How I Built a Practice Around Privacy and Real-World Danger
I'm a Level 7 Registered Psychotherapist with a psychology degree (honours) and masters in counselling (distinction). Over the past decade, I've built an international practice serving clients across 20+ countries—including many where seeking therapy or being LGBTQ carries genuine life-or-death risks.
One-third of my clients are gay in places where that's a death sentence. Others are escaping abusive relationships or navigating high-stakes professional situations where privacy isn't just preferred—it's survival.
The Story That Changed Everything
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| Ellen, therapist |
I didn't start out planning to be a therapist. When I was 18, the university admissions office ticked the wrong box and gave me Psychology instead of Accounting. I thought I'd switch after a semester, but got hooked and ended up majoring in Psychology instead.
After university, I spent years working internationally in the family business (civil and defence contracting), living in Spain and Indonesia before settling in Malaysia with my husband Tom. I built a successful content business and wrote 4,000 articles worldwide.
Then in 2014, Women's Weekly asked me to write a feature on rape and sexual violence. What I heard made my blood boil: women being attacked in their homes, on the street, in taxis—then blamed by authorities and family for "asking for it." Support existed, mostly through feminist NGOs, but abuse was taboo. Some survivors didn't know help was available.
That article helped tens of thousands of women. It also changed my life.
I realised I wanted to do more than write about these issues—I wanted to provide direct support. So I pivoted. Six months later, I signed up for a Master's in Counselling with one goal: to train properly so I could offer a safe, trauma-informed space for people living with the aftermath of violence.
My Training Focused on Real-World Impact
My psychology degree gave me a solid foundation in science, critical thinking, and mental health theory. The Master's helped me refresh that knowledge and focus on practical support.
My placements were deliberately chosen for their relevance:
• All Women's Action Malaysia (AWAM): Supporting survivors of rape, abuse, incest, domestic violence, and harassment
• Dresser-Rand–Siemens: Career stress, redundancies, cross-cultural communication, workplace mental health
• Asia Pacific University (APU): International students and staff dealing with anxiety, depression, loneliness, identity issues, and personal growth
I also completed additional training in Online Therapy and Counselling, knowing I wanted to serve clients regardless of geography.
Building a Practice That Puts Privacy First
In 2016, I launched my fully online practice with two core principles: extreme privacy and practical trauma recovery.
Today, I work with clients worldwide. Half are adults recovering from historic abuse—incest, rape, trafficking, violence. The other half are professionals who need a genuinely confidential space to think, plan, and decompress. As one client put it: "I dump all my angst on you and then go home to be with the people I love."
I choose not to pursue traditional accreditation because I'm heavily invested in my clients' privacy. When your clients include people whose lives depend on confidentiality, you don't hand over notes to supervisors or professional bodies.
Why This Work Matters
Having lived in countries where being LGBTQ was criminalised, I understand the real-world consequences when privacy fails. This work can be tough, but it matters enormously. I'm also fortunate to still write columns for The Star newspaper in Malaysia—staying connected to the issues that drive my therapeutic work.
Ready to Talk?
If you need therapy that genuinely respects your privacy—whatever your circumstances—I'd like to help. Whether you're dealing with trauma, navigating a dangerous situation, or simply need a completely confidential space to think and plan, let's discuss how I can support you.
The first 15-minute consultation is free and completely confidential. No commitment required.
