Mental health is a significant concern in Singapore, just like in many other parts of the world. The pressure to excel in academics, career, and personal life can take a toll on individuals, leading to various mental health issues. According to a study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Singapore, about 1 in 7 Singaporeans has experienced a mental health disorder in their lifetime. This statistic highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and seeking professional help when necessary.
The myth of mental illness
There can be stigma and other barriers in seeking help when we struggle with stress, anxiety, fears and traumatic experiences. Some people feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for mental health problems. Some face self-judgment and criticism from others when they try to be vulnerable to their peers of loved ones.
However in most cases, what we define as a therapy process creates and reinforces the belief that there is something wrong with us! That is mindset and perspective leads to fear of being vulnerable and when a person is brave enough to confide with a friend or a loved one, sometimes the reaction is harsh, triggering more trauma.
The first radical perspective change to treating mental illness is to look at the body’s response to an emotional trigger as a normal response and a perfectly understandable physiological response. There is nothing abnormal, or wrong about a person who reacts to stress. It is a reaction.
The role of a psychotherapist
From this basis of understanding, during my psychotherapy sessions, I weave in a salutogenic approach to uncovering inner resources, capabilities, virtues and strengths to build up my clients’ dignity and hope.
This is the backbone of establishing a safe space to be vulnerable.
If a person recognizes the body’s stress response as triggered by a fight-flight-freeze response as a normal bodily function, then there is a tendency that any sense of shame and guilt of seeing a therapist can be reframed.
It is important to remember that there is no shame in seeking help for mental health problems. Mental health problems are just like any other health problem, and they can be treated effectively. In fact, the initial reaction from the body isn’t the problem. It is a normal response. What is important to develop would be skills and habits that would help guide the person’s decisions before and after an emotional trigger.
This doesn’t mean you do not seek help. It just helps you navigate to where the problem really is. That typically requires a therapist to guide you through in a safe and secure manner, to uncover the emotional triggers, negative self-beliefs, and the chain of experiences which created our mindset and how we behave leading up to the present moment.
Hence, ff you are struggling with a mental health problem, it is important to talk to your doctor or a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists are mental health professionals who help individuals overcome emotional and psychological difficulties through various therapeutic techniques. They are trained to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. The role of a psychotherapist goes beyond just listening.
They use evidence-based therapies to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work towards their goals. By building a strong therapeutic alliance, psychotherapists create a supportive environment where clients can feel understood and supported on their journey towards mental well-being.
My Inner Child Clinic approach to psychotherapy in Singapore
The core belief behind the psychotherapy sessions is that instead of focusing on coping and dealing with a traumatic experience as a problem or worse, an illness, our clients are encouraged to see aspects where they demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience and then help them develop skills to mood regulate and calm the physiological response when emotionally triggered. As part of this healing process, different techniques common in psychotherapy such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioural theory can be weaved into the talk therapy process. In most cases, the outcome can be more effective with a trained clinical hypnotherapist.
The salutogenic approach to trauma healing is a strengths-based approach that focuses on personal resilience and healing abilities. This approach emphasizes the demonstrated capabilities, virtues and strengths in the person going through trauma and to seek an alternate perspective and meaning in the experience of trauma. Thereafter, working with the client to develop new strategies for mental resilience.
The salutogenic approach to trauma healing is based on the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal from trauma. It is important to remember that trauma is not a weakness, but rather a challenge that can be overcome. The salutogenic approach helps individuals to see themselves as survivors, and to focus on their strengths and abilities.
The salutogenic approach to trauma healing is a comprehensive approach that can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. It can be helpful for individuals who are struggling to cope with the effects of trauma, and who are looking for ways to find meaning and healing.
Finding a psychotherapist in Singapore.
There are several psychotherapists in Singapore and many non-profit organisations providing psychotherapy services. However it is important to research on a therapist which is suitable for you.
At My Inner Child Clinic, I help let my client’s inner light shine. This means that we jointly focus on the strengths, capabilities and resources of a person, building up confidence and hope that was otherwise missing when a client of mine feels trapped, lost and confused.
If you are struggling with a problem that is interfering with your life, psychotherapy can help you to understand yourself better, make changes in your life, and improve your overall well-being.
Hence, I would suggest thoroughly researching on a suitable therapist, preferably trauma informed and someone who builds up a person and comes across as understanding and show good listening. This aids the building of a rapport between therapist and client and when therapeutic alliance is formed, the therapy will be more effective.
One sure way is to have a chat with a therapist or ask questions before the session and to get an idea of the therapists’ approach.
About Bernadette Chin, psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist at My Inner Child Clinic
I’m Bernadette Chin, psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and nutritionist and I practice at My Inner Child Clinic, a psychotherapy and hypnotherapy clinic in Singapore, focused on trauma recovery and inner child healing.
I help individuals and couples master their lives. I believe in your potential to grow, because I have been privileged to see it happen to my clients after they complete their programmes with me.
My Inner Child Clinic Location
My therapy sessions are conveniently located at 36 Carpenter Street, Singapore 059915 on weekends and 9 Sin Ming Road, Thomson V One Singapore 575630.