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Escaping Shadows: A Journey from Avoidance to Healing

Published March 2024
“I’m so, so happy now. I should have done this sooner.” Katherine spent over 40 years of her life telling herself that nothing was wrong and that there was no need to seek help. But as she sought to help …

Unlocking Your Self-Care Potential: Discover Which Area Needs Your Attention

Published March 2024
  Life can be stressful and at times feel overwhelming. While you may want to turn your situation around and improve your mental well-being by making some big changes – relocating to a different country, quitting your job, changing your …

Win Vouchers on The “I Still Do!” Couple Quest

Published March 2024
The journey to marriage and a lasting matrimony may have its highs and lows, peace and storms; but the promise to love and care for each other is everlasting. EMCC is one of the participating organisations in the ‘I Still …

Ready for the next step in your relationship?

Published February 2024
“So, when are you getting married?” Some of you may have been asked this question during the recent festive gatherings and it would have been an exciting conversation if you’ve been making plans to take that next step! If you …

Are Family Reunions Boon or Bane?

Published February 2024
As we bid farewell to the recent festivities – the start of 2024, Valentine’s Day, and the Lunar New Year – some of us may feel sad but some may be breathing a sigh of relief. Many people look forward …

Navigating Loneliness in the Month of Love

Published February 2024
February is often touted as the month of love and romance. In Western cultures, we celebrate the familiar Valentine’s Day on February 14th. In Eastern cultures, we celebrate the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie), also known as the Chinese Valentine’s …

Struggling With Unemployment?

Published January 2024
Have you been struggling with unemployment? Has this negatively affected your mental health? Unemployment can bring with it several challenges that affect individuals and families on emotional, financial, and social levels. The uncertainty of finding a new job can lead …

“I Was Retrenched. What Should I Do Now?”

Published January 2024
Sapna Mathews, Senior Counsellor “In life, the only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you choose to use them”. Google, Lazada, eBay…. Many companies have been retrenching their staff in recent months. From the company’s viewpoint, this …

EMCC Supports Retrenched Employees of Lazada

Published January 2024
The recent surge in retrenchment cases has been distressing, disappointing, and devastating. After journeying with many who’ve come to EMCC seeking help during unemployment, we understand how difficult losing your job, especially if it came unexpectedly, can be. As a …

Beyond an Object

Published December 2023
What led Anwar to seek counselling and how did it improve his life?   In this exciting new release of EMCC’s latest video campaign, Beyond the Object, we feature Anwar, an individual who sought counselling help at our centre to …

Looking Back on 2023 with EMCC

Published December 2023
In 2023, EMCC continued to journey with our clients to better mental health as they navigated struggles and challenges with EMCC by their side, helping them through life’s various seasons as they looked towards re-balancing their mental health and restoring …

Words of Hope

Published December 2023
Dr Kenny Tan is not only EMCC’s Board Chairman, but also an avid poet, amongst many other things. Below are some of the poems that he has penned, which EMCC has made into postcards.    These postcards have touched many at …

EMCC Appoints new Executive Director

Published October 2023
Elaine Tan is a veteran professional in the non-profit sector with specialist skills in strategic planning, branding and communication, and resource mobilisation in addition to her management skills in leadership. She has close to 20 years of extensive senior management …

Ming’s Story – Death of My Baby Almost Drove Me to Suicide

Published October 2023
After suffering an ectopic pregnancy, Ming was consumed by inexplicable grief and pain. Thoughts of suicide crossed her mind as she looked out her room’s window – but at that moment, she miraculously received a message to seek help from …

The Window of Tolerance

Published October 2023
Sapna Mathews, Senior Counsellor Imagine around 200,000 years ago, you were walking through a jungle and a tiger appeared. Unlike the tiger that has claws and fangs, a human is pretty helpless in the wild. He/She can only rely on …

Bad Blood in the Office?

Published September 2023
Relationships are tough enough. But when you throw in the added stressors of the workplace – responsibilities, deadlines, and competition – conflicts are bound to arise. Unfortunately, most of us won’t have the luxury of leaving the company or cutting …

The Tapestry of Friendship

Published September 2023
By  Sapna Matthews, Senior Counsellor I was 15 and going through my first heartbreak. I had just found out the guy I had been crushing on for more than a year wasn’t into girls who wore glasses. And I had …

Tapestry of Hope Campaign

Published September 2023
As we run towards the end of 2023, EMCC is organizing the Tapestry of Hope campaign to raise funds and we hope you will support our cause. For over 25 years, EMCC has sought to bring hope and restore relationships …

How to achieve attuned, age-appropriate parenting?

