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Overcoming Stigma: Debunking 3 Misconceptions About Counselling

Have you ever considered seeking counselling for a challenge you’ve faced, only to to be told that counselling is not meant for you or that it would not work for you? Despite its numerous benefits, there are many myths and misconceptions about counselling. As a result, professional counselling is often clouded by stigma and misunderstandings. These counselling myths can create unnecessary barriers, preventing many from accessing the support they need for their mental well-being. In this article, we aim to explore and debunk some of the most common misconceptions about counselling, revealing its true purpose and value. Keep reading to find out more.

#1 Counselling is for Weak People

One of the most prevalent myths about counselling is that it’s a sign of weakness. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Engaging in counselling requires immense courage and strength. It serves as an opportunity for you to face your challenges with professional counselling help, and for personal development and self-awareness. This allows you to identify and address patterns that might be holding you back, and to develop healthier ways of managing and overcoming life’s challenges.

Moreover, counselling isn’t just for those experiencing difficulties. It’s also for anyone who wishes to enhance their personal growth, develop better interpersonal skills, and achieve their goals. Just as one might seek a coach for career advancement or a trainer for physical fitness, a counsellor can be seen as a guide for emotional and mental health, helping you become the best version of yourself.

#2 Counselling is Just Talking; It Doesn’t Work

A woman undergoing talk therapy with a therapist

While it is true that talking therapy is a fundamental component of counselling, it is far more than just a casual conversation. Counselling involves a collaborative relationship between the counsellor and the client, working together towards specific goals. These sessions are conducted in a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Through active listening, empathy, and guidance, your counsellor or therapist can help you gain new perspectives and strategies by identifying your challenges and understanding your emotions.

However, the effectiveness of counselling requires translating those insights into actionable changes in your everyday life with intentional effort to apply the learning gained through counselling and to implement the plans made in counselling. Change does not happen overnight and a counsellor can support you through this process. This process empowers you to actively address and overcome your challenges as you embark on your healing journey, leading to lasting positive outcomes and enhanced well-being.

#3 Counselling is Only for People with Severe Mental Health Issues

couples counselling with therapist

While counselling is indeed vital for those grappling with severe mental health conditions, it is equally valuable for anyone dealing with the everyday stressors of life, especially in a bustling city like Singapore. Life can be overwhelming, and everyone faces difficulties at some point. This is where counselling comes in to offer a supportive space for navigating these situations.

Whether you’re seeking help with stress management, boosting self-esteem, or dealing with or navigating significant life changes—such as a career shift through employee counselling, or the loss of a loved one with grief counsellingaddressing these issues early can aid with resolving challenges before they grow, preventing them from escalating into more severe problems. 

Overcoming the stigma surrounding counselling is essential for fostering a more compassionate and understanding society. By doing so, we can play a part in building a culture of increased mental health awareness, where seeking help is celebrated and recognised as an essential part of self-care. 

Looking to make meaningful changes in your life? At In Focus Counselling, our professional team of counsellors and therapists adopt a variety of therapeutic approaches to empower you on your personal journey. Contact us today to explore how our services can support you towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. Your path to transformation starts here.

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Chan Pei Lin

Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC)

Counsellor Masters in Guidance and Counselling (MGC), James Cook University Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Buffalo New York State

I have always had a keen interest in working with children and youth. I find it fulfilling and meaningful to be working, supporting and guiding them, and I now have more than eight years of experience in this area. After graduating from the University of Buffalo, New York State with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I started working with children and youth with Special Needs in early intervention. From my interactions with my clients over these years, I have come to see that being able to provide the emotional support that they and their families need is very important.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia and tactile defensives (Sensory Integrative Disorder), I remember the unconditional and judgement-free support I received from families and friends that got me through the various challenges. Therefore, I aim to offer the same unconditional support and judgement-free interaction to all my clients. Through my personal experience, I understand how crucial it is for individuals to develop a strong emotional foundation and a support network, especially those in similar circumstance. Therefore, I strongly believe in journeying and supporting individuals through stressful times, and in working with their loved ones through the strengthening of the bonds within the family unit.

I am trained in the major counselling and therapeutic approaches and also in Choice Theory Reality Therapy and Behavioural Therapy. My work is informed by Person Centred Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. Beyond children and youth, I have counselled clients in other settings and age groups including young adults and families. I am particularly interested in supporting people in building resilience and skills to cope with stress, anxiety adjustments and overall socio-emotional needs. Given my own personal and work experience, I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance in a fulfilling life. To better support my clients, I am currently pursuing my certification for Choice Theory and Reality Therapy after obtaining my Masters in Guidance and Counselling at James Cook University.

Evelyn Rochelle Koh

Senior Principal Counsellor, Counselling Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor

Master of Social Science (Counselling), CTRTC, EFT, EFCT
Clinical Supervisor & Instructor (Senior Faculty of William Glasser International & William Glasser Institute, Singapore)

Certified Human Behaviour Analyst (DISC)
Certified PREPARE-ENRICH

I developed a passion in counselling when I started out as a school volunteer counsellor working with youth. I saw the transformative power of the counselling relationship on the youths in school and even later in life beyond school. This was a life changing experience for me and I was spurred to setup my own private counselling and psychotherapy practice in 2004. That was a time when there were few counselling and consultation services in Singapore. Since then, I have been working with youths, couples, parents, working adults on their emotional issues and mental health and well-being through counselling and psychotherapy for over 20 years.

Beyond helping my clients within the counselling room, I believe in tapping on the multiplier effect to bring healing and strength to individuals, and relationships between couples and within families. I thus expanded my work and I now devote a large portion of my time towards raising the skills and competencies of the helping profession through lecturing, training, clinical supervision and consultancy services.

My area of passion and specialisation is Choice Theory, Reality Therapy, Lead Management (CTRTLM) because it is highly empowering. I thus find great joy in training counsellors, therapist, social workers, coaches, leaders and managers in this area.  I am also trained in Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Gottman Couples Therapy and my work is also informed by therapeutic models such as Positive Psychology, Humanistic Therapy, Experiential Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with organisations across different sectors, ranging from Youth Centers, Family Service Centers and Specialist Centers to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Ministry of Education (MOE). The latter two involved projects where I was able to share my passion for helping youth in Singapore. With the HPB, I helped develop the Peer Support Program for youth and conducted training for youth leaders from tertiary institutions and for those involved in the online peer support network “Youthpals”. With the MOE, I conducted cluster training for school counsellors and teachers on counselling and therapy skills to better help our students.

It is also my firm conviction that all situations of loss and pain can be opportunities for deep healing, growth and connection. I have thus been committed to providing regular training on the topic of “Grief and Loss” to social service practitioners through the Social Service Institute (SSI).

Curriculum Vitae

  • Registered Singapore Counselor with Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
  • Registered Clinical Supervisor with Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
  • Registered Social Service Practitioner with Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW)
  • Professional member of the American Counselling Association (ACA)
  • Senior Faculty member as Approved Instructor and Supervisor of William Glasser International and William Glasser Institute, Singapore. At William Glasser Institute, Singapore, Evelyn is serving in the Executive Committee to advocate Dr. William Glasser’s teaching in Choice Theory Psychology, Reality Therapy and Lead Management.
  • External Lecturer/ Clinical Supervisor, Swinburne University of Technology
  • Clinical Supervisor, James Cook University Singapore, Monash University
  • Associate Adult Educator, Social Service Institute
  • Trained in Gottman Couples Therapy, The Gottman Institute
  • Trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy, York University, EFT Clinic
  • Trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Canada