Senior Educational & Developmental Psychologist

Freda Sutanto

I am a registered psychologist with a Master in Psychology (Educational and Developmental) from Monash University. Since 2008, I have been conducting assessments and providing therapy in various settings, including schools and a pediatric hospital.

My professional areas of interest are learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia), internalizing issues (e.g. anxiety), and social-emotional intervention, as well as the diagnosis and management of developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I am passionate about using fun and creative ways to build rapport with children and teenagers. I also appreciate that community collaboration is key to positive outcomes. Therefore, I aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment in my sessions, where I work together with the child, caregivers, and other professionals to set goals and support the child.

Prior to commencing tertiary studies in Australia, I attended both local and international schools in Singapore and am thus familiar with both systems and educational approaches.

Psychologist

Kit Kwan Lim

I have been a practising educational psychologist for more than 15 years and have extensive experience in psychological testing, assessment, and intervention. The clientele I work with include those with autism, ADHD, learning differences, intellectual disabilities, behavioural challenges and emotional vulnerabilities. I have practised in both special education, and mainstream, settings.

In my role as a psychologist, I enjoy helping to identify a child’s learning profile, strengths, and support needs, through a robust, and thorough, assessment process. I also enjoy supporting their development, healing, and self discovery, by providing hands-on therapy.

I believe that good educational psychology support involves more than psychometric assessment and testing. It involves listening to the child, and getting their perspective, gathering valuable information from others who hold significant positions in the child’s life, and being able to help advocate for that child’s needs in their natural environments.

At times, it also requires deciphering what is unspoken, uncovering hidden strengths, and recognizing masking behaviours that seemingly help a child cope in the short-term, but at significant cost to their emotional wellbeing. Through this process, a truly individualised, and collaborative, intervention plan can be created.

I strongly believe that in building a sincere, and trusting, partnership with a client, their family, and other professionals involved, I can provide the best support possible during challenging moments in a young person’s life.

I look forward to working together with you and your child.

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Belinda Teo

I began working with children and youth in 2002. I am a registered clinical psychologist who obtained my doctoral training in the US with a speciality in pediatric psychology. I completed my residency in a state hospital for children and adolescents in Michigan. Prior to this, I was a trained teacher, and school counsellor with the Ministry of Education, Singapore.

I have worked with a diverse population in both Singapore and the US, across a range of settings such as community-based clinics, schools, university clinics, and a neuropsychiatric hospital. In addition to my clinical work, I also teach and provide clinical supervision.

I enjoy supporting children and adolescents with issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders and identity confusion. I also support children and young people who present as neurodivergent including those with autism, ADHD and learning differences such as dyslexia. In addition, I have experience working with children who have, or are currently, experiencing trauma and stress.

I provide strategies, and training, to parents and caregivers of children who present with complex behaviours that are challenging to manage, and create stress within the family.

I adopt a strengths-based and integrative mind-body perspective to address the needs of the child holistically. Collaboration with others in the child’s home and school life is often crucial to therapeutic success. I use evidence-based interventions that are predominantly art/play-based for younger children, and a more traditional counselling approach for adolescents.

I believe each child has the potential to thrive in a supportive, and nurturing environment, and am committed to contributing positively to their wellbeing.

Psychologist

Chong Ning Xin

I am a psychologist and have been supporting children since 2011. My colleagues and clients call me Ning. My previous roles have included research assistant at the National Institute of Education and clinical roles as a psychologist in both schools and private practice. I currently also hold a position as an associate lecturer.

I enjoy working with children, and adolescents, who need help with their emotional wellbeing, mental health, social vulnerabilities, and learning differences. My expertise also includes conducting full psycho-educational assessments to determine a child’s strengths and identify any areas that may be impacting upon their learning.

Professionally, I am particularly interested in helping young people manage anxiety, including school anxiety, as this is frequently misunderstood and labelled as a ‘behavioural’ challenge. Anxiety can often lead to situational mutism, school refusal, and non-compliance. I feel strongly that clearly identifying a child’s needs helps us to understand the reasons behind behaviours, and allows us to support them in more compassionate, and respectful, ways.

When working with young people, we need to consider their natural environments and determine what factors in these environments may be overwhelming the child. This requires an inquiry-based, client-centered approach, with family partnership and support as part of the process.

Within my therapeutic sessions, I use evidence-based interventions, focusing on art and play as mediums. This, and a child-led approach, helps children to feel safe and respected. Developing a trusting relationship is key, and I am described as ‘genuine and approachable’ by my older clients and ‘fun and easy to talk to’ by my younger ones.

I put a strong emphasis on collaborating with other professionals, where appropriate, for information gathering, knowledge sharing and goal planning, as this leads to more successful outcomes.