Published August 2023
How to achieve attuned, age-appropriate parenting? By Sapna Matthews, Assistant Senior Counsellor Most moms and Dads describe the moment they saw their child’s face after delivery as a moment of deep emotions. As they hold their fragile, tiny newborn, I …

Amanda’s Journey

Published August 2023
“I’ve gained the courage to live coherently, to behave as I feel, and I’ve never been happier.” Amanda* writes about her journey. Amanda’s Journey* I was never one to party, drink, or stay out late. But during the first few …

Trauma Expert Answers Our Questions

Published August 2023
This July, Dr Rhoton, CEO of Arizona Trauma Institute, returned to collaborate on a series of trainings and talks with EMCC.   From 24 – 29 July, he successfully conducted 2 trainings for clinicians at Amara Hotel: Certified Clinical Trauma …

Wrapping Up: Better Mental Health for Better Relationships

Published August 2023
From May to August, we launched our “Better Mental Health for Better Relationships” campaign, where funds raised went to providing subsidised counselling services for those from lower-income households.   This campaign was matched dollar to dollar by the Tote Board’s …

Together We Thrive: The Peer Support Network

Published July 2023
‘Together We Thrive: The Peer Support Network’ How do peer support groups help with job-related trauma? Written by Sapna Matthews, Assistant Senior Counsellor   “We rise by lifting others.” ― Robert Ingersoll Peer Support Groups are as varied as the needs …

How Does Neuroscience-Informed Counselling Promote Healing?

Published July 2023
How Does Neuroscience-Informed Counselling Promote Healing? Written by Dawn Tan, Head of Counselling, Gottman Level 3 Therapist, and Neurofeedback Therapist. Introduction Mental health and wellness are integral components of a fulfilling and balanced life. However, navigating the complexities of mental …

Enhancing Mental Well-being and Suicide Prevention

Published July 2023
Enhancing Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention: The Role of Good Mental Wellness, Limbic System Therapy, and Counselling in Singapore Written by Dawn Tan, Head of Counselling, Gottman Level 3 Therapist and Neurofeedback Therapist In light of the alarming number of …

Take Charge of Your Career @ Suntec

Published July 2023
Take Charge of Your Career @ Suntec On 15 & 16 July, EMCC took part in Workforce Singapore (WSG)’s initiative to bring job seekers new insights and opportunities.   A booth was set up to offer our services and answer …

Bettering Our Mental Health Together

Published June 2023
How donations help to support better mental health When we think about making a positive impact by giving back to our community, the first thing that pops into mind is often volunteering. Some may prefer volunteering over other means of …

Upcoming Trauma Informed Trainings: Enhancing Skills and Knowledge for Trauma-related Care

Published June 2023
Last year, EMCC successfully conducted our first run of the Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual Training with Dr Rhoton, CEO of the Arizona Trauma Institute (ATI). Nearly 100 professionals attended this 3-day course held in-person at Holiday Inn Express …

Life is like a yo-yo: My personal account on resilience.

Published June 2023
Written by Yvonne Foo, Counsellor and Gottman Level 3 Therapist.   6 years ago, I resigned from my first job. After investing 18 years of my youth into this job, I decided that it was time to leave. I wasn’t …

Navigating your healing journey: Insights from your Therapist

Published June 2023
Written by Sapna Mathews, Assistant Senior Counsellor   “How wounded memories could be holding you back from achieving your maximum” The human brain is a masterpiece. It controls memory, thought processes, emotions, behaviors, vision, breathing, temperature, motor skills, hunger, and …

“I need to talk to someone !!” A personal reflection on what led me to become a counsellor.

Published May 2023
Written by Sapna Mathews, Assistant Senior Counsellor When my brother came to me in his time of need, I felt so helpless. That’s when I decided I needed to be ready for whoever comes next for help. This is my …

A Neuroscience-Informed Approach to Trauma Recovery: Understanding the Brain and Treatment Strategies

Published May 2023
Written by Joachim Lee PBM, Senior Principal Psychotherapist Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s well-being and interest in trauma recovery has been growing. Read on to learn how neuroscience-informed treatment strategies have been developed to help individuals …

Counselling, Brain, and Good Mental Health

Published May 2023
Written by Dawn Tan, Senior Psychotherapist The integration of counselling and knowledge about the brain can unlock a wealth of potential. Read on to find out how this combination can help individuals improve their mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives. …

