How do I choose the right therapist?

Finding the right therapist is a deeply personal decision. It’s not just about qualifications or experience—though those are important—but about whether you feel a sense of trust and understanding with them. Think about what you need in a therapist—someone who is empathetic, who challenges you, or who offers a specific therapeutic approach. You might want to explore different therapists' websites, including mine, to get a sense of the approach to therapy and see if it feels like a good match.

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Take your time to explore my website. If you feel a connection with what you read, you can reach out to me. During our sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on whether you feel comfortable and supported in our work together. It’s important to acknowledge that therapy is a process, and sometimes it takes a little time to see if the dynamic feels right. My approach may not resonate with everyone, and that’s completely okay—finding a therapist who can meet your needs is crucial for your healing journey. The most important thing is that you find the kind of support that is right for you.

What if I don’t want to talk about something?

No pressure—you don’t have to share everything right off the bat. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. If there’s something you’re not ready to talk about, that’s perfectly fine. We can focus on what feels manageable, and if you’re nervous about opening up, we can even talk about that nervousness first.

What if I’m afraid you’ll judge me for what I say?

That fear is understandable—it's something many people worry about. But my role isn’t to judge; it is to listen and help you make sense of what you’re going through. Therapy is about understanding, not labelling. We all have our struggles, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Opening up and being vulnerable, as tough as it might be, can be one powerful step towards change.

How does confidentiality work in therapy?

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy. What you share with me stays within the therapy room, protected by ethical and legal standards in Singapore. There are, however, some rare exceptions, such as if there's a risk of harm to yourself or others or if I’m required by law to report certain information. These exceptions are in place to keep everyone safe. We can discuss any concerns you have about confidentiality so that you feel comfortable and secure in our sessions.

How long will therapy take?

As an avid indoor gardener, I’ve learnt that some issues in life are like tending to a plant—sometimes, a bit of attention is all it needs to thrive. Other times, the work involves addressing deeper issues, like removing deep-rooted weeds or balancing the pH in the soil, which requires more time and care.

In our sessions together, we might focus on immediate challenges, or we might explore deeper core beliefs or ‘imprints’ from childhood that shape your experience of the world. Therapy can be brief, or it can be a longer journey, depending on what you need.

Together, we’ll determine the best approach to help you grow and thrive.

What can I expect during the first session?

In our first session, we'll focus on getting to know each other. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to achieve, and any concerns you might have. It’s a time for you to ask me questions as well. You might be curious why I’m a counsellor or how I’ve helped other clients like yourself. The most important part of a first session is to see if you feel I’m a good fit for you. If you feel supported, seen, and at ease with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.

How do I get help if I am more comfortable speaking Mandarin?

I am fluent in Mandarin, and I’m more than happy to conduct our sessions in the language you’re most comfortable with.

Can you support me if my issues are not related to grief and loss?

Yes, I can. While I provide skilled care in grief and loss, I am trained and qualified with a Master’s degree in Counselling to support clients through a wide range of life issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress management, self-esteem concerns, trauma recovery, substance abuse, and LGBTQ+ issues.

How can I get started?

Getting started is simple. You can email me today at hello@thisishowweheal.com.sg. Or sign up through the contact form to schedule an appointment. You could also call me with any questions you may have.