Dr. Karen Wai Liem

Specialising in Complex Trauma, Relational Issues, Persistent Mood Difficulties, and Feelings of Inadequacy or Emptiness

PsyD Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology
MSSc Counselling Psychology from Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Pg.D Psychology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Her Professional Accreditations and Affiliations:
Registered Clinical Psychologist of the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, #PYL35931)
Registered Clinical Psychologist of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA, #PSY0002192819)
Chartered Clinical Psychologist (CPsychol) and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS)
Registered Counselling Psychologist of the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS, #656)
Registered Clinical Psychologist of the EuroPsy European Federation of Psychologists and; Associations (EFPA, #UK-065029-202008)
Accredited Aviation Psychologist of the European Association of Aviation Psychology (EAAP, #AP156) and is listed in the BPS and; Directory of Aviation and Aerospace Psychologists

Dr. Liem is a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, and Aviation Psychologist based in Hong Kong. She provides psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, and couples facing psychological or relational challenges. With over 15 years of clinical experience in Hong Kong and overseas, she has worked in diverse settings, including community mental health centres, psychiatric hospital, psychiatric and medical clinics, rehabilitation centres, the aviation medical department of a global airline, and private practice. She also offers teletherapy for Asian migrants in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. Dr. Liem received advanced training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy during her doctoral studies and continued her specialization in Object Relations in her postdoctoral training. Her extensive clinical supervision and vigorous training analysis have enhanced her effectiveness as a therapist.

Dr Liem aims to create a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, needs, and aspects of themselves of which they may not be fully aware. She understands that each person faces unique challenges shaped by family dynamics, life experiences, and relational traumas. These struggles often show up as psychological symptoms or difficulties in relationships, leaving individuals feeling stuck. These experiences need to be heard and understood. Utilising a psychodynamic approach, she emphasises gaining awareness and insight into the interplay between one’s past and present experiences within a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. This process is collaborative, where her role is to help clients talk and reflect on their emotions and significant relationships, helping them uncover the root causes of their current challenges. Ultimately, this facilitates lasting change, healing and growth.

In addition to psychodynamic psychotherapy, Dr Liem incorporates various treatment techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy when clinically indicated. She is extensively trained and experienced in treating adults and adolescents (16+) who struggle with a wide range of emotional and/or relational difficulties. Over the years, she has developed specialties in
the following areas:

• Complex/childhood trauma and attachment issues
• Chronic depression and anxiety
• Personality challenges and emotional dysregulation
• Life adjustment challenges (e.g., grief, divorce, career, illness)
• Feelings of inadequacy, emptiness or identity concerns
• Relational difficulties
• Eating disorders, psychosomatic issues, and insomnia

Dr. Liem also has significant experience addressing the unique stressors faced by the flight crew, having served as the in-house clinical psychologist for a global airline for years. Her primary role was to offer clinical psychological intervention and mental fitness evaluation for the flight crew. She received specialty training in clinical skills and aviation psychology in Europe and completed the CASA-accredited professional training program for Designated Aviation Medical Examiners in Australia. She is recognized as a HIMS Clinical Psychologist by the FAA.

Dr Liem was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to Australia. She has since had the opportunity to study, work, and live in various countries before returning to Hong Kong. Throughout her career, she has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and is attuned to the challenges posed by multicultural experiences. As someone who considers Hong Kong her hometown, she has a deep understanding of the unique struggles that come with living in this highly competitive and stressful environment, as well as the significant changes and transitions that people often experience here. Dr. Liem recognizes that psychotherapy is an emotional journey and that seeking help can feel daunting. She acknowledges the vulnerability involved and encourages clients to experience the therapeutic process for themselves. ”I look forward to meeting you where you are”; she says.

Dr. Liem provides therapy sessions in English and Cantonese.