Syaza is dedicated to collaborating closely with clients and adopts an evidence-based, transdiagnostic approach. She holds a compassionate and non-judgmental space for them so that they are empowered to reach their goals, improve their emotional well-being, and live a meaningful life.
Outside of work, Syaza has not only resided in Asia, but also in different parts of the world such as Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. Her exposure to multiple cultures has given her a wealth of experience, enabling her to become strongly empathetic towards individuals from all walks of life. Therefore, Syaza has gained further insight into the human psyche and developed mental resilience as a result of living independently abroad, which has fuelled her desire to support others as they pursue self-actualisation.
Syaza completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) at James Cook University and her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at the University of Groningen. She is highly trained in Image Transformation, Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy and advances her professional training by engaging in regular clinical supervision to further hone her clinical capabilities.
Syaza has extensive experience working with children and adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds such as those who come from broken homes, and whose parents have undergone separation or divorce. She volunteered at a crisis helpline centre by providing psychological first aid to individuals in distress. Likewise, the children she worked with had a variety of presentations including anger issues, aggression, developmental delay, ADHD, bullying, tantrums, self-confidence, anti-social behaviour, emotional dysregulation, and adjustment issues. Syaza also volunteered to help individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community in recovery from addiction by serving as a counsellor and using a variety of therapeutic interventions.
Syaza works with individuals ranging from children to adults. When working with adults, she utilises Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. In contrast, Syaza utilises Play therapy including Sand Tray, Art and Storytelling to help children in a safe and nurturing environment. Once a therapeutic relationship is established, she provides intervention by teaching coping mechanisms and ways to redirect ‘inappropriate’ behaviours. Additionally, she provides guidance in activities that promote cognitive restructuring, grounding, self-regulation, and building of mastery and confidence. Syaza believes that play therapy can help parents to better understand their children’s emotions and concerns, enabling them to offer more emotional support or modify any behaviour that is upsetting or stressful for their children.