How Counselling Helped Me Overcome Depression and Anxiety

Published May 2023
Depression and anxiety had a profound impact on my life, even the simplest of tasks seemed insurmountable. But with the help of my counsellor, I found relief. Thus began my personal journey to regaining control of my life.   Anonymous …

Out of the Darkness and Into the Light – A Personal Journey

Published April 2023
I lost someone, and years of struggling in the dark followed. Find out more about how I picked myself up, and how counselling played a part in my journey of recovery.  A personal sharing by Sarah Chung. What happened At …

I am unemployed/retrenched, How counselling can help

Published April 2023
Losing your job can be a traumatic and stressful experience. Whether you have been retrenched, laid off, or are struggling to find work, the experience can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. Counselling can be a helpful …

How children and youth can benefit from counselling

Published April 2023
Counselling is a form of therapy that helps individuals overcome emotional, mental, or behavioural challenges. It is not just limited to adults but can also be beneficial for children and youth who are facing difficulties in their lives. In this …

Benefits of counselling for your good mental health

Published April 2023
There are many ways in which counselling can play a significant role in improving your mental health. Find out more about what counselling can do for you today from our own Senior Psychotherapist, Dawn Tan.   Benefits of counselling for …

Trauma Resolution

Published March 2023
While some trauma treatments require that you retell what happened over and over again, Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) is a treatment method that does not force you to bond with the past emotional pain. Dr. Mike Deninger explains.   …

Using EMDR to treat Trauma: A personal journey

Published February 2023
The use of EMDR has helped many to move on from trauma memories and experience hope in their lives once again. In this article, EMCC’s own counsellor and EMDR practitioner, Ms Sapna Mathews, shares a few personal client stories.   …

A Better Way to Interact with Neurodiversity

Published February 2023
Neurodiversity is complicated, misunderstood and often seen as something to be “fixed” or even “cured”. Get a glimpse on the salutogenic approach towards neurodiversity and its effectiveness in this article by Dr. Robert Rhoton, CEO of Arizona Trauma Institute.   …

Treating the Neurology

Published February 2023
Wouldn’t it be easier to treat someone’s neurological problem by analyzing how their brain functions? Learn more about “Brain Mapping”, how a powerful tool called Clinical Q works to collect brain data, and how it is relevant in therapy.   …

Impact of Developmental Trauma

Published January 2023
Recognizing and understanding what Developmental Trauma is can help children and adult survivors of various trauma seek effective treatment and lead healthier lives. Joachim Lee shares that treatment that engages the Limbic System can be the key to healing.   …

An Integrative Approach

Published January 2023
The combination of Neurofeedback, Clinical Hypnosis and Counselling as an integrative treatment method offers a powerful way to reduce symptoms, enhance functioning, and promote well-being. It can solve mental health issues and help clients improve quality of life.   An …

Mental Wellness with Clinical Hypnosis

Published January 2023
What is Clinical Hypnosis? Is it effective? If you are looking for an alternative and effective treatment modality to help you or someone you love in your/their mental health journey, Clinical Hypnosis may be the right approach for you.   …

Jubilee Joy

Published November 2022
This milestone year for EMCC began with a special 25th anniversary logo, an inaugural Mental Health conference, and finally, Jubilee Celebration lunch to raise funds and thank the partners and friends who have walked with EMCC over the years.   …

Trauma Release

Published November 2022
Trauma, whether caused by a single event or a long-drawn accumulation of negative experiences can affect an individual’s quality of life. Trauma causes distorted thinking, poor emotional management, and a dysregulation of your Autonomic Nervous System. EMCC Executive Director Joachim …

New Counselling Tier

Published November 2022
For some, the cost of counselling may be an obstacle to getting help. To address this, EMCC is partnering with students currently enrolled in a Master of Counselling programme to provide counselling at a lower fee.  Executive Director Joachim Lee …
Counselling (Vecteezy.com)

How Counselling Services Benefit Our Community

Published October 2022
How do counselling services benefit our community? Through counselling one individual at a time, we help to cultivate a gentler and kinder society, improve the level of care, build resilience in the next generation, and ultimately, the wider community.  When …

Would you like to help someone today?

