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Welcome to In Focus

In Focus Counseling and Therapy Services is a private practice providing professional, effective and supportive coaching, counseling and psychotherapy services.

Qualified & Experienced Professionals

Our team of qualified consultants, counselors and psychotherapists, have with them over decades of lecturing, clinical training and counseling experience in their respective fields. 

Nurture and Effect Human Growth

Our clients have seen their lives transformed through our tailored programs, workshops and counseling services.

Depression and Anxiety Issues

Depression and anxiety issues commonly affect the mental health of individuals. At In Focus, we understand how debilitating these symptoms can be and we hope to help individuals experiencing these symptoms cope better and live more engaging lives.

If you are experiencing depression and/or anxiety issues, or any other issues affecting your mental and emotional well-being, you do not need to go through this alone. It is understandable that some may have reservations opening up for help, but reaching out for counselling support can be one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself.

It is our firm belief that, with a little help, you will cope even more effectively and eventually be on the path towards the life that you desire.

At In Focus, we provide a safe space for you to tell your story and seek help. Our counsellors and therapists genuinely care about your well-being, and are here to walk with you through the challenging phases of life. Contact us to find out how we can support you in this time. 

Depression

Feeling sad or down from time to time is a normal part of life. While it may be unpleasant to experience these emotions, they usually do not last long for most people. On the other hand, persistent feelings of a sense of helplessness and despair could significantly affect your day-to-day living. If not managed, such feelings and thoughts could spiral downwards, affecting one’s quality of life, work and relationships. Symptoms associated with depression vary from person to person. Some describe it as “living in a black hole” or being followed around by a “suffocating grey cloud.” Others feel lifeless, apathetic, or empty and might find it difficult to engage socially, or lose interest in their work or in activities they used to enjoy. Depressive symptoms can also include fatigue, difficulty experiencing pleasure or joy, sleeping difficulties, changes in appetite, anger or irritability, self-loathing, reckless behaviours and difficulty concentrating. However, it is possible to manage, and to even overcome, these symptoms.

If the above describes what you may be experiencing, you do not have to go through it alone. Speaking with a counsellor or a therapist at In Focus can help you discover additional resources and skills to cope more effectively and to live the life that you want. Contact us to find out how we can support you in this time.

Anxiety Issues

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress or a threat of danger. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is to come. It is common to feel anxious from time to time, especially in a fast-paced society like Singapore. There are also some situations which are new and challenging where it is normal to feel anxious or nervous, like a job interview, the first day at school or at a new work place, taking a test, or making an important presentation. Feeling anxious can be uncomfortable, but it is not necessarily a bad thing. In some situations, it can help us stay focused and can motivate us to work towards our goals. Feelings of anxiety normally come and go and do not interfere much with our everyday life.

Feelings of anxiety can manifest as feelings of dread and apprehension, being on constant alert for danger, anticipating the worst, difficulties concentrating, feeling tense and irritable, and blanking out in the mind. Anxiety can also manifest as physical sensations such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches and dizziness, stomach upsets, frequent urination / diarrhea, muscle tension / twitching, shaking, sweating, difficulties sleeping.

If these symptoms become regular or overwhelming, they could be disruptive and lead to difficulties functioning effectively in various aspects of daily living.

If the above describes what you may be experiencing, please know that you do not have to go through it alone. Speaking with a counsellor or a therapist at In Focus can help you discover additional resources and skills to cope more effectively and to live the life that you want. Contact us to find out how we can support you in this time.

While anxiety issues and depression can occur separately, some people struggle with both. Lifestyle changes, such as changes to diet and sleeping habits, and incorporating meaningful activities to stay active and to recharge can bring about improvements. In addition, reaching out for counselling support is an extremely helpful step to take.

At In Focus, we respect that everyone’s situation is unique. Our counsellors and therapists believe in customizing our work to suit our clients and the issues before us while drawing on professional counselling and therapy approaches and our experiences in the field. Contact us to find out how we can support you in this time.

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Call Us at

+65 8725 9303

Whether you are youth, working adults or corporations, we welcome your enquiries to find out how we can help you realize your dreams.

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Katina Halkas

Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC)


Counselor


Katina holds a Masters degree in Guidance and Counselling from James Cook University (Singapore), and is a Provisional Clinical Member of the Singapore Association for Counsellors.  Katina has experience working with couples and individuals in both local and expatriate communities in Singapore and is also a volunteer counsellor at a women’s care centre.  She has worked with both men and woman dealing with a variety of emotional concerns including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger issues, self-harm, grief, as well as relationship/family issues and work-related stress.


