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Shelagh MacFarlane, MSc

I am Canadian and I have been living in SouthEast Asia for the past 26 years. I began my career as a professional orchestra musician (violin) and then I retrained as a psychologist, earning my credentials in Canada (Counselling Diploma) and in the United Kingdom (MSc in Counselling Psychology).  I am a member of the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA) in Canada, I am a Certifed Executive Coach, and I am a member of the International Practitioners in Holistic Medicine (IPHM).

Over the past 20 years, I have worked with many expatriate managers, employees, and their families and I have clients in many countries.  Living abroad comes with many unique challenges and counselling provides a supportive space to
explore what’s on your mind, whether it’s related to the stress of living in another country, challenges at work, strains on your relationship(s), navigating change, coping with loss, or a need to focus on self improvement. Counselling can also be a journey of self-discovery—exploring your passions, purpose, and the deeper aspects of who you are —to make positive changes in your life.  

If we have the opportunity to work together, you will explore the challenges you face and the goals you have in mind, and you’ll begin to discover insights and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Together, we’ll trace where your feelings, patterns, and triggers originate, helping you build a stronger sense of self-awareness. This is an important foundation because these moments of clarity—the light bulb moments—can illuminate new perspectives and pathways for growth.  The goal is to ensure you make meaningful changes and move forward with greater confidence and purpose, as you discover and embrace your true self.

Healing is an essential part of the journey we embark on in therapy. As we uncover the parts of you that carry pain, we create space to tend to those wounds with care and compassion. This healing allows you to release what no longer serves you and begin to walk a new path—one that feels more free, meaningful, and fulfilling. Even if your intention in therapy is to gain clarity or simply learn more about yourself, moments of healing naturally arise. These are the moments that help you move forward with a greater sense of liberation and alignment in your life.

Most importantly, counselling is about growth. Whether you come to address emotional pain, navigate challenges, find a new path forward, or simply understand yourself better, every step of the process contributes to your personal growth. Through exploration, healing, and self-discovery, you’ll learn more about who you are and what you need to thrive. Growth is the heart of therapy—helping you move forward with greater resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to yourself and your life’s journey.

Counselling Rate is $99 USD/hour (SGD or MYR conversion after session)

“I would like to express my gratitude to Shelagh for the insight she was able to provide during our sessions, she was like my guardian angel throughout one of my most difficult time in life mentally, I was at my lowest and she was able to guide me through my fears and thoughts which I was having difficulty with. Each sessions was an eye opener seeing myself so vulnerable for the first time she was able to bring out all that trauma that was buried inside of me. her strategies have motivated me to dig deep inside and be more aware of my strengths and weaknesses she help me to identified my values and set me on my path. I am now on a journey of healing and I can confidently say I have seen and noticed the changes in me. Reaching out to shelagh was one of the best decisions I have made it was a real pleasure working with her and I would highly recommend her to everyone.”

~ AR ~

“I had the opportunity to have a consultation with Shelagh last year. She is a very competent counselor. The methods she uses goes deeply into healing ourselves.

I strongly recommend her for consultation like depression, broken heart, etc.”

~ NL ~

“I started seeing Shelagh in 2022 through a word-of-mouth recommendation from a good friend. She was the first therapist I ever saw, and I thank my lucky stars that I had hit the jackpot on my first try. Shelagh is warm, compassionate, and a wonderful listener. She helped me put the pieces back together as I grappled with a massive personal loss. With each sessions, I grew stronger and more resilient. Whilst at home, I practised the techniques she had taught me, which will stand me in good stead in the years to come. I would wholeheartedly recommend Shelagh to absolutely anyone who needs a little bit of help.”

~ DW ~

“As a breast cancer survivor I found myself struggling with heavy anxiety and got recommended by several people including my doctors and friends to seek help. That’s when I met Shelagh and things started to change. My hours with her opened my mind to a whole new perspective to things, life and mostly myself. Shelagh had all the tools to share. She is not only extremely professional, she is kind, caring, and it’s a very comfortable, beautiful space that she invites you in. We have explore other areas that I struggled with and I can truly say that it has been the greatest help. Every session I left lighter, more inspired to move on, go for the changes, have the belief and always feeling better within. She is a great life coach!

On a separate matter, she took on to guide not only me but stepped in and helped my daughter who struggled with severe depression & anorexia during a difficult time. I have lots of praise for her and lots to thank Shelagh for.”


~ LH ~

“I was referred to Shelagh by my organisation’s employee assistance program in 2019 and I requested to be referred back to her again 2022. I even referred Shelagh to my good friend who underwent a very grieving loss of a child.

Shelagh is not just a counsellor but she’s a counsellor that genuinely cares. I’ve met many other counsellors who rush to put their theoretical practise and go very technical but not Shelagh who listens with full empathy and helps her clients connect their mind and body. Shelagh has given me so many tips to manage my high anxiety and I’m ever so grateful for her and her service.”


~ KG ~

“Shelagh is an exceptional therapist. She has a comforting approach that allows you to feel safe to share openly. She’s able to take you back to where your struggles originate, which is almost always in childhood. However, she doesn’t linger there, but focuses on giving you practical therapies/techniques to manage. Her practice draws from the IFS methodology, which for me, was far more effective than CBT. I’ve referred more than 10 of my friends and family to Shelagh, and everyone has had a meaningful experience. It’s tough to come by a great therapist, so if you’re struggling with anything at all, please don’t hesitate to take the first step and connect with Shelagh.”


~ AI ~

“Shelagh is wonderful at what she does. She’s very professional whilst also being approachable, welcoming and easy to talk to. Her techniques helped me enormously and I would highly recommend her.”


~ CG ~

“Shelagh is a genuinely caring, invested and empathetic Counselling Psychologist. Over the years, she has helped me to explore deep feelings, overcome obstacles and make connections between the past and current behaviours – all of which have allowed me to move forward with my life. I have recommended Shelagh to countless friends, and colleagues without reservation. I, along with many others in KL, have nothing but sincere praise for her skillful questioning, kind commentary and heartfelt compassion. Sessions with Shelagh will always be thought-provoking, nurturing and healing. I am so thankful and grateful for her ongoing support and guidance. “


~ SH ~

“I reached out to Shelagh for help during an extremely tough time and she helped me get through it. She’s kind, empathetic and caring, though she does give you a reality check when you need one! Would definitely recommend Shelagh to anyone who needs someone to listen, advise and help you discover yourself. Thank you Shelagh.”

~ KM ~