Krisna Malani

Counsellor

Individual
Adults
Children

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Qualifications

M. Couns (Distinction), BA Psych

Languages

English

Clinical Hours

Tuesday: 7am - 12pm, 5pm - 7pm (Online sessions only)
Wednesday, Thursday: 12pm - 8pm

Fees

Individual Therapy (50 minutes): $170
Individual Therapy (80 minutes): $255

Krisna Malani

Counsellor

Individual
Adults
Children

About

Krisna approaches her practice with a multicultural perspective, authenticity, and warmth. She believes that everyone can benefit from support at times, and that no concern is “too small” or “too trivial” to seek help for. Krisna also provides a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for clients to share their stories and explore their challenges.
Krisna establishes strong foundations of trust with her clients while encouraging them to explore the thought patterns and behaviours that no longer benefit them. Her therapeutic style is characterised by honesty, collaboration, validation, and a touch of humour. She considers her clients the experts in their own lives and empowers them to enact meaningful change that aligns with their values and goals.

Specialisations

Krisna is passionate about working with clients ranging from teenagers above 12 years old to adults from all backgrounds with presentations such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Transition and Adjustment, Self-esteem Issues, Relationship Issues, Stress and Burnout, and Emotional Regulation. She is LGBTQIA+ affirming as well.

Qualifications & Experience

Krisna completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from George Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Counselling from Monash University. She participates in regular professional supervision and actively pursues additional training to enhance her skills.

Prior to her career in counselling, Krisna worked in public relations and marketing, where led award-winning campaigns across corporate, boutique, and government sectors in New York City. This experience gives her a profound understanding of the pressures that come with demanding jobs. Having lived between Singapore and the United States, Krisna is adept at working with different individuals. She also has personal insight into the challenge and complexities of adapting to new environments, living abroad, and the unique experiences faced by third-culture kids.

Approach to Therapy

Krisna customises her approach to address each client’s unique needs and objectives, utilising a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based techniques.

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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.