Khalid Merbouh

Counsellor-In-Training

Individual
Adults

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Qualifications

PGDip Counselling Psych [In Progress]

Languages

English
French
Spanish
Arabic

Clinical Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 12pm - 4pm

Fees

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

Khalid Merbouh

Counsellor-In-Training

Individual
Adults

About

Khalid is a compassionate counsellor-in-training who believes in the power of empathy and respect for each person’s unique story. Khalid practices from a humanistic approach, where the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of his work together. His approach is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals, focusing on helping you connect with your inner strength and wisdom. With a multicultural background from living and working in Morocco, Spain, China, the UK, and Singapore, Khalid connects easily with individuals from diverse backgrounds. He is fluent in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish.

Specialisations

Khalid works with adults and specializes in helping individuals navigate personal challenges, career transitions, life transitions, work-related issues, self-confidence and self-esteem concerns, stress, anxiety, procrastination and relationship issues. Drawing from his own professional and personal experiences, he understands the complexities of change and is committed to fostering resilience in his clients.

Building Self-Confidence and Healthier Relationship: Struggling with self-doubt or relationship challenges can feel isolating. Khalid empowers clients to rediscover their self-worth, improve communication, and foster deeper, more fulfilling connections with others.

Managing Stress and Anxiety: In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming. Khalid helps clients develop practical coping strategies, manage their emotions, and regain a sense of control over their mental and physical well-being.

Navigating Career and Life Transitions: Whether you’re facing a career change, relocating, or undergoing a significant life shift, Khalid provides support and guidance to make these transitions smoother. Drawing from his own experiences, he helps clients build resilience, find clarity, and embrace change with confidence.

Khalid enjoys working with clients who feel stuck in old habits and are ready to make meaningful changes. Together, you’ll explore the patterns, thoughts, and experiences that may be holding you back, creating space for positive change and greater fulfilment.

Qualifications & Experience

Khalid is completing his Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, building on over 20 years of experience in leadership, project management, and operations. His professional background has honed his skills in communication, empathy, and adaptability—qualities he now brings to his counselling practice.

Approach to Therapy

Khalid’s therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and direct, characterised by attunement to your unique needs. He integrates Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and mindfulness practices, creating a balanced approach that addresses both thoughts and emotions. Grounded in a humanistic and integrative perspective, Khalid honors the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. He also considers the broader influences shaping your well-being, including social, cultural, and political factors. His goal is to help you connect with your inner strength and wisdom, empowering you to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

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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.