Kristel

Hi! I'm Kristel Magluyan-Balais, and I've been helping people heal from trauma and navigate life's challenges since 2011. As a Licensed Psychologist with specialized training in EMDR, I combine evidence-based approaches with genuine care to support my clients on their healing journey.

My Professional Journey

My psychology career began in 2011 when I earned my Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. I immediately started gaining hands-on experience as a Junior Psychologist at HLT Psychiatric and Psychological Services, where I spent nearly three years (2011-2013) preparing psychological evaluations for employment and legal cases, including sensitive matters such as annulment of marriage, adoption, and violence against women and children.

In 2014, I transitioned to working with some of our most vulnerable populations as a Psychologist at Virlanie Foundation Inc., where I spent four transformative years (2014-2018) providing individual and group psychotherapy to child abuse survivors. This experience deepened my understanding of trauma and shaped my commitment to trauma-informed care.

I completed my Master's in Psychology with a Clinical Psychology major in 2017 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Graduate School. That same year, I joined Better Steps Psychology, Inc. as a Senior Consultant Psychologist, where I continue to serve today. In this role, I provide specialized counseling and psychotherapy to adult and adolescent clients, particularly those dealing with psychological trauma, while also conducting comprehensive psychological assessments.

From 2019 to 2022, I expanded my practice to include corporate wellness through my work as an Affiliate Consultant with Human Dynamic Philippines Consultancy, Inc., providing onsite counseling and coaching across Metro Manila to help employees balance professional and personal demands.

Training and Credentials

I became a Registered Psychologist with the Professional Regulation Commission and an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™. I have a special interest in trauma cases and am currently deepening my understanding of dissociation, focusing on providing specialized care for complex trauma.

Current Practice

Today, I divide my time between my private practice and my role as a Senior Consultant Psychologist at Better Steps Psychology, Inc. My 14+ years of experience across diverse settings – from supporting abuse survivors to providing corporate wellness services – has shaped my holistic approach to mental health care.

I am proud to be a member of several professional organizations, including the PAP (Psychological Association of the Philippines), EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association), and ISSTD (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation). In addition to my clinical work, I have been actively providing trauma training to clinicians and am open to offering case consultations in both EMDR and general trauma therapy.

My commitment is to continue growing, learning, and supporting both clients and fellow mental health professionals in the journey of healing and understanding trauma.

Interested in verifying my professional credentials? You can find my EMDRIA profile and verify my training status here: EMDRIA Therapist Finder

Kristel Magluyan-Balais, MP, RPsy

Psychologist and EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

How I Work With My Clients

When you're looking for a therapist, it's important to find someone who feels right for you. Let me share a bit about how I work and what you can expect in our sessions together.

My foundation as a therapist is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care. What this means for you is that I understand the profound impact trauma can have on your life, and I'm committed to creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and in control of your own healing journey.

I believe the relationship between therapist and client is sacred. The trust and connection we build together is what makes healing possible. My role isn't to "fix" you or tell you what to do. Instead, I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and expertise while honoring your wisdom about your own life.

One thing that sets my practice apart is my attention to how trauma lives in the body. You might notice that when you're stressed or anxious, your body responds – maybe your shoulders tense up, your stomach feels tight, or your heart races. These physical responses aren't random; they're important signals. In our work together, I'll help you tune into these bodily experiences and use them as guideposts in your healing process.

Most importantly, we'll move at your pace. Healing isn't a race, and pushing too fast can sometimes set us back. I'll help you build a solid foundation of coping skills and emotional resources before we dive into more challenging work.