In 2013, I started work as a counsellor in a residential treatment centre for teenage girls who experienced chronic and complex abuse. After 4 years, I transited to work as a counsellor in MINDEF, this time seeing mostly male clients in the military environment.
I have worked with clients on issues such as acute and complex traumatic experiences, self-harm, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, sleep issues and adjustment issues. This includes individual counselling, group counselling and telephone counselling. I have also been activated to attend to critical incidences as well as provided training for commanders and operational staff. Since then, I have provided trainings to Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Children’s Homes.
I started to take on leadership positions from 2020. I enjoy managing a team and it has brought me immense pride to see my staff grow in competency, skillsets and confidence to excel in both direct work and take on managerial positions.
I believe that every person has, within themselves, raw strength and powerful resources to overcome any adverse experiences they may have faced, and to become the person they desire to become. I count myself privileged to bear witness to many of such transformations.
I love learning from a wide variety of fields and enjoy tinkering with possibilities of how to integrate them. I am committed to growing in knowledge of updated research, as well as seeking support for my own personal journey, as I encourage others to do the same.
I offer clarity and choice in your journey towards change.
Chrystella
Trainings
Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Trauma Systems Therapy (TST)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Masterclass
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Safety Interventions
Clinical Supervision
Choice Theory Reality Therapy Certified
Applied Suicide Interventions Skills Training (ASIST)
Qualifications
Trauma Systems Therapy Expert (Certified by NYU for practice within HCSA DRTC)
Certified Trainer for Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Safety Interventions
Certified Trainer for Children and Adolescents Needs and Strengths (CANS)
Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)
Certificate in Residential Care
M.A. Counselling and Guidance
B.A. Psychology
Publications
Chrystella was listed as the fourth author in “Effects of the Best Possible Self Activity on Subjective Well-Being and Depressive Symptoms (2016)”, which was published in the Asia-Pacific Education Researcher.
Wong, J., Chua, J., Ho., W.L., Ooi, C., Lo, C., Wong, S.R. (2025, May 11-16). Trauma-informed care to protect youth offenders’ well-being in a Singapore residential home. [paper presentation] The 16th Asian Conference on the Social Sciences. Tokyo, Japan. The International Academic Forum
Professional Memberships
Singapore Association for Counselling, Clinical Member
EMDR Singapore, Full Member
Current
EMDR Singapore President (2024-present)
Past
EMDR Singapore Treasurer (2020-2024)
National Council of Social Services (NCSS) 40-under-40 2021
Management Committee, HCSA Dayspring Residential Treatment Centre
By Appointment only | Contact
Chrystella Lo 