Meet Joanne
Joanne Tan
Licensed and Registered Counsellor (KB12595, PA12206)
About Me
English, Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese (Conversational)
Individual & Couples Counselling
LGBTQIA+ affirmed
Education
- Master of Professional Counselling (Monash University, Malaysia)
- Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Monash University, Malaysia)
Certifications
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1) (2025)
- Complete IFS Therapy Immersion: Integrating the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model Across Clinical Applications (2024)
- Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (2024)
- Introduction to Psychotraumatology Workshop (2024)
I know that reaching out for support isn’t always easy. Often, by the time we consider therapy, we’ve been carrying things for a while – maybe longer than anyone knows. I’ve been there too. If that resonates with you, I want you to know that you’re welcome here, just as you are.
Therapy can be a gentle place to find your bearings, heal old wounds, and begin building the fulfilling life you deserve, one step at a time. As your therapist, I strive to support you in navigating your inner world with patience and curiosity. I use modalities that help you understand different parts of yourself and manage challenging thoughts, so our sessions offer both deep insight and tangible strategies you can apply to your daily life.
I work with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, especially those who feel stuck, disconnected, overly self-critical, or burdened by expectations. I have also supported clients through family conflict, childhood trauma, caregiver stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and identity exploration.
I may be the right therapist for you if:
- You appreciate genuine connection, warmth, and honesty without judgment when exploring difficult topics
- You want a space where you don’t have to perform or pretend to be okay
- You’re open to exploring how earlier experiences may be shaping your current struggles
- You’d like a balance of insight and practical tools that you can actually use outside our sessions
- You’re a couple wanting to navigate conflict better, rebuild trust, or deepen connection in your relationship
A little about me: I hold a Master’s degree in Professional Counselling from Monash University Malaysia and come from a background in corporate and Human Resources. Spending years in that world showed me how rarely we make room for genuine connection in our daily lives – so as a therapist, I’m intentional about creating exactly that: a space where you can share openly and find greater self-understanding.
In my personal time, I nurture my own wellbeing through Pilates, hiking local trails, and winding down with a good movie. I also find joy exploring local bazaars and connecting with my loved ones. Tending to myself helps me show up better for you.
If you’re still considering therapy, I invite you to reach out. There’s no need to have it all figured out – just come as you are, and we’ll take the next step together.
Therapeutic Approach
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Person-centered Therapy (PCT)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)
Focus Areas
- Relationship issues (with self and others)
- Childhood trauma
- Family conflict
- Anxiety and Stress
- Workplace-related concerns
- Gender and sexuality
- Grief and Loss
- Life transitions
- Personal growth and self-development
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.” — Brené Brown