Dr Kim Lian Rolles-Abraham
Senior Principal Clinical Psychologist
Head of Therapy Services
Co-founder of FreEDom (Eating Disorder Day Program)
DPsych (Clinical Psychology)
PgDip (Psychology)
BA (Psychology)
A Singaporean with mixed heritage, Kim has resided in Singapore for most of her life and is familiar with both the local school system as well as the international school system. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (extended major in Psychology) from the University of Queensland, Australia. Subsequently, she completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology at Murdoch University, Australia. Kim then completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at James Cook University, with a doctoral dissertation focusing on recovery in eating disorders.
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As part of her doctorate program and work, Kim has completed clinical attachments in several different settings such as community clinics, private and government hospitals, as well as the Singapore prison service. She has conducted both individual and group psychotherapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In the course of her work, she has seen individuals with a variety of psychological issues, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, specific phobias and family/relational issues.
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Kim particularly enjoys working in adolescent and adult mental health, and has a special clinical and research interest in the area of eating disorders– her doctorate dissertation focused on defining recovery in eating disorders and what that means for individuals who have/had an eating disorder. Throughout the course of her thesis, she worked with various stakeholders in the field of eating disorders such as mental health professionals, caregivers and patients. Along with her colleagues, she is responsible for chairing clinic-run support groups for caregivers of individuals with eating disorders.
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Apart from her specific expertise and interest in eating disorders, Kim also enjoys work relating to mood and anxiety disorders, as well as adjustment disorders. She understands that transitions in life such as role/job changes, losses, pregnancy, parenthood, beginning/ending of relationships, migration etc. can be particularly stressful, and she seeks to journey emphatically with individuals through these changes. Over her years of practice, she has gained experience working with couples (BGR/marital issues) as well as parents.
Additionally, she is passionate about working with the offending population, and did so in the past as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing psychotherapy and counseling for the prison inmates at the Changi prison.
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While a large part of Kim’s work involves engaging in one-to-one psychotherapy, she also works closely with her clients’ family members where possible, and conducts couple and family work to facilitate systemic healing and growth.
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Another facet of Kim’s professional practice involves providing clinical supervision for fellow mental health professionals, and is currently a sessional teaching staff and clinical supervisor for the Masters/Doctorate clinical psychology programme at James Cook University, Singapore.
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Kim has received training in a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions, with a large emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She practices with an integrative approach, incorporating aspects from Schema Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment theory. As a believer that the acquiring of knowledge is an ongoing process, Kim is constantly expanding and updating her knowledge and expertise in the different modalities of psychotherapy by attending courses and conferences relevant to her work, as well as engaging in peer and supervisory consultation.
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Most importantly, Kim believes firmly in the importance of developing and maintaining a good therapeutic relationship with each individual she journeys with. She commits to practising ethically and professionally (as per code of ethics by the Singapore Psychological Society), providing them a safe space to address and heal from the most painful of issues. She is fluent in English and basic Mandarin.
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As a mother of three beautiful girls, Kim enjoys the company of her family, friends, pets, and good books. She strongly believes that each and every individual has the potential to overcome their difficulties and lead a happy and meaningful life!
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Mentions:
Coping with anger during COVID-19:
Remote mental health treatment during COVID-19:
CAN interview – virtual vs physical counselling during COVID-19:
Be Inclusive podcast; Lesson from the Pandemic: Health:
https://be-inclusive.com/inclusively/2020/5/27/s2e04-lesson-from-the-pandemic-health
Coping with loneliness over the festive season:
Eating disorders in pregnancy:
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/navigating-path-parenthood-eating-disorder-or-its-aftermath
Non-invasive fat-loss treatments:
Contact Us to find out more about how Dr. Kim can support you in your journey
+65 6250 8077