The story behind Theo’s Place

Hi! My name is Arlene Salil, Counselling Psychologist with a deep interest in counseling and emotional support. My interest in this field comes not only from academic training, but also from personal experience. Growing up, I faced many difficulties and often found that the psychological spaces available to me did not feel fully supportive or understanding. Over time, this shaped a strong belief in the importance of creating a space where people feel genuinely heard, respected, and emotionally held.

That belief is what led me toward counseling. I wanted to build the kind of space I once needed, a space where people can come as they are, without fear of judgment, and feel supported in their own journey.

My path here has included a Master’s in Psychology, along with additional coursework in Transactional Analysis and counselling. Alongside my academic training, I have worked as a clinical trainee and as a volunteer on a distress helpline. Those experiences, as much as anything I studied, are what taught me how to sit with someone who is struggling.