Richard Lim

Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist & Leadership Coach

Dr. Richard Lim is a Singapore-based psychologist, psychotherapist, and leadership coach whose professional journey is deeply shaped by his own personal hardships. Having faced profound challenges in his earlier life, Dr. Richard experienced first-hand the emotional toll of adversity, loss, and uncertainty. He has survived the trauma of severe illnesses, and loss of family. These struggles ignited in him a deep empathy for human suffering and a determination to understand the psychological processes that enable healing, growth, and resilience.

Motivated by this lived experience, Dr. Richard pursued advanced training in psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, and applied coaching.

Over the years, he has become known for his ability to combine evidence-based approaches—such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic frameworks, and mindfulness-based interventions—with a compassionate, human-centred style. His areas of expertise span relationship and sex-therapy informed counselling, resilience training, leadership coaching, and workshops on stress management, emotional regulation, and purpose-driven living.

Today, Dr. Richard designs and facilitates programmes for a wide range of groups: executives, educators, judges, caregivers, senior citizens, and public service officers. Whether in the therapy room or the training room, he draws on both professional expertise and personal insight to create psychologically safe spaces where individuals can process challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with meaning in life.

At the heart of his work is a belief that hardship does not have to define us—it can refine us. His story continues to inspire others to embrace vulnerability, cultivate resilience, and transform life’s difficulties into opportunities for growth.

Richard Lim – Relationship Therapist (Sex-Therapy Informed)

Dr. Richard specialises in relationship and couple therapy with an emphasis on sex-therapy informed practice. His work integrates evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic insights, and mindfulness with contemporary sex-therapy frameworks. Dr. Lim helps couples and individuals address intimacy concerns, communication breakdowns, and issues of identity, desire, and trust with sensitivity and professionalism. Drawing from his extensive background in counselling and training, he fosters safe, respectful, and open dialogues around sexuality, enabling healthier emotional and physical connections. His practice is grounded in a holistic view of relationships, where psychological safety, embodied intimacy, and resilience are central to long-term relational wellbeing.

Resiliency Consultant

Dr. Richard is recognized for his expertise in resilience training and applied psychology. He designs and facilitates programs that equip leaders, professionals, and senior citizens with tools to thrive under stress, adapt to transitions, and cultivate psychological safety. His consultancy work draws on neuroscience, cognitive-behavioural strategies, mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic practices to strengthen both individual and organizational resilience. Dr. Lim has delivered workshops and coaching programmes for diverse groups including executives, educators, judges, caregivers, and public service officers, blending scientific rigour with practical, interactive methods. At the core of his approach is the belief that resilience is not merely recovery from setbacks, but the capacity to grow, connect, and find renewed purpose amidst life’s challenges.

Core Information...

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), The Professional School of Psychology, Sacramento, USA, 2018
  • Master of Social Science (Counselling), University of South Australia, 2001
  • Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy, Graduate School of Medical Studies, National University of Singapore, 2000
  • Bachelor of Arts (HON), National University of Sinapore, 1990
  • AGPA American Group Psychotherapy Association
  • APA American Psychological Association
  • SAC Singapore Association for Counselling
  • Integrative Sex and Couples Certification Training: Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP), 2022
  • Comprehensive Internal Family Systems Therapy Course: A Step-by-Step Guide Through Clinical Applications of the IFS Model, 2020
  • Reviving Desire in Low Sex & No Sex Couples: A 4-Step Erotic Recovery Training, 2020
  • Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) Training Course: Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals, 2020
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Pat Ogden, Ph.D.: Body Oriented Therapy Techniques for Trauma and Attachment, 2020
  • Peter Levine’s Trauma Master Class: See Somatic Experiencing® in action with deep-rooted trauma, attachment wounds, and chronic pain, 2019
  • Mindfulness-Based Contemplative Psychotherapy: A 9-Month Advanced Certificate Training, 2018
  • Mindfulness in Motion: Using Qigong, Acupressure and Meditation for Healing Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Pain in Clinical Practice, 2017
  • Couple Counselling
  • Sexual Intimacy Counselling
  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Grief & Bereavement Counselling
  • Health Counselling
  • Trauma & Crisis Counselling
  • Midlife Transition Counselling
  • Group Process & Counselling

Specialist Therapies

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Psychodynamic / Psychoanalytic Therapy
  • Humanistic / Person-Centered Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapies (ACT, MBCT, MBSR)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Systemic & Family Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapies with Somatic Approaches
  • Integrative & Eclectic Therapy
Testimonials

Here’s what people are saying about their experiences with Richard!

As a 55-year-old business owner, husband, and father, my life is built on responsibilities to others. After years in that mode, I approached Dr Richard Lim, with a specific goal: to reclaim balance and focus on my own well-being and my relationship with my wife. The results have been transformative. Dr Lim provided more than just a listening ear; he provided a working framework. He helped me identify the pressures that were draining my energy and offered practical, actionable tools to manage them. His approach is direct, insightful, and highly effective. He doesn't waste time, which I appreciate. Thanks to his guidance, I have a clearer perspective, better boundaries, and a renewed sense of purpose. Most importantly, I am actively and happily reigniting the connection with my wife. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking not just to cope but to thrive in their personal and relational life.
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- Marriage Counsellee
Dr Lim is a great mediator and is effective at keeping the conversation grounded and civil during family sessions, also he is able to listen and fully understand all sides of a family matter and wants to help the betterment and success for everyone in it.
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- Family Counsellee
Dr Richard Lim is an extremely knowledgeable therapist who has greatly contributed to my personal development and facilitated growth as a person. He provides nuanced insights and guidance that is both easy to follow and practical, helping me to navigate challenging situations. Besides expertise, his communication skills and empathy makes him an exceptional therapist. He is supportive and nurturing, necessary for a trusting relationship. He is quick to understand challenges and is able to provide help accordingly. Having Richard work through with me the challenges I was facing has absolutely been a lifeline. It is invaluable to have someone who is compassionate and can calmly sit with your thoughts. His skillful and patient guidance provided fresh perspectives, and eventually a hope to see things take a better turn. Truly appreciate it!
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- Couple therapy