Play Therapy Team
Oh Hsu Wei
Hello, I am Hsu Wei, a trainee play therapist and a mother of three. I am also an Educational Psychologist in practice, working with preschoolers, as I firmly believe in the important role of early intervention. I was a stay-at-home mother for about 10 years during my children’s early years and it has been an amazing journey learning together with them. During my parenthood, I constantly strive to learn and completed my Diploma in Preschool Education Teaching and Master of Arts (Applied Psychology) at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. I have also attained my Certificate in Therapeutic Play and currently pursing my Diploma in Play Therapy at the College of Allied Educators.
The driving force behind my passion began from my days as a Youth Volunteer, working with youths and families from lower socio-economic backgrounds and children with special education needs. Working collaboratively in the community, focusing on supporting young children with mild to moderate developmental delays, I actively seek to lay a strong foundation of support and acceptance where they and their families can be more empowered and thrive to their fullest potential. My Master research dissertation mirrors my on-the-ground efforts. It focuses on promoting the acceptance of young children with special education needs among preschoolers, which highlights the importance of fostering the seeds of inclusivity from an early age. It definitely takes a village to raise a child!
Personally, I am blessed with the opportunity to grow up in a village with my extended family during my early years where the world of nature is my playground and ‘toys’ are anything I can find around me and up to my creative imagination. Growing up, I enjoy drawing, making crafts and exploring with different art medium and being swept away whenever I step into the world of art. Having years of experiences working with children of diverse abilities and also personal experiences of growing together with my three children, I also see how the world of play unfolds many natural and valuable opportunities that nurtures their holistic development. Living in a fast-paced society surrounded by digital entertainment, it has drastically changed the way young children play, relate to themselves and others. They may not have the language to express difficult feelings or thoughts using words at a young age. Through play therapy, I hope to provide a safe space where children can move at their own pace, reconnect with their inner child, to have the chance to process their complex thoughts and feelings and express them using a variety of play and creative arts and developing better ways of coping and thus, achieving well-being and finding joy in the things they do with their loved ones.
Professional Qualifications & Affiliations
- Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills (Play Therapy International, UK)
- Master of Arts (Applied Psychology) (National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University)
- Diploma in Preschool Education Teaching – English (KLC School of Education)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology (National University of Singapore)
- Member of Play Therapy International
- Member of Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
Trainings and Certifications
- DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR and DIRFloortime (The International Council on Development and Learning)
- Be The LIGHT Crisis Support for Young Children 4-6 (BTL-YC) KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
- Child First Aid Course (Singapore First Aid Training Centre Pte Ltd)
- LIVE Foundational Training on Natural Learning Environmental Practices & Coaching (Part 1) (Family Infant and Preschool Programme)
- Mental Health First Aid (Singapore) Crisis Intervention for Children and Youth Course (Level 1 & Level 2) (Changi General Hospital, SingHealth)
- Sector-Specific Screening Guide/Child Abuse Reporting Guide (User) Training (Social Service Institute)