Published October 2022
Over the years, EMCC has journeyed with thousands of adults, children and families. Learn more about their experiences from these testimonies in their own words.  And find out how you can also help someone overcome their mental health challenges.   …

Touching Lives

Published September 2022
Since 1997, EMCC has helped thousands of adults, youth and families, to overcome mental health challenges, resolve conflicts and repair relationships through counselling, mediation and training. Hear the testimonies of those whose lives we have touched.  Hear also from those …

Letter to Parents

Published September 2022
This Dear Parents letter is for those with children taking their first steps to independence – embarking on tertiary education.  EMCC Counsellor Sapna Mathews shares advice and tips as a counsellor, and as a mother going through the same experience. …

Ready to Launch?

Published September 2022
If you are starting tertiary education here or abroad, this letter is for you.  EMCC Counsellor Sanny Chen writes from her own experience and those of youth she meets in counselling sessions.  If you know someone else embarking on this …

Updates and Upcoming Events

Published August 2022
Sanny Chen makes a heartfelt appeal on behalf of young people.  Announcing another run of Gottman Clinical Training Levels 1 & 2, and a Peer Support Group for unemployed jobseekers who are coping with retrenchment or a career transition.   …

Decoding Mental Health

Published August 2022
  Decoding mental health Anxiety, bullying, divorce, or stress can affect our mental health. What are the symptoms of poor mental health? When is it time to seek professional help? What can a counsellor do to help? We get answers …

Betrayal and Broken Trust

Published August 2022
Betrayal destroys safety and trust in relationships instantaneously. Drawing on her many years of experience, EMCC Head of Counselling Ng Ai Ling, provides insights and advice on the challenges and the long road to rebuilding trust after betrayal.   Why …

Upcoming Events

Published July 2022
  Over the next few months, we have several training courses and development programmes for social service and clinical professionals.  We also have educational talks for the public. Some of these events are supported by donors, making it possible for …

Chairman’s Annual Report Message

Published July 2022
In 2021, EMCC served more counselling clients, provided training to more professionals, and delivered more workshops to students. EMCC Chairman Dr. Kenny Tan sums up the year in his message in the Annual Report for FY21. EMCC’s Annual Report covers …
Conflict

Managing Conflict

Published July 2022
Conflict situations are inevitable, especially in a densely populated urban centre like Singapore.  Lau Li-Choo explains how we can better manage ourselves in a conflict.   Managing Conflict Conflict is something everyone experiences from time to time as we engage …

EMCC Jubilee

Published June 2022
Since 1997, EMCC has helped thousands of clients to overcome mental health challenges, resolve conflicts and repair relationships. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we are organising a Jubilee Appeal with a fundraising luncheon on 18 November 2022.   …

About Adulting: Is It OK To Feel THIS Anxious?

Published June 2022
‘Is it OK to feel this anxious?’ is part of About Adulting,  a new series of talks designed for young adults and their parents to help them better understand and cope with the challenges of adulting.   Is it OK …

The Healing Power of Play

Published June 2022
Play Therapy for children is now available at EMCC. How does it work? What type of issues can it help address? What is the role of parents in Play Therapy? Sapna Mathews, Counsellor and certified Play Therapist, answers your questions. …

Youth Mental Health

Published May 2022
The mental health of young people in Singapore is a growing concern. EMCC launches #YourLoveBringsHope appeal to raise funds to Support our Youth. EMCC goes on Fresh Off The Pod to answer questions from the podcast hosts and listeners.   …

Training Focus on Trauma

Published May 2022
This July, EMCC is organising three events for clinicians, all with a focus on trauma, in partnership with Arizona Trauma Institute.  The key to helping clients heal and recover is in knowing how to recognise and resolve the trauma.   …

EMCC 25th Anniversary Conference

Published May 2022
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, EMCC will present its inaugural Mental Wellness Conference: New Paradigms and Competencies, in partnership with Arizona Trauma Institute (ATI).  It will feature keynote speakers Dr Robert Rhoton and Dr Mike Deninger.   Eagles …

A Game Changer and a Huge Thank You

Published April 2022
In 2021, EMCC training participants jumped from fewer than 200 to over 1,600 and Counselling sessions increased by more than 30%.  What happened and what is the connection to donations? We explain and say a huge Thank You to everyone …

Resolving Disputes, Preserving Relationships

Published April 2022
Every conflict is different. But all conflicts involve relationships. The hallmark of EMCC’s mediation services is our focus on the people and the relationships involved in the disputes. EMCC Mediation Specialist Lau Li-Choo explains.   Helen and Wesley were siblings …

Understanding Addiction

Published April 2022
When does an addictive behaviour become destructive? What makes some individuals more susceptible to developing an addiction than others? EMCC Executive Director and Senior Principal Psychotherapist, Joachim Lee, relates Linda’s story to provide some answers.   Understanding Addiction from a …

Tanya’s Story

Published March 2022
Tanya* is 31 and married. She works as a Senior Social Worker, a role which revolves around giving help and support to others in need. Facing tremendous challenges and stress at work, she finally decided to seek help for herself. …

The 7PP is back!

