Have a question about working together? You might find your answer here. If not, feel free to reach out – I’m just one email/text away 🙂
The moment you share this, my heart connects with your experience. Maybe the specifics of our negative therapy experiences are different, but I know that sinking feeling all too well – when you reach out for support only to leave feeling worse. Unheard. Misunderstood. Boxed in.
When I sought therapy, I encountered therapists who told me to “lower my expectations” about my goals, judged that I would “relapse” even when I was doing well and projected her own unresolved childhood trauma onto my unique struggles.
These experiences fundamentally shaped how I practice today. Here, you’ll find a space that honors your wisdom and strength. We’ll move forward in a way that respects your experiences and supports your vision for your life, not someone else’s limited expectations of what’s possible for you.
I’ve seen how this fear can stop people (including my past self) from reaching out. Maybe you’ve felt your experiences minimized or dismissed, been made to feel like you’re “too sensitive,” or been rushed to “get over it” or “move on.” Perhaps you’ve had your struggles compared to others who “have it worse.”
I get it deeply. When I sought help myself, I experienced firsthand how judgmental responses can make things worse, not better. It’s why I’ve built this practice differently.
Here’s what makes this space life-giving:
The key difference? Here, you’re more than labels or ‘symptoms’ – you’re a whole person with a unique story to be understood.
This often follows right after the fear of judgment, and it makes perfect sense. Our society has rigid ideas about what’s “normal.” Here’s what I wish you to know:
I’ve openly shared my own harrowing experiences with mental health services to help normalize these fears. When we’ve been through difficult experiences, it’s natural to worry about being judged or labeled.
In our work together, there is no such critical judgment. Your experiences, feelings, and reactions are valid and worthy of exploration. We’ll navigate this journey at your pace, understanding that everything you’re experiencing makes sense in the context of your unique story.
My aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can show up fully as you are. Together, we’ll work to make sense of your experiences in a way that honors your truth and supports your well-being.
Then don’t. It’s absolutely fine not to share😊 This often surprises people, but therapy doesn’t always require telling your whole story or any part of your story (I’m more than happy to listen if you want to share).
Your body carries wisdom about what’s happening, and we can work with that instead:
You’re always in control of what, when, and how much you share.
Absolutely! Opening up to someone new, even in a safe space, takes courage. Remember, feeling nervous means you’re human – and it often means you’re taking an important step in caring for yourself. We’ll take it at your pace, with no pressure to be anything other than exactly who you are right now.
I appreciate you asking this — it’s an important question. The most valuable part of therapy is that it truly helps you.
Here’s my approach:
Want to explore if this approach might work for you? Let’s start with a free, confidential 15-minute conversation where you can get a sense of how we might work together, without any pressure.
Have you ever experienced therapy where:
Here, it’s different. I understand what’s at stake because I’ve been there myself — harmed by the mental health system when I sought help, yet finding my way through to emerge stronger. Through this journey, I’ve learned that real transformation happens when:
This isn’t just another approach to therapy — it’s a way of being that honors you, your complete story and inner knowing.
Want to see more about how these principles come to life in our work together? Check out my ‘How I Work‘ page for a deeper look.
Ever notice how mental health support often feels like something’s missing? It doesn’t have to be this way.
Think of it like this: Most mainstream mental healthcare today works like a repair shop – find what’s broken and fix it (the “What’s wrong with you?” approach). This isn’t because practitioners want it this way, but because it’s how the system is designed. When you’re struggling, your distress often gets categorized into a diagnosis (or clinical impression). It’s efficient, but something vital gets lost along the way.
Then, there’s the trauma-informed approach that asks “What happened to you?” This brings vital compassion and understanding. It helps us recognize how past experiences shape our present and can prevent future struggles. It’s an essential step in healing.
But there’s another question that can deepen our journey even further: “What wisdom already lives within you?” This pro-wisdom approach doesn’t replace trauma-informed care – it builds upon it. While we acknowledge and work with past experiences, we also recognize your innate capacity for wisdom and growth.
