Meet the Team behind Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd. Singapore
Discover the diverse team behind Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd where unique backgrounds and a shared commitment to inclusion foster trust and collaboration.
(The Dreamer)
Karl deSouza is the founder of Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy, and with over two decades of experience, he’s proof that helping people navigate life’s ups and downs is both a science and an art. Known for his approachable, down-to-earth style, Karl sees therapy as a partnership—where humility, healing, breakthroughs and even laughter can coexist.
As the visionary behind Listening Ear...
(The Anchor)
Josephine is the steady hand behind Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy, ensuring everything runs smoothly while radiating quiet strength and compassion. A native Chinese Singaporean and a trained CPA and Public Auditor, she brings years of precision, discipline, and care from the world of finance into her current role as Director and Administrator.
With a deep sense of responsibility and purpose...
(The Architect)
Michael is the digital architect and creative brain behind Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy’s evolving online presence. He leads the brand’s digital strategy across Web Design & Maintenance, Content creation, SEO, Social Media and marketing communications. As the point of contact (POC) for all marketing-related matters, he ensures that Listening Ear remains accessible, impactful, and relevant in today’s digital landscape.
(The Sparkle)
Rachel is the creative heartbeat of Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy’s social media presence. With a strong understanding of modern trends and the ever-evolving pulse of youth culture, she crafts content that connects meaningfully with audiences across generations. Her work ensures that Listening Ear’s message of hope and inclusivity resonates with today’s digital world.
My Story - Karl deSouza
I was born in the bustling city of Bombay, India, to Goan-Portuguese parents. A third-culture kid from the start, I was never quite sure if I was Indian, Goan, or Portuguese. But the beauty of it all? I never felt like a minority. I’ve always been fascinated by people—their cultures, religions, and the incredible diversity that makes us human. I grew up loving conversations, differences, and stories that connected us across divides.
I studied hard and became a computer engineer, launching a successful career in IT. For over a decade, I worked in diverse countries and cultures—first in the UK, then Hong Kong, Singapore, and in short stints across the globe, from the USA to Tokyo, Paris, and beyond. As a Global Implementation Manager at SG Securities, and later a Consultant in IT Strategy for PwC Financial Services, I excelled in corporate life, but something inside me was always calling for more.
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to helping others. First, it was as a volunteer at my local church, then as a Boy Scout, and later with the Novena Church in Singapore. Compassion was my compass, guiding me toward meaningful ways to give back. I discovered joy in being spontaneous and out-of-the-box, whether playing Santa Claus or a clown while visiting old age homes.
Movies like Patch Adams and characters like Robin Williams inspired me to use humour and empathy to connect with people. Volunteering became more than a hobby—it became my passion. I joined the Novena Church’s school mission team, working with students in a counselling capacity. Those experiences planted the seed for something bigger. I knew I needed to answer the call to give back in a deeper, more lasting way.
In a leap of faith, my wife and I became lay missionaries, dedicating ourselves to service. We studied and discerned at Hawkstone Hall before returning to Singapore, only to find that counselling hadn’t fully taken off yet. Undeterred, we moved to India, where I worked with some of society’s most marginalised—people living with HIV/AIDS, migrants, commercial sex workers, those battling addiction, and members of the LGBTQ community.
I helped start a community hospital but realised that true, sustainable impact required proper training. I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. During my internships, I worked at a Child Guidance Clinic and a day care rehab for individuals with schizophrenia. These experiences deepened my understanding of the human spirit and the resilience people have in the face of adversity.
In 2005, I first founded Listening Ear Clinic in Goa India while continuing formal training under a supervisor from Brazil. Over time, I branched out independently, carving a path that blended formal psychology training with a deeply humanistic approach.
I’ve always been inspired by therapists like Carl Rogers, whose collaborative and compassionate methods resonate with me. Movies like Good Will Hunting shaped my belief that therapy should be humane, accessible, and grounded in real connection. I’ve even presented at the World Congress of Psychology, advocating for “bringing therapy out of the clinic and into the marketplace.”