I see educating, and being educated by, others as very important in my clinical role and provide training workshops to parents and other professionals.

Azmi, Father of Zikri (5 years old)

When first arriving in Singapore, my wife and I were looking for a positive environment where our son, Zikri, could grow and enjoy learning. He was three years old at the time, had difficulties with communicating and had other issues that required additional help and support. We discovered Kaleidoscope and felt that with its long history and experience of over 15+ years, it would be the ideal therapy centre to help him.

From the beginning, the team greeted us with a warm welcome and the whole process of enquiring, applying and assessments was smooth and stress free. We were pleasantly surprised with the many different indoor gyms that we just knew Zikri would love to play in and explore. We were impressed and knew it was the best option for our child.

What attracted us to Kaleidoscope was the intimate settings of the centre, small class sizes, and student to teacher ratio which gave us the reassurance that Zikri would get the proper support and attention he needed.

As this was a new school environment for Zikri, all the teachers helped to reduce his anxiety and made him feel welcomed from the start. Needless to say, our son settled in extremely well.

The main highlight that we have experienced over the two years here is how we personally have been so satisfied with the quality of their teachers and therapists. They are all very passionate in their work, extremely approachable, show genuine concern in wanting to help the children and above all, they genuinely aspire to be a part of Zikri’s growth and progression. From the class teachers to the different Occupational and Speech therapists, everyone here knows all the children and works hard to help each child thrive and reach their fullest potential.

We are so grateful that Zikri gets to experience the joy of learning and we love seeing his smiling face in the mornings to get to school. He has grown so much the past two years, he is more communicative to everyone , more aware of his surroundings, his teachers and his peers. We are so happy with his progress!

As a parent, we completely understand how hard it was at the early stages of looking for a trusted therapy centre that truly understood our child’s needs, and from our experience, we wholeheartedly would definitely recommend Kaleidoscope to other parents who are going through a similar situation as us.

Thank you Kaleidoscope for not only helping Zikri but also for helping us parents to also understand our children better.

Shirisha & Krishna, Parents of Kirthik (5 years old)

Thank you for your wonderful teaching and behaviour therapy methods, which transformed my son from non-verbal to a verbal child. When my son joined he had no words in his repository except for baby talk even at 3+ years age. We could still remember the first word “more” with actions, we were delighted to hear that at the time. Now it is hard to stop him from singing or repeating words except he needs to come out from Echolia.

We still remember the different types of blow whistles given to us to strengthen my son’s jaws muscles and also air blowing. His behaviour changed significantly from a tantrum throwing boy, to much more calm down version. Although there is still a long way to go, this has given us hope that better days are ahead.

We would like to thank Kate, Judith, Sharon and Zanel for their wonderful insights and efforts put in that enabled my son to improve in speech and behaviour.

Thank you, Kaleidoscope.

Psychology and Counselling For Kids Of All Ages

We Help Children With



Academics and Learning



Emotional Regulation



Social Differences



Variable Attention



Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders



Trauma and Stress



Gender Related Issues



Anger and impulsivity



Note: We do not require an official diagnosis.

What does Psychology & Counselling look like?

A clinical psychologist is a highly trained professional who is able to assess, diagnose and treat people with behavioural, emotional, and mental health issues. Counselling is one of the treatment options that they can provide. Other options include art or play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and family therapy.

Processes

Helping you decide if we are a good match

Psychological and counselling support requires a high level of trust and connection between therapist and client. We offer new clients the opportunity to talk to our psychologist by phone as the first step, to ensure we can provide the support you are seeking.

Scheduling an initial consultation

If you feel we can indeed help, the next step is to organise an initial consultation. (Often parents attend without the child) This is an information sharing session. You may have been asked to complete a questionnaire or to share any previous reports, which also helps with this part of the process. The psychologist will then be able to advise you on the intervention that will best suit your child.

Planning and implementing intervention

The support offered could involve weekly sessions, or consultation sessions when needed. It may also involve an assessment process or collaboration with other people in the child or young person’s life. Approaches may include counselling, play-based therapy, family therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy; our psychologist has many tools in her tool box.

Pricing

Per hour

Starting at $190 + GST

Our Psychologists & Counsellors



Masters

Freda Sutanto

– 15 Yrs’ Experience



Masters

Kit Kwan Lim

– 15 Yrs’ Experience



Doctorate

Dr. Belinda Teo

– 12 Yrs’ Experience



Masters

Chong Ning Xin

– 8 Yrs’ Experience

Gallery

photo-kaleidoscope-studioplay-wall-painting-3-1028x672

photo-kaleidoscope-studioplay-therapy-1028x672

photo-kaleidoscope-studioplay-music-2-710x974

photo-kaleidoscope-studioplay-therapy-4-1028x672

photo-kaleidoscope-studioplay-music-710x974

photo-kaleidoscope-studioplay-therapy-3-1028x672

Why Choose Us?

