Expat Counseling
(Singapore and Online)

Life as an expat in Singapore presents unique challenges. Beyond the initial culture shock of relocating to a new country, expats may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and/or "trapped" without a local community of family and friends to turn to. Speaking to an expat counsellor who has shared similar experiences can help.

What is Expat Counselling?

Expat counselling is a type of therapy aimed at helping expatriates overcome the challenges related to moving and living abroad.

It usually takes the form of individual psychotherapy: one-on-one sessions between you and your chosen therapist, where you can work through any problems you are facing in a non-judgemental and supportive environment.

If you have come to Singapore with your partner and/or your family, then relationship counselling or family therapy may be helpful instead of (or in addition to) individual counselling services.

Expat therapy sessions can be conducted either face-to-face or online.

All matters discussed between our clients and professional therapists are kept strictly confidential.

To make an appointment,
call/WhatsApp +65 9636 8060, email drglenn@counselingperspective.com, or book online to get instant confirmation.

Expats and Mental Health Issues

Research suggests that expats are more likely to develop certain mental health issues compared to those who stay in their home country. This issue exists even in Singapore, which is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world for expats.

Lacking a support network and a sense of belonging in local communities, expats commonly experience painful feelings of otherness and isolation. This can put them at higher risk for health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.

For many expats, work is a source of new connections and friends. However, navigating a new work culture is not always easy, especially if your workplace seems dismissive of your mental wellness. A 2020 survey by Aetna International found that employees in Singapore generally feel less comfortable bringing up mental health concerns at work, compared to their peers in the United States and United Kingdom.

Our Expat Counsellors

Our diverse team of international counselling professionals is empathetic to expats and their individual and cultural needs. As expats themselves, some of our team members are multilingual counsellors who offer counselling services in languages other than English.

Dr. Glenn Graves

Dr. Glenn is an American psychologist and life coach who has been based in Singapore since 2004. He is trained in various evidence-based psychotherapy approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR. He also has extensive experience with intercultural marriage counselling and family therapy.

Dr. Freya Bajandouh

After gaining a master's degree in psychology in her native England, Dr. Freya completed her PhD in New Zealand before settling in Singapore. A strong proponent of positive psychology, she specialises in treating mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and low self-esteem.

Emanuela Koch

Emanuela has a Masters in Counselling and believes that establishing and fostering a solid therapeutic alliance with her clients is an essential enabler of positive change. She is versed in behavioural therapy approaches, including CBT and ACT. She speaks fluent English and Italian, and conversational French.

Dan Crittenden

As a therapist, Dan encourages a non-judgmental safe space where his clients can explore their life's challenges and affect positive change on their own terms. As a father, he understands the challenges of pursuing a career and raising a family internationally. Dan offers therapy services in English and French. 

Claudette Jordan

Claudette is a licensed psychologist (HPSCA) who believes in the transformative power of psychotherapy and coaching to help her clients overcome limiting beliefs. Her expertise includes cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based therapies. She enjoys working with children and families.

Isheeta has a Masters in Counseling and is an advocate for mental & physical wellness. She believes in building a sense of self-acceptance for her clients to lead a happier and more fulfilled life.

Lilian Lee-Cutts

Lili holds a Masters in Integrative Counselling from Leeds Beckett University (UK) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology. She’s known for her warm, accepting, validating and non-judgemental style and works hard to understand the world of each client she sees.



Other Supportive Mental Health Services

We offer different types of counselling, which we can tailor to the unique situations, preferences, and life challenges of our clients. Learn about some of our most requested services for expats below.

Marriage Counselling

Living abroad with your partner is an exciting adventure, but can sometimes lead to relationship problems. The stressful nature of relocating can spark tension, as can the frustration felt by a "trailing spouse" who has followed their partner overseas but cannot obtain a work pass to continue their own career. Attending couples counselling can help to work through these and other relationship issues.

Child Counselling

While children growing up overseas benefit from an expanded world view, they may need help to navigate important life transitions. Our therapists can support children in developing emotional and problem-solving skills. We can also coordinate with other professionals from international schools and educational institutions to treat children for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and academic stress.

Family Counselling

At their core, family dynamics are built on love and understanding. However, even the closest families can have disagreements. Add in the stresses of living in a new culture, and these disagreements can become amplified. We can help expat families to communicate their grievances and feelings and come to healthy resolutions. Sessions can be between parents and kids, between siblings, or involve the entire family.

LGBT Counselling

Being an expat and LGBT at the same time poses a doubly difficult set of challenges. Individuals may be made to feel "different" on two fronts while struggling to establish a support system, leaving them vulnerable to depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns. Our LGBT affirming counsellors are trained and experienced with LGBT issues. We can also provide LGBT couples therapy.

Stress Management

It's normal to feel stress on occasion. Especially for momentous occasions like beginning a new life in a new place, some moments of tension and agitation are to be expected. However, if you are experiencing a stressed state for weeks or months at a time, then it's important to seek professional help. Being constantly stressed puts you at greater risk of developing many different mental and physical health problems.

Alcoholism Therapy

The expat party life can be fun, but the adage "too much of a good thing" exists for a reason. Expats can be vulnerable to alcoholism and alcohol abuse as a means of coping with loneliness, frustration and anger issues that can come from being away from home. Professional support from an empathetic therapist can help to address and heal the underlying pains that excessive drinking can only mask.

Find a Singapore Counselling Centre Near You

We have five convenient physical locations in Singapore for expat counselling.

Counseling Perspective at Raffles Place

9 Raffles Place

#17-25 Republic Plaza II

Singapore 048619

Counseling Perspective at Oasis

87 Science Park Drive

#03-01 The Oasis

Singapore 118260

Counseling Perspective at Katong

112 East Coast Road

#03-01 i12 Katong

Singapore 428802

If you prefer not to or are unable to visit a counselling centre in person, we also offer online therapy services via video conferencing. This allows expats to speak to counsellors in more private settings (e.g. home, office, or anywhere you feel the most comfortable).

We also offer EAP services for counselling, and can conduct corporate workshops at your place of business. Please ask us about how we can support the psychological well-being of your team.

To make an appointment,

Call/WhatsApp us on +65 9853-7253, email us at admin@counselingperspective.com, or book online to get instant confirmation.