During World Mental Health Day on October 10th last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for the end of mental health stigma. He reminded us that mental health is something we all have and urged that we move away from attitudes that stop people seeking vital support. Dr. Chua Sook Ning, clinical psychologist, […]
OUR ARTICLES
Empathy, authenticity, and growth: Carl Rogers’ contributions to psychotherapy
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.’ I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” Carl Rogers was a trailblazing psychotherapist who profoundly […]
Play, emotions, and childhood: the enduring legacy of Melanie Klein
As well providing short articles that offer suggestions and tips on psychology and mental health, we wanted to introduce you to some influential figures in psychology and psychotherapy, all of whom made important contributions to the field today. Like any science, psychology continues to evolve and build on the lessons and insights gained from wisdom […]
World Autism Month: how we can move from awareness to acceptance and inclusion
Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. It’s a “spectrum” condition, meaning it affects people differently and to varying degrees. One of the criticial misconceptions about autism is that all autistic people have the same symptoms and needs. […]
Economic Cost of Untreated Perinatal Depression
This report examines the economic impact of maternal depression during the perinatal period (pregnancy
and the first year after childbirth) in Malaysia. Perinatal depression affects 1 in 8 expectant and new mothers in the country, leading to significant physical, social, and psychological consequences for both mothers and their children. Addressing maternal mental health is an urgent public concern.
“One more thing…” Spot the signs of ‘foot-in-the-door’ compliance techniques
The compliance strategy known as the “foot-in-the-door” technique is a persuasion tactic that involves making a small request that someone is likely to agree to, and then later following up with a larger request. This technique is based on the principle of consistency, as people prefer not to contradict themselves in both actions and beliefs. […]
From harm to healing: practical steps to manage self-harm
Self-harm is a complex issue, stemming from sufferers intentionally inflicting injury upon themselves as a means of dealing with emotional distress, overwhelming circumstances, or troubling thoughts. Frequently intertwined with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma, self-harm manifests in various forms, including cutting, burning, or hitting oneself. What leads someone to self-harm? The motivations […]
Eating disorders: myths & facts (and how you can help)
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders that can prevent people from seeking help or receiving the support they need. Let’s take a look at some common myths about eating disorders and the realities behind the misconceptions: […]
How small random acts of kindness can make a big difference
February might be best known as the month of love but it’s also National Random Acts of Kindness Month, where we’re reminded to show some platonic love to family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Random acts of kindness are small, unexpected gestures that aim to bring happiness to others. These acts can have a profound […]
Does the Monopoly Man wear a monacle? (Are you sure…?)
Have you ever had an experience where you are so sure you remember something as an obvious fact but it later turned out to be completely false? When I last visited my family in the UK, my sister and I were talking about our grandmother’s death in 1992. I went on to mention how her […]
Are you a Duck struggling to stay afloat? Here are some tips to handle the pressure…
Ahhh, the smell of a fresh new chapter hangs crisply in the air as we turn toward a new year of goal-setting, ambition-seeking, personal development, growth mindset, learning new skills, picking up a new language, chasing that promotion, studying for exams, investing in relationships, and taking care of ourselves with plenty of exercise, healthy eating, […]
What can I do when my client focuses on everyone except themselves?
Question: I’ve been having a few sessions with a client who consistently directs their attention towards discussing other people in their life rather than focusing on their own experiences. It seems that they are more comfortable delving into the details of their relationships, family dynamics, and friends’ issues, but when it comes to exploring their […]