Here’s what this looks like:
Let’s say you’re experiencing anxiety. Instead of just trying to make it go away or only exploring past triggers, we get curious about it. Maybe you notice your chest feels tight or your stomach is in knots. As you gently pay attention to these feelings – without trying to change them – you might discover they’re actually trying to tell you something important. Perhaps about boundaries you need to set, or changes you need to make in your life.
This synergistic (trauma-informed and pro-wisdom) approach:
The key difference? When we combine understanding of past experiences with trust in your inner wisdom, something profound happens. By creating space for your natural wisdom to emerge, you cultivate a lifelong compass that you can trust that is uniquely yours.
Does this way of looking at mental health resonate with you?
Have you ever experienced a conversation where you felt completely at home – deeply understood, with insights naturally unfolding as you reconnected with your own inner knowing? That’s what I aim to create in our sessions together.
Our work brings together two vital elements:
I know you might come with certain expectations about therapy – from social media, movies, or past experiences with mental health professionals. Here’s what’s different: while I bring expertise in creating a supportive space, you are the expert of your life. My role is to help you reconnect with your own wisdom and what matters most to you. You can guide our conversations in whatever direction feels right.
Throughout our work together, I strive to create:
“This space is yours – to explore, discover, and find your way forward at your own pace.” — Roxanne Koh
Because authenticity matters to me, deeply. I’m not here to present a polished facade or hide behind credentials, though I admit I’ve done so before. A part of me still sometimes wants to appear credible. But I’m striving to be genuine with you, to show up as my whole self, embracing all my imperfections.
Honestly, being vulnerable publicly is challenging. Opening up about my journey means risking judgment, scrutiny, even rejection. I know this firsthand, especially in professional settings. It’s painful when people you once respected invalidate and silence you. For a long time, I struggled to be open again in public.
But I realized something crucial: When we hide parts of ourselves, we rob others of truly connecting with us. We miss opportunities to inspire and empower each other. How can I invite you to embrace your story if I’m not willing to share my own?
Sharing my vulnerabilities isn’t just about helping others — it’s part of my own growth too. It keeps me humble and reminds me that I’m always learning and evolving. By acknowledging my own humanness, I hope to create a space where we can all show up authentically, without the pressure of perfection.
So even when it’s hard, I choose courage over comfort. I share my experiences— the struggles and the triumphs — because I believe in the power of genuine connection. I want you to know that I’m not just a therapist, speaker, trainer or lecturer (whichever professional role you identify me with) but a fellow human being navigating the complexities of life alongside you.
In this space, I hope you don’t have to filter yourself. You can show up exactly as you are and trust that you’ll be met with empathy, not judgment. Because that’s the foundation for true transformation. Don’t take my words for it. Call me out if I ever judge you critically.
By embodying the compassion and realness I wish for you, I hope to create a ripple effect. If my vulnerability makes even one person feel less alone, it’s worth it. If sharing my journey encourages you to reclaim your own, that alone brings meaning to my experiences.
So, when you see me getting vulnerable, know this: I’m doing it for connection. For honesty. For growth — both yours and mine. I’m doing it to light the way for others and to continue my own journey of self-discovery. I hope you look beyond my story and to yours… To say “you’re not alone” and “you matter.”
I’m doing it to live out my life purpose:
To help others to live the lives they truly desire the most.
You’ll connect deeply with my approach if you:
My ideal clients are often looking for more than just symptom management. While they might be struggling right now, they’re drawn to making sense of their experiences, finding their own rhythm with difficult feelings, and discovering their authentic path forward.
This brief chat gives you a chance to share what brings you here (if you want to share), get a sense of what it’s like talking with me, and ask me any questions that is not answered in my FAQs or elsewhere on the website.
It’s an exploratory conversation to see if we’re a good fit, not a therapy session.
Ever wondered why some therapy sessions leave you feeling worse than when you started? Or why techniques that worked for others don’t seem to click for you?
The difference often lies much less in the techniques, but in how you’re supported to find your own way forward.
Here’s What Makes Our Sessions Different:
Every time we meet, three crucial elements create the foundation for real change:
The focus stays on what’s most important to you.
