Mental health has been a big topic of conversation lately, and people have begun to seek therapy even in places like Singapore. If you have taken this step for a better mental state, this is good news.
However, many still don’t know what to look for when choosing a therapist. The truth is, it isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to selecting the right therapist. But this article is here to help you. Here are some things you should consider when looking for the best psychologist in Singapore:
- Qualifications: The majority of therapists in Singapore have degrees in psychology, counselling, or social work. Find certified and registered therapists from professional bodies like the Singapore Association for Counselling or the Singapore Psychological Society who are well-trained and meet ethical standards. (Kuek, et.al., 2023)
- Specialization and Experience: What problems would you like to solve through therapy? If any, check their specialisation about these problems. For instance, when it comes to anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship issues getting a therapist specialised in your area of need will make therapy more helpful. Also, ask about the extent of time they have practised up to and whether they have handled patients having similar challenges. (Lester, 2006)
- Therapeutic Approach: Therapists use cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapy (CBT). Each approach has its principles and procedures. Getting someone who shares your beliefs as a patient seeking help through psychotherapy services is critical. You can decide which you prefer as there are different therapeutic orientations. (Pisciotta, et.al., 2019)
- Cultural Sensitivity: Today, psychotherapy practice faces cultural sensitivity challenges due to its multicultural population consisting of different ethnicities in various parts of the world, including Singapore. (Roberts, 2024)
- Accessibility and Logistics: Some practical considerations include location, availability, and charges of a therapist. Therefore, select a therapist whose office is within reach, perhaps close to your residence or working area. Besides that, think about whether the counsellor offers flexible appointment times that fit well into your timetable. Nevertheless, locating a therapist who is not too expensive or accepts insurance payments is necessary because therapy is an investment in yourself. (Farhall, et.al., 2023)
- Compatibility and Rapport: The most significant component of therapy may be the relationship between you and your psychotherapist. Therapy success requires being comfortable with your therapist, who understands and supports you. When you consult or have a first session with a psychologist, observe how you interact with them. Do you feel like you are being heard? Do you perceive empathy and warmth from this person? Trust yourself and pick a mental health professional who “clicks” with you.
- Continued Participation and Progress Monitoring: You need a professional who listens and helps you understand the big picture of Singaporean idiosyncratic stressors, which could be priceless. Find somebody who will help you with your present difficulties by giving practical coping mechanisms that can be applied to daily life within Singapore.
- All-Round Method: Our mental health is embedded in different parts of our lives, ranging from physical health to relationships at the workplace and lifestyle patterns. Assess whether the therapist adopts an all-around approach to mental well-being by focusing on psychological signs and contributors to overall mental wellness. In some cases, this may include mindfulness-based practices, relaxation exercises, or even changes in therapy sessions. (Pisciotta, et.al., 2019)
- Cooperated Verdicts Making: Effective therapy is achieved when it becomes a partnership between you and the psychotherapist involved. Seek a counsellor who respects your opinion about yourself, values your independence, and collaborates with you in planning treatment decisions. A well-trained therapist will listen to what worries you during the conversation with him/her about assistance preferences and goals, then adjust his/her methods accordingly. (Farhall, et.al., 2023)
- Ethical Practices and Boundaries: When you are looking for a therapist, you should go for someone who has strong ethics and sets firm boundaries in the therapy relationship. This comprises not revealing anything personal to patients during treatment sessions, more confidentiality, and respecting patients’ needs for safety during treatment. If there is anything about therapy that makes one feel uneasy or doubtful at any given moment, he can always share this with his specialist or seek assistance from someone he trusts. (Phelan, 2004)
InPsychful: Your Partner Therapist in Mental Health and Well-Being in Singapore
We appreciate the intricacies of mental health and the distinctive battles individuals fight to maintain their well-being. We are dedicated to providing unmatched counselling services targeted to every individual’s needs so that they gain the necessary guidance and support for healthy living.
Our therapy method is all-inclusive and client-focused. We mainly concentrate on each person’s stress and the things that he/she wants to achieve. We have valid therapeutic methods backed by evidence, making us effective in treating different mental health issues. Depending on what is best for you, we provide different therapies with different theories, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based approaches.
Culturally Competent Care
Singapore is a multicultural society; for this reason, we strive to ensure cultural sensitivity in our treatment sessions. Thus, our therapists can work effectively across diverse populations. Our therapists undergo extensive training that equips them with knowledge about different cultures, enhancing respect for patients’ cultural values during individual or family therapy.
InPsychful prioritises mental health services and personal treatments according to each person’s unique needs and goals. Together with your counsellor, a personalised treatment plan specifically designed for your needs will be created. The goal is to comprehensively address all concerns related to mental health meaningfully, resulting in steps toward achieving the intended goals.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our team is professionally skilled in the provision of the best therapy services, which among others are individual therapy, group therapy, family counselling, online sessions, and so on. We aim to provide the maximum potential for care in a friendly and supporting atmosphere, thus, enabling a complete, healthy and rewarding life.
Tomorrow can be brighter if only one schedules an appointment with InPsychful today. Be our ally in mental health and wellness as we take you through healing, growth, and fulfilment.
Citations:
Lester, H. (2006). Book review. Journal of Mental Health, 15(6), 735. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230600999019
Kuek, J. H. L., Raeburn, T., Liang, A. G., & Wand, T. (2023). Mental health professionals’ perspectives regarding how recovery is conceptualised in Singapore: a constructivist grounded theory study. Journal of Mental Health, 32(4), 736–743. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2023.2182431
Roberts, R. K., Swanson, N. G., & Murphy, L. R. (2004). Discrimination and occupational mental health. Journal of Mental Health, 13(2), 129–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230410001669264
Pisciotta, M., Denneson, L. M., Williams, H. B., Woods, S., Tuepker, A., & Dobscha, S. K. (2019). Providing mental health care in the context of online mental health notes: advice from patients and mental health clinicians. Journal of Mental Health, 28(1), 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2018.1521924
Phelan, M., Stradins, L., Amin, D., Isadore, R., Hitrov, C., Doyle, A., & Inglis, Ri. (2004). The Physical Health Check: A tool for mental health workers. Journal of Mental Health, 13(3), 277–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230410001700907
Farhall, J., Castle, D., Constantine, E., Foley, F., Kyrios, M., Rossell, S., … Thomas, N. (2023). Using a digital personal recovery resource in routine mental health practice: feasibility, acceptability and outcomes. Journal of Mental Health, 32(3), 567–574. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2022.2118688