Shila Naidu

Experienced psychotherapist working with survivors of trauma and addiction

Shila Naidu is an experienced trainer with a keen interest in empowering individuals to take charge of their mental health in a trauma-informed and compassionate approach. Over the last 5 years, she has been working with a wide range of clients with varying life challenges to help them overcome major adversities, crises and life setbacks through counselling and psychotherapy. She has experience working in both nonprofit and community settings as well as in private practice.

Professional Experience:

As a psychotherapist experienced in working with niche populations, Shila has conducted talks, workshops and training for professionals such as counsellors, social workers, and hospital staff, as well as the general public. She has delivered training on topics such as self-compassion, emotional regulation, trauma counselling and working with marginalised and vulnerable populations.

She is known for interweaving information with personal anecdotes and experience, to bring the lecture to life and help attendees relate to what is being shared. Shila is also generous with her teaching and does not believe in gatekeeping best practices and effective approaches.

Training Philosophy:

Shila’s training philosophy centres around experiential learning and personal development – the information being shared is not just to do better in the workplace, but also to help attendees reflect, grow and identify areas of their own lives they may want to work on. She believes in creating a safe, supportive and interactive learning environment where participants can openly share ideas, challenge themselves, and apply new skills in real-world scenarios.

Key Achievements:

• Management of a nonprofit trauma and addiction centre that serves about active 200 clients annually.
• Has conducted training for about 200 social workers and counsellors in community and healthcare settings on working with marginalised communities.
• Developed and conducted an online workshop for single parents on emotional regulation and teenage developmental stages.

Guest speaker for:

• A community talk about substance use and minority communities; and
• An AWARE panel about violence and stigma against specific communities in Singapore.

Certifications and Qualifications:

• Masters in Counselling (Advanced)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (Individual)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (Addictions)