Beyond Just Talking
What makes our work together unique is that we don’t just talk about your experiences. Together, we can explore how situations live in your body – accessing that deeper knowing that can offer fresh perspectives when thinking alone feels stuck.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
From our very first session, I aim to create:
We start right where you are, with what you’re experiencing right now. Whether you prefer to come prepared with specific topics or would rather see what emerges in the moment – both approaches are welcome here.
Ready to experience a different kind of therapy? Let’s talk about what working together might look like for you.
Let me break this down into two parts:
For Each Session:
A focused 50-minute session gives you space to:
For Your Overall Journey:
From my experience:
The key? You’re in charge of your journey. We’ll check in regularly about what feels helpful for you.
When you’re feeling stuck, it’s tempting to push for quick solutions or follow prescribed steps. But I’ve learned — both personally and professionally — that genuine movement often comes from a different place entirely.
Instead of rushing to “fix” the stuckness, we create a gentle space to explore what’s really happening. Your body holds wisdom that goes beyond what your mind can figure out. Together, we’ll:
This isn’t about following another expert’s formula — it’s about reconnecting with your own inner compass that knows the way.
Let’s start with clarity about the financial side of our work together:
Session Fees (in Singapore Dollars):
Payment Methods:
I reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots because I believe financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to finding the support you need.
Note: Different fee structures apply for GP clinic referrals.
I offer three flexible therapy formats to suit your preferences and needs:
Your journey, your choice. I encourage you to select the format that resonates with you most. Remember, your experience of benefit is key — we can switch formats if needed, ensuring your therapy experience is aligned with your evolving needs and preferences.
If you need to reschedule a session, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance via text message or email. I’ll work with you to find another time that fits both our schedules. While I’ll do my best to accommodate your preferred timing, I seek your understand that availability may vary.
I understand that life can be unpredictable. Here’s how we’ll handle cancellations to be fair to everyone:
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our therapeutic relationship. I am committed to maintaining the privacy and security of all information shared during our sessions. As a professional, I adhere to ethical codes regarding confidentiality. The only circumstances under which I may be obligated to disclose information without your consent are when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or when required by law, such as in the case of a court order. I strive to let you know that I will disclose beforehand.
If you have any concerns about confidentiality or the methods of communication we use, please feel free to discuss them with me openly. I’m committed to finding solutions that prioritize your privacy and comfort.
As a practising mental health professional, I bring a unique perspective shaped by experiencing the mental health system from multiple angles — as someone who has used services, avoided them, and later volunteered, interned and worked across Singapore’s mental health landscape — from hospital to community team to GP clinics.
My friendships with people who’ve shared their deepest struggles with me, including experiences of harm within mental healthcare that often go unspoken, continue to deepen my understanding and keep me humble (of course, they would be kept confidential). Both these shared stories and my past challenging experiences serve as a powerful reminder to provide support that truly benefits people.
My approach is life-giving with a key focus on sustainable well-being. I combine these lived and professional experiences with research-backed perspectives that understand emotional distress as meaningful responses to life situations.
This translates into workplace programs that:
My sessions go beyond standard mental health talks to explore what truly supports workplace wellbeing. You’ll discover:
These sessions combine research-backed insights with practical workplace applications. We explore mental health through a lens that’s both deeper and more grounded in real workplace contexts.
As a practising mental health professional who has full time work experiences across Singapore’s mental health landscape, I design programs that create deeper understanding through:
I offer both in-person and virtual speaking engagements, and can adapt to various group sizes based on your needs. I have experience speaking to audiences of up to 200 people in auditorium settings and am comfortable with larger groups.
Yes. While the core principles — pro-information, pro-choice, and pro-wisdom — remain consistent, I adapt examples and exercises to match your organization’s context and specific challenges.
Both options are available. We can discuss which format would work best for your team’s needs.
Bringing meaningful mental health conversations, be it through speaking engagements or training programmes, to your organization is just a few steps away:
Ready to take the first step towards a mentally wealthier workplace?
Let’s connect and explore how I can support your organization’s unique needs. Reach out today at roxanne@therapywithoutboxes.com or text me at (+65) 88535934 to schedule a complimentary discovery chat.
