Serena Shwe

Counsellor-in-Training

Individual
Couples
Adults

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Qualifications

M. Couns [In Progress], PGDip Counselling Psych

Languages

English
Burmese

Clinical Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 5pm - 7pm
Saturday: 8am - 4pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm (Online sessions only)

Fees

Individual Therapy (50min): $50
Individual Therapy (80min): $75
Couples Therapy (50 minutes): $75
Couples Therapy (80 minutes): $110

Serena Shwe

Counsellor-in-Training

Individual
Couples
Adults

About

Serena’s journey into counselling began through personal experiences with therapy, which helped her navigate roadblocks and improve her relationships. Inspired by her transformative journey, Serena is passionate about assisting others to achieve similar growth and self-discovery. Originally from Myanmar, Serena has lived in Singapore for 15 years. Her diverse professional background includes roles at multinational corporations and start-ups across the Asia Pacific region.

Specialisations

Serena works with individuals and couples, she specialises in a range of areas including relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, attachment wounds, work-related stress, childhood trauma, emotional regulation, perfectionism, transition and adjustment issues.

Qualifications and Experience

Serena holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology where she completed 100 clinical hours as part of her course. Serena is actively volunteering with social services organisations to the elderly, especially those with dementia, and has been actively supporting their caregivers. Serena also has supported youths aged 18-35 at YOUTHLINE, addressing their relationship challenges. These experiences have provided her with valuable insights into various cultural contexts and life challenges, enhancing her ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. Since 2021, she has been actively involved in volunteering with various organisations, gaining extensive experience in individual therapy. This extensive experience, coupled with her ongoing pursuit of a Master’s in Guidance and Counselling from James Cook University, makes her a trusted and competent professional in the field, instilling confidence in her clients. She is certified in Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRT), and has completed Level 2 of this training. She is also expanding on her expertise and receiving training for Person-Centered Therapy (PCT).

Approach to Therapy

Serena’s therapeutic practice is not bound by a single methodology, but rather integrates these approaches to cater to the unique needs of each client. This flexible and comprehensive approach is a testament to her respect for each client’s individuality and her commitment to addressing their challenges. Serena is trained in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, having completed Level 2 of this training. She is also expanding her expertise in Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and utilises techniques from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Internal Family Systems and she values the Psychodynamic and Mindfulness-based approaches.

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Gentle Start-Up in Couples Communication

What is a Gentle Start-up?

Effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and this holds for couples as well. A gentle start-up in communication refers to initiating a conversation with care, empathy, and respect. It’s about setting a positive tone for the discussion, which is essential in ensuring both partners feel heard and understood.

In Asian households, where communication can sometimes be perceived as harsh or direct, the concept of a “gentle start-up” may seem jarring, and unfamiliar. Traditional Asian households often prioritize directness and sometimes even bluntness in communication, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts within couples.

In fact, gentle start-up is actually aligned when the values of Asian households. Many Asian households emphasize respect towards loved ones. In such contexts, starting a conversation gently can be seen as a sign of respect, even if the content of the conversation is a complaint.

Maintaining harmony is a fundamental value within Asian households as well. A gentle start-up not only reflects respect but also serves to preserve the equilibrium within the relationship. Initiating a conversation gently reinforces the importance of the relationship. This approach communicates that the relationship is more significant than any temporary disagreement or frustration.

In Asian households, collectivism and interdependence are deeply rooted cultural values. These values emphasize the interconnectedness of the couple and the idea that their actions and words can impact the entire relationship.

The gentle start-up approach aligns with these values and aims to minimize the emotional impact of difficult moments within the family. By choosing a more respectful and considerate tone, family members can navigate challenging conversations with minimal emotional harm, ultimately promoting healthier and more harmonious family dynamics.

Benefits of Gentle Start-Ups:

Enhanced Understanding:
- Initiating a conversation gently allows both partners to approach the topic with an open mind, fostering better understanding and empathy.
Reduced Defensiveness:
- A harsh start to a conversation can trigger defensiveness, making it challenging to resolve issues. A gentle start-up can minimize this defensiveness, leading to more productive discussions.
Conflict Resolution:
- By using a gentle approach, couples can create a safe space for addressing concerns and resolving conflicts constructively.

In Asian households, the importance of gentle start-ups in couples’ communication becomes evident when considering the cultural dynamics at play. While directness and bluntness have their place, employing a gentle approach can foster understanding, reduce defensiveness, and facilitate healthy conflict resolution. It’s a harmonious blend of traditional values and effective communication techniques that can lead to stronger, more resilient relationships in the context of diverse Asian households.