Fernanda Maurer-Stroh

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Fernanda Maurer-Stroh (she/her/hers) is the founder and director of The Psyche Counselling Pte. Ltd. She holds a PhD in Sciences from ULB (Belgium) and a Master of Counselling from Monash University (Australia) and has clinical experience providing therapy to adults and young adults. Dedicated to community support, Fernanda trained at The Greenhouse Community Services Ltd., where she volunteers as a therapist and facilitates SMART Recovery Program meetings.

Originally from Brazil, Fernanda has lived in four countries and settled in Singapore in 2007. Her journey from a research career to counselling began during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a desire to address mental health challenges more directly. With a deep appreciation for Carl G. Jung’s work, Fernanda views individuals as unique blends of their past and present experiences. She is passionate about promoting self-awareness, understanding human emotions, and advocating for inclusive mental health care. A strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, Fernanda is committed to supporting people from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds.

Profession

Counsellor

Specialities

ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDERS
DEPRESSION
GENERAL RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES (FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS)
LGBTQIA+
GENDER DYSPHORIA
TRAUMA AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PERSONAL GROWTH AND SELF-ESTEEM
ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
LIFE TRANSITIONS
MARRIAGE AND PARTNERSHIPS
PARENTING
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH
WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH (PREGNANCY, INFERTILITY AND POST-PARTUM)
GRIEF AND LOSS
SEX AND INTIMACY
RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

Finances

Training

Master of Counselling
PhD in Sciences
Master in Biological Sciences (Biophysics)
Master of Advanced Studies in Bioinformatics
Bachelor Cum Laude in Biomedical Sciences

What kinds of treatment or therapy do you provide?

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive therapy
Behavioural Activation
ACT
Person-Centered Approach
Jungian Tarot Reader

What language can you conduct the session in?

English and Portuguese

What is the greatest reward in being a counsellor for the queer community?

Working on normalizing what should have never been a problem in the first place is one of the many satisfactions I get when working with the queer community. But one of the greatest rewards I have is to be able to witness first hand their personal progress not just in mental health, but in all other aspects of life as they grow in confidence, improve their self-esteem, and feel more empowered.

What is the greatest challenge in being a counsellor for the queer community?

Working with the queer community means navigating a world where stigma and prejudice deeply affect mental health. Each client’s experience is unique, often shaped by trauma, minority stress, intersecting identities, and other nuances. My role is to create a safe, affirming space while staying informed about evolving social challenges. Beyond the sessions, I naturally advocate for change, knowing how a non-inclusive society profoundly impacts lives.

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

Before I became a therapist, I worked as a researcher in biomedical sciences. It was during Covid-19 that I joined the Master of Counselling program. My path to become a researcher was led by my personal desire to help society and improve the general well-being of others through research and knowledge. However, little did I know that it would be through a more direct contact with others, as in therapy/counselling sessions, that I would find personal satisfaction when working to help others to overcome difficulties, challenges and consequently promote a more direct impact in their lives.

What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?

To see it becoming less stigmatized. I look forward to the day when most clients will seek preventive mental health care rather than treatment.

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

I participate in conferences, workshops, and courses. I do voluntary work and I enjoy reading books that help me gain further knowledge.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try therapy?

It’s very common to be hesitant. Respect your timing. Keep in mind that it can take a few trials to find someone you feel comfortable with and that resonates with you. But if you are reading this, consider allowing yourself this opportunity. Take advantage of some “get-to-know” sessions therapists offer to find someone suitable for you. It can feel daunting at first, but usually, at the end of the day, we hear, “I wish I had started therapy earlier.”

What kind of training have you had in working with the LGBTQ population?

My journey to becoming a counsellor has been deeply intertwined with the LGBTQ+ community from the very start. I completed the 10-month training program offered by The Greenhouse and now volunteer there, providing individual counselling sessions and facilitating SMART Recovery meetings. I also support their external events and actively participate in events organized by various LGBTQ+ organizations.

What should someone know about working with you?

Anyone working with me should know that I welcome all sorts of questions. Any concerns can be addressed in advance before starting therapy, either by e-mail to info@thepsychecounsellig.com, or during my complimentary 15 min online session for new clients.

How do your own core values shape your approach to therapy?

I value mutual respect, privacy, and confidentiality to create a safe space to ensure that my clients can be heard and understood.

Are you a queer affirmative practitioner?

Yes

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