by on 22/01/2025 572
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When it comes to a child’s development, families often focus on whether a child can read, write, and perform well in school. In the process, however, the child’s behavioural and emotional needs can be overlooked–even though these aspects are equally important to ensure a child develops holistically.
Seed Connections Child & Family Psychology and Learning Centre, Bukit Jalil provides a range of psychological and learning services for children, teenagers, and adults. The centre’s director, Ms. Ju Li shares that it came from her desire to bridge gaps in understanding children’s emotional and developmental needs.
A former lecturer in psychology, Ms. Ju Li encountered students struggling with unresolved emotional and behavioural issues stemming from their early childhood experiences—and thought about what she could do to make a difference.
“I realised that there was so much about children’s emotional needs that as adults we don’t quite understand,” she said. “We know them from our perspective, but we don’t see things through their lens.” This realisation became the foundation for Seed Connections.
Initially focused on play therapy, Seed Connections has expanded to offer various services. One of their main programmes is the Early Intervention Programme (EIP) – also called the Inclusive Learning Club (ILC), which is designed for children aged 3 to 7 and focuses on building foundational skills to reintegrate them into schools or inclusive environments. Classes are highly individualised, tailored to the child’s needs, and conducted one-on-one.
Of course, Play Therapy remains one of the centre’s core offerings. This child-directed approach uses tools like sand trays, clay, and dress-up materials to help children express their emotions. “Play therapy isn’t just for kids with special needs,” Ms. Ju Li clarifies. “It helps typically developing children too, supporting them through challenges like school refusal, social anxiety, attachment issues, or any other mental and emotional health challenges.”
Another standout program is Brain Builders, which focuses on developing essential executive functioning skills such as focus, organisation, and self-regulation. Designed for primary school children aged 7 to 13, the programme combines fun activities with skill-building exercises to help students thrive both academically and personally.
Ms. Ju Li shared one example of how the programme helps children overcome common challenges: 'Many children struggle with issues like forgetting books or having difficulty managing tasks. We teach them skill sets such as planning, organising, and self-monitoring. These skills help them realize that they have the tools needed to effectively organise their daily tasks.
The centre also has Social Playgroups. These groups are available to children with special needs to help them socialise, since therapy and EIP sessions are typically one-on-one. Meanwhile, typically developing children can also join a social playgroup, especially if they are withdrawn or struggle with making friends. “It’s all about creating an environment where kids feel safe and supported to connect with others,” Ms. Ju Li shares.
Every child’s journey at Seed Connections begins with an assessment. Using a mix of behavioural observations and interviews with parents, the team gains insights into the child’s needs. For families with existing reports from hospitals or other centres, Seed Connections offers consultations to recommend suitable interventions.
For children who don’t require intensive interventions, the centre provides learning support tailored to their unique needs. “For example, we may create a multisensory programme to help them grasp concepts they struggled with in school,” says Ms. Ju Li.
The team at Seed Connections is small but dedicated, consisting of professionals with backgrounds in educational psychology, clinical psychology, play therapy and counselling. Together, they work collaboratively across multiple disciplines to ensure that every child’s needs are met. They don’t just subscribe to one model, but employ an integrative approach that blends techniques like behavioural intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy, and expressive arts.
Psychological safety is a cornerstone of their work. “We make sure the child’s needs are seen and heard,” she emphasised. “It’s not just about what the school or parents want but making sure the child feels safe before we work on intervention goals.”
Seed Connections also recognises how important it is to involve families in the process. Through parental coaching and workshops, parents are guided on how to support their child at home.
As Seed Connections continues to grow, Ms. Ju Li remains committed to expanding their reach and impact. “At the end of the day, it’s about helping children and their families navigate challenges with confidence and care,” she shared.
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