- Certified Practitioner in Equine-Assisted Intervention (EAI) with over 7 years of hands-on experience designing and conducting programmes and workshops for vulnerable children, adolescents, youth, caregivers and seniors (i.e. behavioural challenges, special needs and/or mental health conditions).
- Group work facilitating the development of life skills, such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, stress management, relationship-building, and self-care.
- Volunteer befriender to provide vulnerable persons with social, emotional and practical support.
Professional Membership
- Provisional Clinical Member, Singapore Association for Counselling (D1148)