I believe therapy is not about “fixing” people but helping them navigate life’s challenges. As Virginia Satir says, “The problem is not the person; the problem is the situation.” I work with clients to uncover strengths, explore new coping mechanisms, and embrace the diversity of their experiences.
I’ve spent years extensively trained in sex therapy and supervising HIV/AIDS counsellors in hospitals, LGBTQ+ settings, and beyond. My approach is deeply grounded in inclusivity and non-judgment. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn’t just a professional framework for me—it’s a way of life.
At heart, I’m a curious, compassionate, and approachable person who sees every client as a unique story waiting to unfold. My work is shaped by the belief that therapy is a partnership—a shared journey of discovery, healing, and growth.
Whether it’s through Gestalt’s “here and now” methods, narrative approaches, or solution-focused collaboration, my goal is to help clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
I’m humbled by the privilege of walking with people through their most vulnerable moments and inspired every day by their courage to embrace change.
What Sets Karl Apart?
At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., Karl brings together professional expertise with a genuine passion for helping others. He is a professionally trained, accredited and registered psychologist and counsellor with over 20 years of international experience.
He is registered with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) on the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP) and accredited by recognised professional bodies including the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). He is also a Professional Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and an International Member of the American Psychological Association (APA), reflecting a commitment to both local and international standards of practice.
His work reflects the belief that science meets soul -integrating evidence-based practice with a deeply human, relational approach. Therapy is not just a clinical process, but a meaningful relationship built on trust, respect and understanding.
Grounded in ethical integrity and evidence-based practice, he is both professionally grounded and emotionally attuned, offering a space where clients feel safe, supported, seen, heard, and empowered. Clients often share that this work goes beyond conversation, helping them experience real and lasting change over time.
Karl works with individuals and couples across diverse backgrounds, cultures and life stages, including experiences of gender and sexuality. From trauma and addiction to relationship challenges and everyday stress, he offers a steady and supportive space for meaningful and lasting change- all under one roof.
A Humanistic, Hope-Focused Philosophy
Karl’s work reflects the belief that science meets soul- integrating evidence-based practice with a deeply human, relational approach. Drawing from a salutogenic perspective, the focus is not on labelling or diagnosing, but on strengthening what is already working -your inner resources, resilience, and capacity for meaning and direction. Rooted in humanistic values, he brings a sense of hope, helping clients reconnect with their strengths and move towards meaningful change.
Approachable, Collaborative Relationships
Karl believes therapy works best as a collaborative partnership. His warm, grounded and humble presence helps clients feel at ease and able to engage openly. Rather than being defined by a problem, you are met as a person -with strengths, experiences and possibilities that can be worked with together.
Culturally Attuned & Gender Sensitivity in a Safe Affirming Space
Karl works with individuals across different cultures, identities and life experiences, including gender and sexuality. Alongside his experience, he approaches each person with cultural humility - remaining open, curious and respectful of what matters to you. He offers a space that is affirming and free from judgement, where you do not have to explain or defend who you are. Instead, there is a genuine effort to understand your lived experience, so you can feel safe, accepted and able to speak openly, in a way that honours both your background and your individuality.
Professionally Trained, Accredited & Registered
With over two decades of international experience, Karl’s work is grounded in recognised training, ethical standards and ongoing professional development.
A Calm, Attuned & Trust Building Presence
Karl brings a calm, affirming presence into the room, with an ability to listen in a way that is both attuned and intuitive. This helps create a sense of safety, trust and predictability, which is at the heart of any meaningful change. At a deeper level, we are wired to only take risks when we feel safe enough to do so - and change begins from that place of safety. In a consistent and supportive space, the mind and body begin to recognise and expect safety, making it possible to open up, explore difficult emotions, and move towards change. At the centre of the work is a strong therapeutic relationship, where it is not you who is the problem, but something we can understand and work through together. You and Karl, working alongside each other, facing the problem together. You are not treated as a case or diagnosis, but as a person. The work is not about fixing what is “wrong”, but about understanding your experience and building on what is already present within you. Karl meets a client where thet are at, or in other words you will be welcomed, fully where you are.
