Newsletters

Subscribe to our Newsletter

“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 …

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 …

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. …

Subscribe to our Newsletter