What is DBT? Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of talking therapy with a strong educational aspect. DBT is primarily adapted for people who feel emotions very intensely. It teaches them skills to recognise, understand, and label their emotions, as well as the ability to manage them properly, in order to improve their relationships with the people surrounding them. ‘Dialectical’ means that two things that seem opposite can both be true. In other words, rather than viewing things in extremes of black and white, DBT focuses on the path in the middle. For instance, accepting how you ar ..read more

How decoding messages inherited from your family of origin can inform on how you deal with conflict in your relationship. In my childhood, a bowl of cut fruit could mean a thousand things. It could mean: “You need some good vitamins, and I need you to be fed.” Or it could mean: “Good job on your test, here are some sweet treats to last you through another study session.” Sometimes it is simply: “Love you, eat well.” And most of the time, it is: “I’m sorry I shouted at you in public.” It took me a while to decode what each bowl of fruit meant, and why my mother couldn’t seem to say these things ..read more

Navigating the breakdown of a marriage is deeply personal and often intensely painful. From my experience, I can attest that it’s heart-wrenching and laden with feelings of failure, fear, shame, and worthlessness. It’s undeniably a journey of healing that has helped me uncover parts of myself I lost along the way, which was a huge part of my identity. This journey has forced me to be honest and reflective about my limitations and what is needed in a relationship, recognising how I had previously overlooked the crucial elements that foster a healthy partnership. It also empowered me to understa ..read more

We are all narcissists in some way. Anyone can exhibit selfishness, egotism, lack of empathy, and insensitivity from time to time. To some extent, being narcissistic is human nature and is required to live socially as we do. However, in some extreme cases, people develop narcissistic personality disorder, which can disrupt their whole lives. This blog aims to provide insight and awareness about the different nuances of narcissism and the faces it can have. Narcissistic Personality Disorder Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is found more in men than women, and its onset is in early adulth ..read more

What Is Executive Coaching? The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential. Coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership”. At Incontact, we offer executive coaching (also called Coaching for Executives), where you work with a Coach-as-a-partner to be more effective at your job by polishing and attaining your goals in a healthy, efficient and sustainable way. Our approach involves creating ..read more

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and is officially diagnosed after a continuous absence of menstruation for 12 months. While the average age of menopause is 51, variations do exist. Therefore, in some women, it may occur earlier or later. Symptoms of menopause can occur months or years in advance of the actual halt of menstruation and usually consist of the following: Hot Flashes Sleep Difficulties Weight Gain Thinning or Loss of Hair Irregular Periods Vaginal Dryness Loss of Breast Fullness Naturally, these symptoms can vary in each woman, resulting in a wide range of ex ..read more

When I was five, my family embarked on a journey defining my childhood most unconventionally. Leaving our familiar homeland and extended family behind, my parents, sister, and I ventured to Prague, igniting a sequence of relocations that would span the next thirteen years. By the time I reached the age of eighteen, I had called five different countries home and had explored the cultural mosaic of countless others. While conventional wisdom often cautioned against such frequent uprooting, I wouldn’t trade my unique upbringing for anything. Here are three invaluable lessons I learned from my glo ..read more

Sook Ning Chua wrote an article in 2020 for the International Journal of Eating Disorders titled, “Estimated prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore“. Along with her colleagues, she measured the prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore and reached a shocking conclusion that most of her sample screened positive for a current DSM-5 eating disorder. To her surprise, she found that of all the participants who screened positive for an eating disorder, only 1.6% reported being in treatment. This article in 2020 was the first-ever study to officially assess the prevalence of eating disorders i ..read more

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT, is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that challenges the ground rules of most Western psychology. ACT aims to create a rich and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. It has been proven effective with many conditions, such as depression, OCD, workplace stress, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, anorexia, and even schizophrenia. It is important to note that ACT does not have symptom reduction as a goal. Instead, this therapy focuses on transforming our relationship wi ..read more

What Is Motivational Interviewing? Motivational interviewing is an approach to communication and counselling that aims to inspire and elicit intrinsic motivation within individuals. It is a collaborative and client-centred method used by professionals in various fields to facilitate behaviour change. This technique helps individuals explore their values, beliefs, and reasons for change, ultimately empowering them to make positive decisions and take action toward their goals. In essence, motivational interviewing is a conversational style that helps individuals identify their motivations and re ..read more