FAQs
On Sessions.
What is the therapy process?
As each journey shall be started with a destination in mind, we will start the session by trying to understand what you hope to achieve at the end of therapy. In the beginning, you are the driver and I am the co-driver, so sharing ideas with you is the main part of our journey.
Once we have identified and aligned our understanding and knowledge, we will move to the next steps on how to manage the challenging situation. Eventually, you will be equipped with the necessary skills, so you will be the one and only driver in your life. You can take charge of your journey and move towards achieving your potential.
How long is the session?
A therapy session (online and onsite) typically lasts for one hour (60 minutes). Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy and Walk & Talk Therapy sessions can be up to 90 minutes. Please be punctual for the session. The session will start and end at the agreed time.
How frequent the session will be?
The frequency and number of sessions depend on the concerns and therapy goals. While there is no fixed number of sessions, generally it will take around 3-5 sessions before you can see the changes in you. During the first session, we (You and I) will discuss the therapy plan, including the initial number and frequency of the sessions.
What is the confidentiality agreement?
Being a member of the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) and The British Psychological Society (BPS), we adhere to the professional code of ethics in matters of confidentiality and the release of information.
A therapist cannot disclose any personal information about their clients without prior permission, unless:
(1) you have given written permission to your therapist to discuss a matter with another party.
(2) your therapist determines you are a danger to yourself or others
(3) in the unlikely event that your therapist is ordered by the court of law to disclose information, or
(4) there is evidence of the physical or sexual abuse of children.
If any of the above arises, we will inform you prior to making the disclosure. Feel free to discuss your confidentiality concerns during the Get-to-Know (GTK) or the first session.
How do I know if my counsellor/therapist and I are a good match?
While in some occasions, someone will get the sense of whether he/she and the therapist are a good match in the first session. Most of the time, you may need up to 3 sessions to get the sense. You will know if you and your counsellor/therapist are a good match if you feel safe and comfortable in sharing, not only your thoughts but also your feeling.
You should be able to share without feeling judged, and so you can be yourself.
Having said that, it is perfectly normal if you are unable to open up on your first or second session, for many reasons. Everyone is unique, it is best if you can bring up your concern to your therapist and talk about it. Above all, trust your gut/inner feeling.
To help you to get a sense of whether you and we are a good match in the first session, we offer a free Get-to-know(GTK) session (30 minutes - online). The objective of the session is to give us an opportunity for us to get to know each other. You can then either decide to continue your journey with me or choose another path
What can I look forward to during the first session?
In the first 15 minutes, we will explain confidentiality followed by a discussion to find out what you hope to achieve by seeing us. The therapy process will depend on your goal. Subsequently, we will discuss on the treatment contract, which specifies the goals of the sessions, the therapy procedures, and a regular schedule and duration of the sessions.
It is normal to feel nervous during the first session. Just remember that the session is about you, do not fear of being judged. We are here to journey with you, so you can reach the place where you have been wanting to be.
What should I bring to the first session?
If you have not submitted the signed consent form online, you need to bring it with you to the first session. Also, if you have been referred by another professional, please bring along the notes or the referral letter. Other than that, just bring yourself.
On CBH.
First thing first, please be ensured that you will NOT be shown a swinging pendulum or staring into my eyes instruction. Cognitive Behaviour Hypnotherapy (CBH) is different from stage hypnosis.
You are in control at all times during the session. In fact, we experience the hypnotic state almost every day. For example, when you are watching your favourite TV shows and how the times fly, or when you read an exciting book on the beach and before you realized it, the sun is already set! This is liking when you are in the “zone” with focused attention.
So, let’s move to the next question!
What is Cognitive Behaviour Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH is an evidence-based therapy that combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Hypnotherapy to provide effective integrative therapy. It is suitable for adolescents, and adults who want to use their thinking and imagination to achieve their therapy’s goal.
Why CBH?
CBH help to enhance the therapy session by helping an individual to relax, mentally and physically. This relaxed situation decreased the resistance from our self-limiting beliefs and increased the capability to imagine things that we want to achieve.
What will happen during the session?
During the session, you will be feeling relaxed.
Why relax? It is because, during this relaxed state of mind, our conscious mind will take a back seat and hand over the control to our subconscious mind (our guide when we are doing the automatic movement). Once, the subconscious mind takes control, it will help us to access the idea and skills that are within us, but has since been forgotten.
How effective is this?
Two studies below the effectiveness of Hypnotherapy.
The first study done by Alfred A. Barrios, PhD in 1970 showed that Hypnotherapy can expect a higher recovery rate with a lesser number of sessions.
The second study by Kirsch (1996) showed that with hypnosis the mean weight loss is higher than without using hypnosis.
Who is suitable for CBH?
Everyone who is able to think or reason, and able to respond to suggestions are suitable for CBH treatment.
There are several situations in which we might not conduct the sessions when:
The individual has serious heart disorders, epilepsy, and extreme high/low blood pressure.
The individual is under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The individual is unable to work together with the therapist due to suffering from dementia or other psychotic disorders.
Do I have full control of myself during the session?