Published March 2022
The 7PP is back! Do you feel you and your spouse are not as close as you used to be? Are you getting married soon and want all the tips you can get on having a good marriage? Then the …

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Published March 2022
Studies have shown that individuals who have had an Adverse Childhood Experience are more likely to develop mental and physical illnesses in adulthood. EMCC Counsellor Sanny Chen explains.   What is ACE? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2000), …

Training Dates and Other Announcements

Published February 2022
New dates for Gottman training, Clinical Supervision and Marriage Preparation Programme have been announced. Also, EMCC appoints a new Executive Director.   Training Dates and other Announcements New dates for Gottman training, Clinical Supervision and Marriage Preparation Programme have been …

Adam’s Journey

Published February 2022
“I found myself struggling to juggle the demands placed on me. Seeing how I was quite close to actually carrying out my suicidal thoughts scared me a lot.” Adam* writes about his journey.   Adam’s Journey* Last year I started …

Trauma and Recovery

Published February 2022
What are the symptoms of trauma? How does one recover from it? EMCC Senior Psychotherapist Dawn Tan provides some answers and advice. Trauma is not what happens to you… To paraphrase Dr Gabo Mate, a renowned Hungarian Canadian physician who …

What is Grief?

Published November 2021
What does grief feel and look like? When does normal sadness become a concern? EMCC Counsellor and certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Ms Chew Hwee Min, answers your questions.   Q: What does grief feel and look like? CHM: Grief is …

Workplace Stress

Published November 2021
There are many situations at the workplace that could be sources of different levels of stress. When does that stress become problematic? EMCC Counsellor Ms. Sanny Chen provides some insights and advice.   Q: Why is stress bad for us? …

A Letter from EMCC Executive Director

Published November 2021
As more people than ever experience stress and anxiety, EMCC’s mission is even more important today. EMCC Executive Director Jeannie Chiu explains.   After almost two years of learning to live with Covid-19, some of us have almost forgotten what …

5 Things you may not know about EMCC

Published October 2021
What is the most common presenting issue for counselling cases at EMCC? What percentage of EMCC clients qualify for subsidised fees? Executive Director Jeannie Chiu provides some answers and insights into EMCC. 1. What is the most common presenting issue …

Cheng’s Story

Published October 2021
Last year, almost in desperation, Cheng* and husband came to EMCC to seek help for her two children.  A year later, she sees herself and the world in a completely different way. Tell us a bit about yourself and what …

Relationship Red Flags

Published October 2021
What do couples mostly fight about? Why am I always the one giving in? When should I start worrying about my marriage? Joachim Lee, who is a Level 3 Gottman Method Couples Counsellor answers your questions. Q: What is the …

Paradoxical Ideas for your Mental Health 

Published September 2021
Want personalised advice to improve your mental well-being? The advice one finds online is usually generic in nature, meant for the “average” person and may not suit your particular situation or time of life. Want some personalised advice to improve your …

Questions about Counselling you’ve always wanted to ask

Published September 2021
    How does counselling help exactly? Should I choose a male or female counsellor? How many sessions would I have to attend?  We interview EMCC Head of Counselling, Ms Ng Ai Ling, to get answers to these and other …

Is my child feeling stressed?

Published September 2021
By Joachim Lee, Principal Psychotherapist, EMCC It’s exam time and you’re worried about your children. How are they coping? Your son seems to be on his computer all the time. Your daughter seems to be always on the phone talking to …

What is Mediation?

Published August 2021
Mediation is an assisted negotiation process. The mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between parties to help them uncover their true interests and needs.  Often these interests or needs, when surfaced, turn out to be quite different …

Gottman Method Training

Published August 2021
Our Gottman Clinical Training is back! The course is VCF-approved and will be conducted online this year.  Hear from Dr. Dave Penner who will personally answer your questions. For registration and more information, please visit https://emcc.org.sg/training-education/for-professional/gottman-clinical-training-2/   The Gottman Method of …

Connor’s Journey

Published August 2021
Connor* is 60 years old and has two grown children from his first marriage. Last year, when his mother died after an illness, he met his siblings and other family members to discuss arrangements and issues arising from her passing. …

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