FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you not find the information you need in the FAQ below, feel free to reach out to me through email or the contact form.
What is Psychological Counselling, and how does it differ from Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a more intensive and long-term treatment that delves deeper into emotional and psychological issues. It involves exploring past experiences, unconscious thoughts, and patterns of behaviour that contribute to a person’s current difficulties. Psychotherapy is often used to treat mental illnesses and personality disorders. It aims to foster deeper understanding, emotional growth, and long-lasting change.
In summary, while both psychological counselling and psychotherapy aim to improve mental health, counselling is typically short-term and focused on specific issues, whereas psychotherapy is long-term and addresses deeper psychological concerns.
What are the service fees and accepted modes of payment?
You can find more information about my service fees and accepted modes of payment here.
What are your areas of expertise?
My areas of expertise include:
- Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Mental Health Issues (including Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and other disorders)
- Substance and Behavioural Addictions
- Relationships in Couples and Families
- Gender and Sexuality
- LGBTQIA+
- Living with HIV or AIDS
- Relocation and Integration
What are your qualifications and experiences?
You can find more information about my qualifications and experiences under “My Qualifications”.
What to expect in a Psychological Counselling Session?
A Psychological Counselling Session is a safe and confidential environment where you can discuss your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and concerns with a trained mental health professional.
The Setting
All sessions typically take place in a private and comfortable meeting / therapy room or online via Zoom, or if you prefer via telephone. Each session usually lasts 60 minutes for individual sessions, or 90 minutes for couple, family or group sessions.
Initial Session
Assessment: The first session often involves an assessment where the I gather information about your background, current situation or conditions, and the issues you wish to address.
Goals: Together, you and me will set counselling goals for what you hope to achieve through psychological counselling.
Subsequent Sessions
Discussion: Regular sessions involve open discussions about your feelings, thoughts, behaviors and concerns.
Techniques: I am trained in various counselling modalities and adopt an integrative approach tailored to your unique conditions and situations.
Tasks: You might be given assignments, exercises or activities to do between sessions to reinforce what was discussed.
My Role as a Psychological Counsellor:
Supportive Listener: I listen without judgmental comments and provide a supportive environment.
Guidance: I offer interpretations and insights to help you understand, cope and manage your concerns.
Confidentiality: Everything shared in the session remains confidential. In certain exceptional situations, confidentiality may need to be breached in your best interest.
Your Role as a Client:
Honesty: Being open and honest about your feelings and experiences helps me assist you reflectively and effectively. However, you choose how much you would like to share with me.
Engagement: Actively participating in the sessions and completing any assigned tasks enhances the effectiveness of the counselling process.
Can I cancel my existing booking?
Existing bookings for online sessions can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to the session.
For sessions which are cancelled later than 24 hours prior to the session, I would have to charge you a cancellation fee of SGD100 / USD100 depending on your residential location.
In what languages are the sessions conducted?
I am fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien.
How do I book a free 15-minute consultation or a paid psychological counselling session?
To schedule your complimentary consultation or counselling appointment, please reach out to me via email or through the contact form. I will respond within 24 hours.
What is a free 15-minute consultation?
In a complimentary 15-minute consultation, we can become acquainted and jointly determine your concerns and needs, and how I may assist you. Please note that this is not a medical diagnosis consultation.
There is no commitment to schedule psychological counselling sessions with me. You have the freedom to choose if you wish to proceed with me as your counsellor.
Likewise, I will evaluate and suggest whether psychological counselling with me is advisable or, if other resources are needed, direct you to an alternative counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist as appropriate.
