About Cecilia

Dr Cecilia Chu

Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist (Singapore)
Approved Supervisor (Singapore Register of Psychologists)

Member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)

Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)*

B. SocSc Hons (Psych)

B. Arts (Psych & Soci)

I am continually learning to be helpful as a therapist, embracing skills and qualities of the mind and heart, that research evidence shows improve client outcomes. It is a privilege to know my clients/patients in a personal and deep way, and to walk alongside their journey of discovery and growth towards wellbeing. We mope, cry, be silent, get angry, deal with worries and fears, talk animatedly, generate ideas, analyse success and setbacks, laugh and celebrate together. We are partners through seasons of life, learning to be at ease with whatever life brings.

I train in and continually learn about a variety of treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, third-wave therapies like acceptance commitment therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, narrative therapy, Gottman couples therapy etc, and adapt them to each client/patient flexibly according to their needs.

*Postgraduate specialty training (involving theory, skills, clinical attachments, and original research) to provide comprehensive mental and behavioural health care. It is different from a medical or dental qualification.

If you have complex physical or mental health conditions, I am happy to work with your physician(s) and other healthcare professionals in your team. And also with your family and loved ones who support you in your growth and recovery.

I am fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. And I can understand most Chinese dialects.

I am comfortable working across cultures, having met many people from different walks of life in my corporate career, psychology training, professional work as a clinical psychologist with individuals and organisations, travels to different places, and my daily life in the Singapore community. I remain curious and fascinated by people and their stories.

Other professional interests of mine include clinical supervision of practising counsellors and psychologists, and clinical psychologists-in-training. I am part of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), an international group of helping professionals who seek to improve the quality and effectiveness of consultations with clients about behaviour change - regularly training healthcare and other helping professionals. I am also involved in national initiatives related to the regulation of gambling and the prevention of problem gambling.

Clinical Specialties

Anxiety/Depression/Stress

Eating problems & body image

Relationship issues between family, spouses & partners

Addictive substances & behaviours

Gender & Sexual Orientation

Traumatic events & loss

Reproductive issues: sub-fertility,

assisted reproduction,

pre-/post-pregnancy, sexual difficulties

Health behaviour changes:

smoking, chronic pain, diabetes etc