About Me
I’m Here to Help.
As an experienced clinical psychologist, I bring over 12 years of experience to help you enhance your psychological well-being and overall quality of life. I worked with a diverse range of clients in a number of settings, including private practices, public and private psychiatric hospitals, outpatient programs, and universities. I have been providing individual and group-based therapy using a range of evidence-based interventions.
I established a succesful private practice nestled in the heart of Fitzroy North, Melbourne, Australia. However, in 2019, I made the bold decision to close my practice and start a new chapter in Singapore. My passion for exploring diverse cultures and lifestyles led me to this exciting crossroads.
Over the course of nearly four years, I was a Lecturer at James Cook University, Singapore, James Cook University, Singapore, where I had the privilege of guiding and mentoring students in the prestigious Master of Psychology (Clinical) program. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to share my expertise and shape the next generation of mental health professionals.
Today, I am deeply honored to fulfil the role of the Clinical Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy at the School of Positive Psychology in Singapore. I find great joy and purpose in my role, which enables me to make a meaningful impact on the field of psychotherapy in Singapore. Simply put, I love what I do, and I am dedicated to helping individuals to progress to greater well-being, self-discovery, and self-realisation.
I am offering help for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, trauma, and stress.
My Background
Qualifications
- Doctor of Psychology (Clinical; Child, Adolescent and Family Stream), Monash University, 2008 – 2012
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, University of Melbourne, 2007
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology, University of Melbourne, 2004-2006
- Specialist Degree in Applied Linguistics -Kharkiv National University, 1994-1999
I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Singapore Psychological Society (SPS), and I am endorsed for the practice of clinical psychology by the Psychology Board of Australia. I am also Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.
My recent publications:
- Demutska A and Kiropoulos L (2021) Depression and anxiety symptoms in Russian-speaking skilled immigrants living in Australia: a comparison with Anglo-Australians and Russian-speaking non-immigrants. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 84, pp. 1-11, DOI:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2021.06.008.
- Quek S, Loo E, Demutska A, Chua C, Kew G, Wong S, Lau H, Low E, Loh T, Lung O, Hung E, Rahman M, Ghoshal U, Wong S, Cheung C, Syam A, Tan N, Xiao Y, Liu J, Lu F, Chen C, Lee Y, Maralit R, Kim Y, Oshima T, Miwa H, Pang J and Siah K (in press) Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, , DOI:10.1111/jgh.15466.
- Shah S, Xiu Ling Loo E, En Chua C, Sen Kew G, Demutska A, Quek S, Wong S, Lau H, Low E, Loh T, Lung O, Hung E, Rahman M, Ghoshal U, Wong S, Cheung C, Syam A, Tan N, Xiao Y, Liu J, Lu F, Chen C, Lee Y, Maralit R, Kim Y, Oshima T, Miwa H, Siah K and Pang J (2021) Association between well-being and compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures by healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 16, Article: e0252835, pp. 1-16, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0252835.
- Shefaly S, Demutska A, Chan V and Tien Ho Siah K (2021) Adults living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a qualitative systematic review. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 140, Article: 110289.
My Approach
I have extensive training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-focused therapy, Mindfulness-based techniques, Compassion-focused therapies, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). These therapeutic approaches are rooted in distinct theories and employ various techniques to guide you towards well-being. The most successful therapeutic approaches typically involve addressing thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behaviors, both during our sessions and in the time between them.
How do I choose the way I work with you? I take time to understand you and your concerns. I listen, ask questions, explore what is working and what is not working in your life. I ask about your goals and what you would like to change. I listen carefully to your answers to see if I can identify unmet needs, underlying emotions, and unworkable behavioural patterns. We discuss expectations, and I share my understanding of your problems and my plan on how I can help you. I also work at a pace that suits you and regularly check in with you on the progress. Sometimes, the solution I propose can seem counterintuitive or paradoxical. For example, I might ask you to engage more with a feared situation that you are trying to avoid. I present my rationale so you can understand my suggestions.
My aim is to assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, fostering self-compassion, building inner strength, reducing reactivity, and enhancing awareness of your inner experiences and choices. All of this empowers you to lead a fulfilling life. Ultimately, I aspire for you to reach a point where my guidance is no longer necessary.