Choosing the right counsellor in Singapore may seem overwhelming at first. However, you can make this process smoother and more effective with a few practical tips.
Like any other relationship, a client-counsellor relationship is also unique to the people involved. What approach or style works for you may not work for someone else.
If you are just starting out on your mental wellness journey, you may want to know how to recognise the right counsellor for your issues.
To answer your question, we have expanded on 5 major tips and steps that you can follow to choose the right counsellor in Singapore!
TYHO provides in-person and online therapy in Singapore. Our platform connects clients to vetted and experienced Psychotherapists, Psychologists, and Counsellors in Singapore. We refer to all our mental health professionals collectively as "Therapists", given the overlap in their scopes of practice. A majority of our Therapists are members of recognised bodies such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) and the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). If you'd like help with selecting someone suitable, WhatsApp us at +65 9831 0005 or email us at [email protected].
Before you choose the right counsellor, you may want to identify your therapy goals.
Identifying your goals is about understanding what you hope to achieve through therapy. The first step may seem challenging at first, but it can be simpler than you might think.
Start by reflecting on what’s bothering you. Your issues or concerns could be personal, work-related stress, academic, or interpersonal relationships.
Based on this, decide which type of counselling service you're looking for, ie, individual counselling, couples counselling or family counselling.
Next, think about what you wish to do with your concerns. Are you hoping to set realistic couple goals? Or are you keen on moving forward from a past relationship?
Other examples could include solving a problem, such as learning to live in a new country, or overcoming a psychological hardship (eg negative thought patterns or emotionally drained).
Your goals may vary widely and may even change over time. Hence, you may want to write down your thoughts in a notebook to refer to while choosing the right counsellor.
In your notebook, create two lists. Under one list, write down daily challenges you find difficult to handle. These could include finishing your work on time, excessive social media usage etc.
Under the second list, write down if you are diagnosed with a mental health condition (eg generalised anxiety disorder) or if you suspect that you may have a one.
At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), you will find a list of issues our Singaporean counsellors can support you through. The points you note in this first step can be useful when you review the counsellor’s profiles!
Remember, it is okay if your goals are not yet clear. Therapy is a journey, and your objectives and expectations can become clearer over time.
The important thing is to begin with a direction in mind, even if it is as simple as wanting to feel better.
The second tip while choosing the right counsellor in Singapore is to review their full profiles.
At TYHO, you can visit each counsellor’s profile to review their background. Here, you will find information about the counsellor’s:
We suggest going through all the information above to choose the right counsellor. In fact, you can also watch their short introductory videos to get to know the counsellor.
Firstly, check whether the counsellor provides the type of service you're looking for, ie, individual vs relationship counselling.
Next, you may wish to refer to your therapy goals and check if any counsellor can help you with them.
Under the section ‘Therapeutic Approaches’, you will find all the techniques and therapeutic interventions a counsellor may use during their sessions.
Lastly, you can read the counsellor’s description to better understand where they come from and what kind of support they can offer.
If you have any questions or requests, feel free to contact us at [email protected]!
When choosing the right counsellor, try to review their therapeutic approach and style.
Below are some key questions you can consider asking your counsellor before your first therapy session!
Asking the above questions can help you manage expectations for all the sessions you may wish to attend.
Do note that at TYHO, our counsellors may share their clinical impressions regularly and provide you with a therapeutic plan based on your needs.
Hence, if you have any concerns, talk openly with your counsellor to adjust your plan.
The fourth step in choosing the right counsellor is considering the cultural fit.
For example, if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, you may want to choose a counsellor who is queer-affirming and knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues.
At TYHO, all our counsellors are non-judgmental and respectful. However, if you are specifically looking for someone with specialisations in LGBTQ+ issues, we recommend checking their full profiles or contacting us for more information!
Some people may prefer to choose a same-sex counsellor. They may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts with someone of a specific gender.
Another important factor includes the counsellor’s background. For example, if you are from an Asian family, a counsellor who understands your culture may be more capable of addressing your issues sensitively.
We have counsellors in Singapore who speak multiple languages and come from diverse backgrounds. You will find all the information you need about TYHO counsellors in their full profiles!
The final step in choosing the right counsellor is to do a comfort check.
Initially, sharing your deepest fears and secrets with someone you have just met may feel vulnerable and new. Know that the fear and hesitation of starting affordable therapy in Singapore are common and experienced worldwide.
Give yourself some time to adjust to therapy. During this time, try to gauge if your counsellor is the right fit for you.
After each session, take some time out to reflect on a few aspects. Ask yourself questions such as: Do I feel a sense of relief? Did I feel understood and validated by my counsellor?
A counsellor who feels right for you will make you feel heard, safe and supported.
If you find that the fit isn’t quite right after giving it some time, take the time and steps that feel right for you to find a counsellor who is a good fit.
Visit our Singapore counselling page to read more about our counsellors.
Note: In some cases, you may also benefit from seeing a psychologist instead, especially if you are experiencing more severe or persistent mental health concerns that require specialised assessment or evidence-based treatment approaches.
Choosing the right counsellor in Singapore may feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.
Here are five friendly tips that may help make the process smoother: First, identify your therapy goals by reflecting on what you want to achieve. Next, review the counsellor’s profile to make sure their expertise aligns with your needs.
Feel free to ask questions about their therapeutic approach and session structure. Consider the cultural fit to ensure you feel understood and comfortable. Finally, do a comfort check after each session to see if you feel safe, heard and supported.
Finding the right counsellor is a process, and if the fit isn’t right, it is completely okay to change counsellors.
If you are in crisis, or another person may be in danger, do not use this site. Please refer to these resources instead.
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