In the realm of mental health and well-being, the role of therapists cannot be overstated. They serve as guides and facilitators of change in individuals' lives. To ensure the highest standards of care, therapists must as much as possible adhere to guidelines set forth by professional bodies such as the Singapore Psychological Society, Singapore Association for Counselling, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and the American Psychological Association. Here are some of the many key aspects outlined by these organisations to maintain professionalism and efficacy in therapy. Educat ..read more

The festive season is often synonymous with joy, celebration, and gatherings. However, amidst the holiday cheer, conversations can sometimes take unexpected turns, and well-intentioned questions may unintentionally feel pressuring or offensive to different individuals. Although one may not realise the impact of their words, the person being asked certainly does. As such, in this article, we briefly explore why certain questions can be uncomfortable and ways to handle such situations with empathy. It is important for one to be aware of how impact of their words and for others to not assume the ..read more

As the excitement and celebration of the festive season settle, we often focus on the joy and happiness surrounding these periods. For many, this time of the year means spending more time with loved ones and slowing down for rest. However, for someone who is away from loved ones for any reason, this time of the year can feel especially lonely and isolating. The constant reminder of others celebrating with loved ones can be particularly painful. While many are immersed in the festivities, others may find it challenging to reconcile the season's merriment with their emotional struggles. In this ..read more

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the workplace serves as a central hub for many individuals. Oftentimes, individuals spend most of their day at work more than in other aspects of their lives. However, despite being surrounded by colleagues and immersed in professional activities, an alarming number of employees experience a pervasive sense of loneliness. Contrary to popular belief, loneliness is not solely confined to individuals who work in isolated or remote settings. It can infiltrate even the most bustling offices, where employees may feel emotionally disconnected from their ..read more

Co-author: Zanise Lim Sibling rivalry refers to the competition, jealousy, and conflicts that can occur among blood-siblings, step-siblings, and foster siblings. It is normal and common for children who share living spaces, resources, and the attention of caregivers. In fact, according to various research studies, this process serves a developmental purpose. It helps children differentiate themselves from their siblings and understand their uniqueness. Furthermore, some research suggests that the child’s responses demonstrate that the older child is appropriately attached to their caregivers a ..read more

Co-author: Zanise Lim Grief is a universal human experience, and children, despite their resilience, are not exempt from its impact. The experience of grief can happen at any time in an individual’s life. Although the process of grieving may look different between individuals and age groups, it is important for one to be supported during these difficult times. In this article, we will explore how children experience grief, how it may manifest to an observer, and offer guidance on supporting children through the grieving process. Some common situations that can cause a child to experience grief ..read more

Co-author: Saanika Zanwar Following our previous article on child abuse which covered the types of child abuse, some impact of child abuse, the risk factors, and possible prevention and intervention, this article will delve deeper into various impact of child abuse and how it can potentially affect the individual in the long run.   Before diving into the long-term impacts of child abuse to adulthood, it is essential to understand the various factors that can affect the impact of child abuse in adulthood. These include: Age and developmental stage of child abuse Child’s individual ..read more

Co-author: Ricole Tay Child abuse is a prevalent issue that affects many children all around the world. Despite the devastating impact that child abuse can have on the victim, many of these cases go unreported for multiple reasons, such as fear of shame or losing their sole breadwinner. Abuse cases may also go unreported due to the lack of awareness of signs of child abuse and/or the abuser intentional isolation of the victims. Therefore, victims may go on with their lives and through adulthood while carrying the trauma. Symptoms of trauma can manifest in a variety of ways. Without realising i ..read more

Given the state of the world, one may feel that violence is just part and parcel of our lives today. As we get updated on the acts of violence from around the world and within our homes, it is clear that the complexities of aggression and violence continue to remain an important topic to discuss. In this article, we explore the various root causes of violence and aggression and how preventive measures and timely interventions can negate the risk of violent acts.  Before getting to it, it is essential to differentiate between aggression and violence. Aggression refers to a broad range of b ..read more

As mental health becomes more recognised as an essential part of healthcare, it is important to understand that mental health conditions can be treated and not just about managing symptoms. For some to begin their journey to improve their mental health, they may question the validity and reliability of mental health treatment as with any type of healthcare treatment. Hence, in this article, we look at some of the advancements in research and evidence-based practices that have guided the treatment of mental health conditions. This article draws from renowned resources like the National Institut ..read more