Astrid Guillemin

Psychologist-in-Training

Individual
Adults

Book a Session Now

Qualifications

BSc Psych (Hons), MSC (Clin) [In Progress]

Languages

English
French

Clinical Hours

Monday: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday: 8am – 6pm

Fees

Individual Therapy (50 minutes): $50
Individual Therapy (80 minutes): $75

Astrid Guillemin

Psychologist-in-Training

Individual
Adults

About

Astrid is French and moved to Asia in 2019. Prior to her transition to Psychology, Astrid worked for 10 years in finance at a bank, gaining direct insight into the demands of a high-pressure corporate career and the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Having moved several times with young children, Astrid knows what it’s like to face significant life changes while supporting her family. This background enables her to relate to the Psychology practice, especially those going through major family transitions and facing big decisions. Astrid believes that everyone can benefit from support at different stages of life.
Astrid is a mother of three children. She enjoys reading, going for walks, exercising, spending time with her family and traveling.

Specialisations

Astrid works with adults and she specializes in various areas, such as Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Burnout, work-related issues, parenting issues, low self-esteem concerns, anger management difficulties, transition and adjustment issues.

Qualifications and Experience

Astrid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Honours) and is currently undergoing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University Paris 8 (France). She is currently a Psychologist-in-Training at Psychology Blossom. She has several experiences in educational institutions. She has volunteered at an English-speaking institution specializing in neurodivergent children, where she worked on emotional regulation and social challenges. She also assisted a psychologist in a bilingual school, helping to organize workshops for children and supporting parents.

Approach to Therapy

Astrid believes that it is essential for her to provide an environment where patients can feel safe and share their experiences and emotions with confidence. She is committed to working closely with patients, helping them achieve their goals and enhance emotional well-being.
Astrid can conduct clinical assessments in both English and French.

Book Astrid via WhatsApp

Book a Session

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.