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 career in psychology began in 2011 when I earned my Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. I started building hands-on experience immediately as a Junior Psychologist at HLT Psychiatric and Psychological Services, where I spent nearly three years (2011–2013) preparing psychological evaluations for employment screening and legal proceedings, including sensitive cases involving 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 major in Clinical Psychology 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.

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.

Since 2022, I have also maintained a private practice, where I work directly with individuals seeking specialized trauma therapy in a more personalized, dedicated setting.

Training and Credentials

I am a Registered Psychologist with the Professional Regulation Commission and also an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™. Trauma has been my area of deepest focus throughout my career, and I am currently expanding my expertise in dissociation and the specialized care of complex trauma presentations.

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.

Everything I do is grounded in trauma-informed care. This means I understand, at a deep, clinical level, how profoundly trauma shapes the way we think, feel, relate to others, and experience our own bodies. From our very first session, my priority is to create a space where you feel genuinely safe, respected, and in control of your own healing process. Nothing happens without your consent and readiness.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of healing. The trust and connection we build together isn't just a nice bonus; it's what makes real change possible. My role is not to "fix" you or hand you a prescribed path forward. You are the expert on your own life. I'm here to walk alongside you, offering clinical expertise, reflection, and steady support, while honoring your own inner wisdom every step of the way.

One thing that sets my practice apart is my attention to how trauma is experienced somatically. 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 learn to tune into these physical experiences rather than push them aside. Your body holds important information about your healing, and we'll use that as a compass.

Healing is not a race. Moving too quickly can sometimes do more harm than good, which is why we'll take the time to build a strong foundation first, such as developing coping skills, emotional resources, and a sense of safety, before approaching more challenging material. Your nervous system sets the pace. We follow that lead.