Katina aims to create a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment for clients to explore any issues or concerns they are facing and uses a collaborative approach in helping clients identify goals and changes they want to make in their lives; and to reach a greater sense of self-awareness and wellbeing.


Katina has a strong commitment towards her ongoing professional development, attending regular supervision and taking part in training and workshops several times a year to broaden her knowledge and skills in counselling.


Katina has trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 & 2), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as well as Career Development and Transition Coaching.  She is currently working towards her certification in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory.


Katina is originally from South Africa and is also a Greek-Cypriot national.  She worked in executive recruitment (headhunting) while living in South Africa and later moved to the US for a number of years before relocating to Singapore.  She has lived here for over 13 years with her husband and has two teenage boys.

Chan Pei Lin

Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC)

Counselor


Chan Pei Lin is a counsellor at In Focus Counselling & Therapy Service. Her areas of focus are counselling and coordinating workshops for children, youth and families.


She has more than seven years experience working with neuro-typical children. Pei Lin has also worked extensively with children with special needs, specifically autism and developmental delay. She, herself having been diagnosed with Sensory Integrative Disorder (Tactile Defensiveness) and dyslexia, she understands how crucial it is for the children and youth to develop a strong emotional foundation. She is aware that such support is currently lacking in Singapore. It is her passion to work with children that pushes her to pursue a career in counselling and specialize in children and youth.


Pei Lin’s area of interest includes supporting the children and youth with socio-emotional coping, building resilience, stress management, anxiety management and adjustment issues. The children and youth connect with her easily as she is warm and genuine. She strongly believes in creating a safe and secure therapeutic environment for her clients through mutual respect, authentic and judgement-free interaction.


Pei Lin has a Master in Guidance and Counselling from James Cook University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Buffalo, New York State. She is also currently in the process to obtain her certification in Choice Theory and Reality Therapy.

Evelyn Rochelle Koh

M.Soc.Sc (Counseling), CTRTC, EFT, EFCT, Certified Human Behaviour Analyst (DISC), Certified PREPARE-ENRICH

Principal Counselor, Counseling Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor

Clinical Supervisor & Instructor (Faculty of William Glasser International & William Glasser Institute, Singapore)

Evelyn founded In Focus Counseling & Therapy Services (formerly known as Unlearn and Learn) toward the end 2004. She has more than decade of professional experience working with youth, couples, parents and working adults from mental health to emotional issues.

Evelyn provides consulting, counseling, training and supervision work to both government and non-governmental organizations such as Youth Centre, Family Service Centre (FSCs), Specialist Centre – in areas of advance counseling skills training and supervision for counsel1ors and social workers, and life-skills training for the community.

With the Ministry of Education (MOE), she has conducted cluster training for school counselors as well as school teachers, equipping them with counseling and therapy skills to better help their students. Since 2013, she has been regular trainer for Social Service Institute (SSI), conducting training on grief and loss for professional social service practitioners.

In her work with Health Promotion Board, she has helped developed the Peer Support Program for youth and conducted training for youth leaders from NTU, SIM, ITE, Temasek Polytechnic and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). She was also involved in consulting and training to Youthpals of Audible Hearts, an online peer support network, supported by Health Promotion Board.

In her professional capacity, Evelyn also serves as external lecturer, instructor, trainer and clinical supervisor, providing skills building training and supervision to counsellors, therapist, social workers, coaches, leaders and managers in learning Choice Theory, Reality Therapy, Lead Management and life-skills.

Evelyn’s passion in counseling started off when she served as a school volunteer working with youth. Her genuine care gained the trust of the youth, allowing her to be their confidante. This allowed her to help many of them make progress in life even after they left school. This life changing experience had spurred Evelyn on to setup Unlearn and Learn, in a time when there were few counseling and consultation services in Singapore.

Curriculum Vitae

  • Registered Singapore Counselor with Singapore Association for Counseling (SAC)
  • Registered Clinical Supervisor with Singapore Association for Counseling (SAC)
  • Registered Social Service Practitioner with Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW)
  • Professional member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • 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.
  • Evelyn is also informed in therapeutic models such as Positive Psychology, Humanistic, Experiential Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy among others.
  • External Lecturer/ Clinical Supervisor, Swinburne University of Technology
  • Clinical Supervisor, James Cook University Singapore, Monash University
  • 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