My Approach to Helping
I believe every one has the capacity to heal themselves. All of us can surely get pass our "stuckness" we are feeling right now. As Satir said, "The problem is not the problem. Coping is the problem." Hence, any situation that seems hopeless will surely have the light at the end of the tunnel. Even if external change is not possible, internal change is definitely possible. It is my goals as a therapist to journey with my clients and to empower them to get through this life challenges they are feeling right now. It is my desire to have everyone live to their full potential...and there will be no regrets at the of our life journey. In fact, God will also say to us "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
More Info About My Practice
I am also a trained clinical supervisor. I provide supervision to counselors and counseling interns.
Besides being a counselor and a supervisor, I am also an educator and trainer.
The other part of me also believe that "Prevention is better than cure."
I have been actively giving lectures, running workshops and giving talks on mental health issues.
Here are some link to some public event that I did:
From FOMO to YOLO: What are you doing here?
https:www.youtube.comwatch?v=V_6YKr54DYU
Mental Health in the midst of pandemic:
https:www.youtube.comwatch?v=OZzPRLUoC48&list=PLdpmkFgq7UrwXtovCI-dVINebQh1JuEQ0&index=7
Recognizing the signs: Suicide prevention and intervention
https:www.youtube.comwatch?v=KRZzuDBOBu8&list=PLdpmkFgq7UrwXtovCI-dVINebQh1JuEQ0&index=14
Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work
I have developed several areas of specialty as a counsellor over the past 20 years.
First, I specialize in career issues. I utilize Savickas' Carer Construction Theory, Choice TheoryReality Therapy as well as career assessment tools to address career related concerns.
Second, I look into building a person's self-esteem and self-confidence. I use Satir's Personal Iceberg Metaphor to help clients understand their behavior, expectations, yearnings and self, and help them move toward their desired goals and direction in lives.
Next, I utilize Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy to address couples and marital concerns such as communication problems, forgiveness issues, conflict management, and other relationship challenges. I also use Therapeutic Play in dealing with children and help them express their pent up emotions.
To enhance personal changes, I practice Timeline Therapy and NLP on a regular basis to enable clients to get rid of inappropriate emotional reactions such as burst of anger, periods of depression, sadness, anxiety, and fear, as well as overcoming limited beliefs.
Should there be traumatic experiences and disturbing memories, I use EMDR to treat post traumatic stress disorder. IFS is also an approach I used to help my clients.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Therapy is always linked to mental illness or the acknowledgement that you are weak. This mindset therefore puts many people off coming for therapy and seek appropriate treatment. In fact, coming for therapy is taking care of your mental health.
If your body is sick, you go for medical check up and take appropriate medication. Hence, if you feel your mind is not working efficiently as before, why not seek a mental health practitioner, who will help you make sense of what is going on in your life right now.
I also like to use the metaphor of cancer treatment. The earlier you treat the illness, the success rate is almost 100%. This is the same with our mental health. The earlier we seek therapy, the chances of us having to see a psychiatrist and take medication will be less.
I always like this quote: Who is a strong man? A strong man is strong enough to cry and to admit their weaknesses.
So, if you ever suspect "Am I OK?" I am please to chat with you.