Professional Credentials
- Masters in Psychology
- Masters in Sociology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance
- Graduate Certificate in Supervision
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computers
Karl’s clinical work is grounded in rigorous international training across trauma-informed, relational, somatic, and evidence-based approaches. His professional development reflects a commitment to ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing learning, integrating neuroscience, attachment theory, and relational safety to support meaningful and lasting change.
Trauma, Attachment & Somatic Therapies
EMDR – Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDR Singapore
Brainspotting – Certified Brainspotting Practioner, Brainspotting Trainings LLC, USA
Somatic Experiencing (SE): Beginning Levels I–III; Intermediate Levels I–III, Trauma Healing (Somatic Experiencing International), USA
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Level 2, IFS Institute (founded by Dr Richard Schwartz), USA
Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) – Certified Practitioner, Trauma Counselling & Training, Tucson, USA
Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) – Certified Practioner, Trauma Vidya, USA
Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience (DARe), Level 1-4 Trauma Solutions, USA
Advanced Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (ACCTS-I), Arizona Trauma Institute, USA
Couples, Relationship & Family Therapies
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFFT, EFIT, EFCT), International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) & Singapore Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy (SGEFT)
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Levels 1, 2 & 3, The Gottman Institute, USA
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) – Certified Practitioner, NVC UK
Postgraduate Diploma in Satir Systemic Brief Therapy (DSSBT), Choice Makers Consultancy
Sexuality, Gender & Diversity Practice
Gender and Sexuality – Master Training, TARSHI (Global Fund Programme), India
Interface of Clinical Psychology and Sexuality, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India
Postmodern & Brief Approaches
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy – Certified Practitioner, International Alliance of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes (IASTI)
Narrative Therapy – One-Year Mental Health Training Programme (MHTP), Ummeed, Mumbai, India
Cognitive & Behavioural Therapies
Choice Theory / Reality Therapy – Certified Practitioner, William Glasser International, USA
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT): Basic and Advanced Training, Albert Ellis Institute, New York, USA
Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Spectrum Disorders (CBT), Beck Institute & Morphic Minds (conducted by Michael Tompkins), USA
Coaching & Leadership Development
Trauma and Resilience Life Coach Programme, Arizona Trauma Institute, USA
Level 1 Life Coach Training (ACC), Solution Focused Academy (ICF-aligned)
Supervision & Professional Leadership
Graduate Certificate in Supervision, ECTA & Flinders University, Australia
Competency-Based Supervision in Practice, Mark Donovan
Supportive Supervision in HIV/AIDS Counselling, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), India
- Registered Psychologist (Singapore) (SRP) , and Full Member of Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
- Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) – Clinical Member & Registered Counsellor
- Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Singapore (APACS) – Level 4, Certified Master Practitioner
- EMDR Singapore – Full Member
- William Glasser Institute Singapore – Full Member
- Transactional Analysis (TA) Association of Singapore – Full Member
- Association of Christian Counsellors Singapore (ACCS) – Clinical Member
- The Singapore Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (SGEFT) – Full Member
• American Counselling Association (ACA) – Professional Member
• American Psychological Association (APA) – International Member
• International Association for Cross Cultural Psychology (IACCP)-Fellow Member
• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) – Full Member
• International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) – Life Member
• Trauma Association of Malaysia – Overseas Member
• National Association of Psychology (NAOP) India – Full Member
• EMDR India – Life Member
• Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) – Life Associate Member
• Bombay Psychological Association (BPA) Bombay India – Life Member
• Goa Psychology Association (GPA) Goa India – Life Member
In addition to the formal modalities listed above, Karl also integrates complementary therapeutic frameworks where clinically appropriate, including:
- Person-Centred Therapy (PCT)
- Salutogenic and Strengths-Based Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Transactional Analysis (TA)
- Gestalt Therapy
Institutes I am Accredited By, Member Of and Trained By
