Bhavani Deva

Clinical Psychologist

Individual
Adults
Children

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Qualifications

MPsych (Clin), BPsych (Hons), MSPS, MSRP

Languages

English
Tamil

Clinical Hours

Tuesday, Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm

Fees

Individual Therapy (50 minutes) : $248

Bhavani Deva

Clinical Psychologist

Individual
Adults
Children

About

Bhavani believes in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance as a foundation for meaningful and effective therapy, where individuals feel heard and understood in a safe and non-judgemental manner. Her therapeutic style is one that is warm, empathetic and collaborative, with a focus on deeper self-understanding where individuals can make sense of how their life experiences have shaped and continue to influence their thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours.

Outside of work, Bhavani is a mother, entrepreneur and artist. She enjoys practising healthy and optimistic living.

Specialisations

Bhavani specialises in working with clients ranging from children above 9 years old to adults on a broad range of presentations including Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Burnout, Work related issues, Relationship Issues, Trauma and childhood trauma, Grief, Caregiver Support, Emotion Regulation, struggles with Self-Esteem, Life Transitions, Abuse, Phobias and LQBTQ+ support. She can also provide support for those experiencing or have experienced miscarriage, infertility, prenatal and postpartum depression, pregnancy, menopause and health challenges.

Qualifications and Experience

Bhavani completed her Bachelor Degree in Psychology (Honours) and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed and registered Clinical Psychologist with the Singapore Psychological Society.

She has worked in the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), hospital, community and school settings and is experienced in providing psychotherapy to clients across all ages. Furthermore, Bhavani has worked closely with parents to promote positive parenting behaviours and reduce caregiver stress.

Approach to Therapy

Bhavani is trained in providing a variety of psychotherapy modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) & Mindfulness. Overall, she employs an eclectic approach to best address concerns for therapy meaningfully and sustainably which empowers clients to redefine their relationship with themselves and the world around them at their own comfortable pace.

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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.