Kaleidoscope’s Approach



Child-led

A child-led approach honors the child’s innate drive to learn, fosters curiosity, promotes collaboration and problem solving and helps to establish a trusting relationship. Allowing choice also leads to increased attention, motivation and task persistence.



Family-Focused

Our approach is first and foremost warm and caring. We are respectful, ethical and empathetic. We listen, value parental input and work hand-in-hand with families.



Strength-Based

A strength-based model of support incorporates the child’s strengths into therapy and uses these strengths to scaffold less developed skills as this increases motivation, builds confidence and provides more opportunities for success.

Testimonials

Hear what our happy parents and children are saying about us.

All Testimonials

Azmi, Father of Zikri

When first arriving in Singapore, my wife and I were looking for a positive environment…

Shirisha, Parents of Kirthik

Thank you for your wonderful teaching and behaviour therapy methods, which transformed my son…

What skills can my child develop through psychological counselling?

Psychological counselling can help your child develop a range of crucial skills. These include emotional regulation, stress management, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. At Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre, our child psychologists use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to nurture these skills, enhancing your child’s ability to cope with life’s challenges and improving their interpersonal relationships.

What kind of assessments can a child psychologist perform in Singapore?

In Singapore, a child psychologist can perform a variety of assessments to understand a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. These can include IQ tests, assessments for learning difficulties or ADHD, social and emotional evaluations, and more. The results can guide personalised treatment strategies and provide valuable insights for parents and educators.

How can psychological counselling support my child's development?

Psychological counselling supports your child’s development by addressing emotional, behavioural, and cognitive challenges that might interfere with their well-being and progression. A child psychologist uses therapeutic strategies to help children understand their feelings, manage stress, improve social skills, and solve problems. Over time, these skills can significantly enhance your child’s overall development and well-being.

When does my child need to see a psychologist in Singapore?

It may be helpful to consult a psychologist if your child is experiencing persistent difficulties in behaviour, mood, learning, or social interactions that interfere with their daily life. If your child is frequently upset, struggling at school, having trouble making friends, or undergoing a significant life transition, a psychologist can provide support and strategies to help them navigate these challenges.

How can I support my child's psychological needs at home?

Parents play an integral role in supporting their child’s psychological needs. Encouraging open communication, maintaining routines, offering emotional support, and modelling healthy coping strategies are all beneficial. The child psychologists at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre also work closely with parents, providing advice and strategies to reinforce the skills being taught in therapy, enhancing the benefits of counselling.

What can I expect from a typical child counselling session at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre?

A typical counselling session at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre involves a range of activities tailored to your child’s unique needs. This may include talk therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioural activities, or relaxation exercises. Our child psychologists aim to create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings, while they develop key skills for managing their challenges.

How is the approach to child psychology unique in Singapore?

In Singapore, child psychology is influenced by a blend of Eastern and Western perspectives, acknowledging the city-state’s diverse cultural milieu. Psychologists like those at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre incorporate an understanding of local cultural nuances and expectations in their therapeutic approach, providing care that respects the unique societal and familial contexts of each child.

Senior Educational & Developmental Psychologist

Freda Sutanto

Psychologist

Kit Kwan Lim

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Belinda Teo

Psychologist

Chong Ning Xin

Azmi, Father of Zikri (5 years old)

Shirisha & Krishna, Parents of Kirthik (5 years old)

Psychology and Counselling For Kids Of All Ages

Kaleidoscope Contact Us Form

We Help Children With

What does Psychology & Counselling look like?

Processes

Helping you decide if we are a good match

Scheduling an initial consultation

Planning and implementing intervention

Pricing

Our Psychologists & Counsellors

Freda Sutanto

Kit Kwan Lim

Dr. Belinda Teo

Chong Ning Xin

Gallery

Why Choose Us?

Kaleidoscope’s Approach

Kaleidoscope’s Approach

Child-led

Family-Focused

Strength-Based

Testimonials

Azmi, Father of Zikri

Shirisha, Parents of Kirthik

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What skills can my child develop through psychological counselling?

What kind of assessments can a child psychologist perform in Singapore?

How can psychological counselling support my child's development?

When does my child need to see a psychologist in Singapore?

How can I support my child's psychological needs at home?

What can I expect from a typical child counselling session at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre?

How is the approach to child psychology unique in Singapore?

Early Intervention Program

Speech & Language Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Psychology & Counselling

Physiotherapy