Yes, you do. During the whole process, you will be feeling relaxed, physically and mentally, thus you will be aware of what is happening around you. Moreover, to have an active role in the session, you need to be in full control of yourself.
What is my role during the session?
As during the whole process you are the main driver, we need your active role to have an effective session. You can contribute by having a positive cognitive set which includes: being motivated to be hypnotized, confidence in your own ability to respond, optimistic about the process, and expecting to respond automatically to suggestions (e.g. imagining yourself holding a balloon).
Can anyone be easily hypnotized?
Research by Stanford University School of Medicine* shows that around 75% of people can be hypnotized, with different degrees of ease. People who are easier to focus on and more imaginative tend to fall into this category. Having said that, it is not impossible for the other 25% to be hypnotized, with the practice and the right mindset, they can achieve the same results. So no matter which type you are, we can always discuss it during the Get-to-know session.
*Wood, J. (Aug 2018). Not Getting Sleepy? Not Everyone Can Be Hypnotized. Psych Central.com. Retrieved from: https://psychcentral.com/news/2012/10/06/not-getting-sleepy-not-everyone-can-be-hypnotized/45672.html
On Walk & Talk Therapy
Walk & Talk Therapy is form of psychotherapy based on mindfulness. It incorporates activities (walking, relaxing) outdoors while talking about your concern with me, your therapist. It’s a way of incorporating your Mind - bOdy - natuRE (MORE), tapping into nature’s healing power.
Why Walk & Talk Therapy?
It helps you to be more physically active. Research has found that physical activities can release dopamine and serotonin, which can improve mood.
For some people, being in nature can help to have a sense of freedom.
Being in an open space can help you to learn and practice mindfulness, in a natural way.
Being in a situation that closely resembles your day-to-day life can help you to learn and prepare how to navigate your life after the therapy sessions.
For those who want to improve their performance (sport or non-sport), being in the actual situation or location can facilitate the process.
Where does it take place?
It will take place out of our office. It tends to take place in the place with the healing nature (park or beach). However, any other outdoor place which more suitable for your situation (e.g. tennis court, busy street, etc.) is open for discussion.
Last but not least, the location is within Singapore….for now 😊
Will it be confidential?
Being out in public involves some limits to confidentiality, such as people overhears our conversation or meet people we know. Having said that, I will do the utmost to protect your confidentiality during the session. We will always discuss your questions and concerns before starting the session.
Am I suitable for this?
Research has found that Walk & Talk Therapy can help people with depression, anxiety, or stress. Having said that, I feel that Walk & Talk Therapy is suitable for everyone who is open to the idea of talking while being outdoor and with/out some physical activities.
What should I consider before deciding on Walk & Talk Therapy?
You might want to note that Walk & Talk Therapy might involve some walks and cardiovascular activity. Also, being in an outdoor environment, you might encounter a variety of (slightly) risky situations, such as insects, traffic, etc.
Anything to prepare for the session?
Depending on the location, you might want to wear something that feels comfortable for the respective location. For example, wearing comfortable walking shoes, etc.
What will happen if the weather changes during the session?
If the weather changes, you can always have an option, either to sit somewhere quiet to continue, to return to the office to continue, or to carry on with the session with the help of an umbrella, etc.
Can I change my mind during the session?
Yes, you can change your mind and we can continue the session in the office, as long as within the session hour.
How effective is this?
Some resources on the effectiveness:
WebMD - Walk and Talk Therapy
A walk in the park gives mental boost to people with depression
On General.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a psychotherapist, and a counsellor?
The main differences between them are the training they have received.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can prescribe medication. They are trained to offer psychotherapy (APA, July 2017).
A psychologist is a person who attends graduate school in psychology. They hold a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology. Counselling psychologists help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their sense of wellbeing, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms. They are trained to offer psychotherapy (APA, July 2017).
A psychotherapist is a person who has received training in therapy. They have a post-graduate degree in the chosen approach. A psychotherapist is likely to deal with longer-term and more complicated life and mental issues (APA, July 2017).
A counsellor is a person who has training that varies from a diploma to master’s level degrees. A counsellor is likely to deal with shorter-term life issues, such as bereavement, stress, and relationships (The Guardian, May 2017).
How to choose a counsellor/ therapist that suits me?
In every counselling/therapy session, the most important factor is how You connect with your therapist. Only with connectedness, you will be able to be YOURSELF. So, choose a counsellor/therapist that you can connect.
While word of mouth can be a good start, you may want to try to attend a session by yourself, because you are unique. It is also important that your therapist has not only good training but also emotional and intellectual maturity, compassion, and a capacity to listen carefully and well.
What is your communication method?
We mainly communicate through email or text messages for administrative purposes. An emergency notification will be done through a phone call. This way of communication is treated at the same level of confidentiality as that during the session. Having said that, please note that emails, text messages, and calls are not secured forms of communication, thus they might be compromised.
While a good relationship and understanding between you and I are of utmost importance during the sessions, there are boundaries related to phone calls and messaging, as well as exchanging e-mails between sessions. So, it is important to keep these boundaries.
In the case of emergency or crisis, please contact the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) - 24-hour hotline (1800 221 4444) or any other emergency services number in your country.
Any other questions, please contact us for answers.
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