Category: Uncategorized
-
Loss of Abilities
We often take for granted the simple abilities that make up our daily lives. Walking without pain, remembering details, moving through the world without hesitation. But what happens when those abilities begin to slip away? There are no clear rules for how to grieve a loss of ability. For one person, it might be the…
-
Losing a toxic Relationship
There are no universal guidelines for what defines a toxic relationship. What feels acceptable for one person may be deeply harmful to another. The spectrum ranges widely, from relationships that are merely unfulfilling, all the way to those marked by harm and danger. It’s easy for outsiders to ask, “why not just break up?” But…
-
Supporting Self-Esteem in Neurodiverse Children with EMDR
Neurodiverse children often experience the world in ways that are different from their peers. These differences can influence how they learn, communicate, and respond to their environment. Over time, repeated experiences of feeling misunderstood or struggling to meet expectations can affect a child’s confidence and sense of self. Self-esteem develops through everyday interactions, relationships, and…
-
Making a Child Free Choice for Couples
We are born into societal systems that expect our lives to play out in a certain way. This expectation is reflected in popular theoretical frameworks such as the family life cycle outlined by Evelyn Duvall (Family Life Cycle | EBSCO, n.d.). Through the lens of this theory, a cycle begins when a young adult leaves…
-
The Benefits of Doing Nothing in Fast-Paced Singapore
In Singapore, we are often told that time is precious. That every hour should be put toward productivity, whether it’s excelling in academics, climbing the career ladder, or pursuing enrichment activities. Rooted in a culture that prizes meritocracy and achievement, many Singaporeans grow up with the belief that their worth is measured by results, grades,…
-
World Teen Mental Health Day
World Teen Mental Health Day is observed each year on 2nd March and offers an opportunity to reflect and bring greater understanding to the mental health challenges faced by teenagers today. It also aims to reduce stigma and remind young people that they are not alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in…
-
Understanding self-harm and how to help loved ones who self-harm
Understanding Self-Harm and its functions Self-harm or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is when someone intentionally injures their own body (e.g., cutting, hit themselves). Self-harm can be a difficult coping mechanism to understand as it can seem counter-intuitive and does not always indicate someone has suicidal intent. But understanding self-harm helps you understand your loved one’s perspective…
-
A Counsellor’s Reflections on Wicked: Glinda and ACT
I know I am a few months behind in writing a reaction piece to the much-anticipated release of Wicked: For Good, but it’s never too late to gush about our favorite witches from Oz, right? As I sat in the theatre in November (because, yes, I saw it the weekend it came out) listening to…
-
Supporting a Child with an Eating Disorder: A Guide for Parents in Singapore
When you suspect your child may have an eating disorder, it can feel frightening, confusing and overwhelming. Many parents describe a mix of denial, guilt, fear and urgency. You may be wondering: Whether you are a local family or an expat family without extended support nearby, these feelings can feel heavy and confusing. Eating disorders…
-
Random Acts of Kindness Day: Boosting Emotional Wellbeing Through Small Acts
Random Acts of Kindness Day, observed each year on February 17, invites us to pause and notice the impact of small, thoughtful actions. These small acts of kindness can play an important role in supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing for both adults and children. Kindness can be experienced in many ways, such as offering…