Clémence Bain

Clinical Psychologist

Qualifications

MPsych (Clin), BPsych (Hons),

PGDip (Ericksonian Hypnosis), PGDip (End-of-Life Care)

Languages

French

Clinical Hours

Monday, Friday: 9am-1pm

Wednesday: 1pm-5pm

Fees

Individual Therapy (50 min): $200

Clémence Bain

Clinical Psychologist

About

Clémence is a French-trained clinical psychologist offering psychological support to French-speaking expatriates. With a deep understanding of the emotional and cultural challenges of living abroad—including identity shifts, isolation, cultural adjustment, and major life transitions—she provides a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space where individuals can feel safe, heard, and supported

Specialisations

Clémence works with adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

Emotional stress (personal, professional, or family-related)

Burnout and loss of direction

Anxiety and stress management

Depression and mood disorders

Life transitions (relocation, career change, separation, grief)

Perinatal and parental support

Relationship and family difficulties

Chronic health conditions (e.g. cancer, chronic pain, sleep, respiratory issues…)

Psychological disorders (panic attacks, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder)

Trauma, abuse, and grief

Support for caregivers and individuals facing long-term illness

Qualifications & Experience

Clémence completed her Bachelor of Psychology with Honours and her Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the Institute of Applied Psychology (IPSA), Catholic University of the West, France. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in France with over 10 years of experience across hospital and private practice settings.

She began her career at Foch Hospital (Suresnes), where she worked for more than a decade across several specialised departments including pulmonology, oncology, and intensive care. In each unit, she provided psychological support to individuals experiencing complex medical conditions, trauma, and end-of-life care.

Since 2017, Clémence has also maintained a private practice, offering psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Her clinical approach is integrative and tailored to individual needs.

Clémence holds Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) in Ericksonian Hypnosis (Université Paris-Est Créteil) and End-of-Life Care (Sorbonne University), both completed alongside her professional practice. She also continues to build her expertise through regular participation in training programmes, conferences, and webinars with institutions such as APPEA, GHU Paris, and Pluradys.

Therapeutic Approach

Clémence adopts an integrative and culturally sensitive approach, adapting her methods to each individual’s unique background and needs. Her practice combines: Psychodynamic and analytic frameworks, Humanistic and systemic approaches, RITMO, PNL and Ericksonian hypnosis techniques, Cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

She adheres to the highest ethical standards as defined by the French code of ethics for clinical psychologists, ensuring: Strict confidentiality, A respectful and non-judgmental environment, Clear professional boundaries, Regular supervision and ongoing professional development.

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.

Meet Our Expert Team Members

Clémence Bain

Qualifications

Languages

Clinical Hours

Fees

Clémence Bain

About

Specialisations

Qualifications & Experience

Therapeutic Approach

Book Clémence Bain via WhatsApp

Gentle Start-Up in Couples Communication

What is a Gentle Start-up?

Benefits of Gentle Start-Ups: