MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR



MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR

I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of the human mind and the intricacies of behaviour. This curiosity sparked a profound interest in understanding how people think and interact, and it naturally steered me towards a career where I could engage directly with these dynamics. My passion for helping people, combined with my curiosity about mental processes, laid the foundation for my future in counselling and therapy. As I went deeper into the field, my initial curiosity transformed into a passionate commitment. 

My journey to becoming a licensed mental health counsellor was marked by milestones like attaining a Master of Science in Mental Health Counselling in the USA and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Observing firsthand the impact of therapeutic interventions through stints in organisations like Aware.org and The Star Shelter, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the capacity for change that we all possess. These experiences have only deepened my resolve to guide individuals towards healing and self-discovery, providing support, understanding, and strategies to cope with life’s challenges.

As a Therapist, What Can I Do?

As a licensed mental health counsellor, I collaborate with clients, helping them view their own behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs with a fresh perspective to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving realistic goals. My role is not to dictate solutions but to guide clients in defining their problems accurately and exploring alternative solutions. Together, we uncover patterns and assess the appropriateness of their choices. With the client’s active participation, we develop skills for better decision-making, conflict resolution, and managing emotions.

How Does Counselling Work?

Counselling is a collaborative process where mental health counselors partner with clients to help them become consciously aware of what they truly desire and find healthier ways to achieve it. Rather than giving advice, what a counsellor does is help individuals understand the full scope of their behaviours and the potential outcomes of their decisions. Moreover, our role is to facilitate self-exploration, allowing clients to align their intentions with their actions and evaluate the effectiveness of their desires and strategies. Ultimately, it empowers individuals to make informed choices about adopting new behaviors or refining existing ones to enhance their well-being.

Why Counselling and Mental Health Are Important

As a licensed mental health counsellor, I find joy and fulfilment in my work, especially in promoting mental health awareness and destigmatising the pursuit of help for emotional struggles. I believe that counselling plays a crucial role not only in healing but also in fostering growth and resilience, making it essential for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being and relationship health. Whether I’m providing individual or couple counselling in Singapore, I bring my passion for helping people navigate the complex journeys of their lives. 

Learn more about the impacts of therapy by trying our family counselling and individual counselling services in Singapore. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.