TRAUMA THERAPY ASSOCIATION (tTA), MALAYSIA

The birth of Trauma Therapy Association in 2020 was a response to the urgent need for professional, ethical, and accessible trauma therapy services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic there was an increased demand for trauma-informed therapists, as many individuals were facing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and distress. Concurrently, there was a surge in individuals seeking to train in the field of trauma therapy to address this growing need, thus creating a unique opportunity to establish the Trauma Therapy Association.

For a dedicated group of individuals, this development marked the realisation of a longstanding dream and vision. They aspired to create an Association that would serve as a beacon for ethical practice in trauma therapy and a trusted resource for those seeking trauma-informed care by well-trained and reputable trauma therapy practitioners,

It was a journey marked by collaboration, perseverance and unwavering determination, supported by the generosity of sister associations (namely EMDR Singapore) that eventually culminated in being recognised and taken under the wing of EMDR Asia as an affiliate.

Looking ahead, the Association is poised to offer regular talks specifically focused on EMDR therapy, with the aim of heightening awareness about its benefits and potential applications. This proactive stance not only empowers practitioners but also ensures that the broader community is informed about this crucial modality in trauma therapy. This dynamic approach reflects a commitment to continuous learning, growth, and the shared advancement of trauma therapy.

Sudha is a licenced Counsellor with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors, and an EMDRIA-certified EMDR Therapist. She is also a certified Play Therapist, and Senior Supervisor for Trainee Play Therapists [PTI]. She works very much with children, adult individuals, couples, families, and of course, trauma! She is also trained in Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy (EFT), Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Hypnosis, Past and Current Life Regression Therapy (PLRT).

With extensive experience in the field, she specializes in complex trauma cases resulting from hidden small ‘t’ traumas that often go unnoticed. Her background in child therapy enhances her understanding of the profound impact of childhood experiences on adults, which may also manifest as psychosomatic issues/ disorders over time. It’s intriguing and gratifying to witness how the human body can reset under favorable conditions. She is passionate about unraveling the intricate connections between mental, emotional, and physical health within our sensory somatic existence.

She authored ‘Childhood Matters – Making a Difference in Interacting with Kids,’ available in Japanese as well. Additionally, she wrote ‘The Body & Its Secret Mind – Influencing Relationships, Especially with Loved Ones.’ She conducts workshops and online Zoom talks that empower adults to gain self-awareness and extend that understanding to children.

She is in private practice in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Abri Integrated Mental Health).

Carole is a licenced counsellor with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors and has over 25 years’ experience working with the general public, students, refugees, LGBT+ and PLHIV (people living with HIV/Aids), in both Malaysia and Singapore. Apart from general talk therapy, she is qualified in EMDR (trauma) therapy, Satir therapy and Choice Theory Reality therapy. Carole is experienced in individual, couple, family and group support counselling, helping people with depression, anxiety, marital/partner, workplace as well as interpersonal issues and conflicts. She has a special interest in trauma therapy (especially issues arising from adverse childhood experiences) and in personality disorders.

Carole conducts workshops and webinars on a wide range of mental health topics, including Mental Wellness, Resilience, Suicide Prevention, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence, Bullying, Mental Health Helping Skills, Coping with Depression & Anxiety, Parenting, and others. She has appeared on BFM radio live and podcasts, and is a published author of 30 titles.

Carole is in private practice in the Klang Valley.

Sumathi started her career with the Ministry of Health as a young doctor, working her way up the ladder to become a Physician. She found much joy and fulfilment treating patients as well as conducting medical research. She was actively involved in training and mentoring junior doctors and medical students, as well as supporting them through the strenuous transition into the profession. The common thread running through these experiences – the feeling of utmost contentment when she connected with another being authentically.

Having seen so much in her medical career and own life that she could not make sense of, she boldly took a leap of faith – choosing to explore health from another perspective – wishing to understand trauma and its impact on the body-mind connection. She has been propelled into a journey of ongoing enlightening self-discovery, healing and reconnecting with her authentic self while helping others do the same.

In her wish for better understanding and growth, she attended numerous courses and workshops in addition to participating as a facilitator in an emotional resilience program for children. She is trained in EMDR therapy and Art Therapy.

She strongly believes that we are all born with an inherent wisdom that we lose touch with as we grow up and conform to societal standards, and it is possible to reconnect with this wisdom with the right support. Being well acquainted with the similarities in ethical principles of the medical and mental health field, she appreciates immensely the dictum ‘First, do no harm.’ With this close to heart, her wish is to help build a strong, supportive community of practitioners who proficiently utilise ethical trauma informed care to foster healing and recovery.

Zac spent 10 years working and advocating for children who have learning difficulties. His work primarily consisted of supporting them with their social and emotional well-being while also working with educational institutions in arranging workshops for the public, educators and parents to build awareness and support for the population. As he continued on this journey, he realized the abundance of mental health issues with those who have learning difficulties and the impact it was having on their day-to-day welfare. Through this, he decided to venture into the world of counseling to become a counselor to better support those around him.

Currently Zac is at a private practice and working with both adults and teenagers (even those with learning difficulties). Apart from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Zac has also recently become interested in the arena of trauma and has started his journey to becoming an EMDR practitioner. Through his training and the Trauma Therapy Association, Zac hopes to create a solid foundation in Malaysia for trauma-informed therapy and help build a community who can provide support for one another.

Jin Huan is a licensed Counsellor accredited by the Malaysian Board of Counsellors and has completed her postgraduate studies at HELP University. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals suffering from issues such as inner conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, workplace issues, self-worthlessness, anger, and grief. Trauma therapy and the impact of adverse childhood experiences are her particular areas of focus and interest. She is deeply invested in exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma, and has received training in EMDR, Choice Theory Reality Therapy (CTRT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Hakomi.

She is devoted to the concept of trauma-oriented counselling and therapy, and she’s enthused to helping others reach their own level of inner shift. Additionally, she is involved in facilitating learning programs on self-awareness and personal development for both adults and adolescents who are affected by mental health issues.

Jin Huan currently practices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, (Abri Integrated Mental Health).

Cleo spent 17 years in Kuala Lumpur, where she followed her calling to leave the corporate world and step into mental health care. A Certified Play Therapist and a Master’s in Counselling graduate, she is currently undergoing certified training in EMDR. Guided by her own journey of healing and growth, Cleo has worked with both children and adults. Her experiences in Malaysia deepened her passion for supporting others through trauma and fostering emotional well-being.

Now back in Manila, Cleo is building her private practice, offering trauma therapy across ages. With warmth and dedication, she also leads workshops on emotional regulation, co-regulation, and nurturing authentic family connections—empowering individuals and families to heal and thrive.

Cleo aims to empower individuals and families to uncover the best relationships rooted in their true selves, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.