Safe Space #NoFilter Counsellor Stories — Meet Joan Chia
We know how daunting it can be to pick your a counsellor; with so many options and considerations, you probably have no idea where to start!
Here at Safe Space, we want to make sure that you and your counsellor are a good match.
Enter #NoFilter counsellor stories. In this series of interviews, we’ll feature different counsellors so you better understand why they got started, their views on mental wellness, and much more.
For our first interview, meet Joan Chia!
By: Nicole Friets
How did you get into counselling?
It’s a pretty long story but it started when I was a secondary school teacher. For some reason, many students started to come to me to talk about their psycho social problems (especially in regard to divorces or other life changes). At the point, I had no idea how to help them and was then introduced to the concept of counseling after attending a Teacher Counsellors course.Ironically, not long after, I went through a major loss myself; losing my (then) boyfriend to leukemia. This affected me for a good few years. As if that wasn’t enough, I lost my nanny to cancer and a break up in a span of a few years which eventually led to me seeking counselling. I didn’t feel like anyone understood the pain I felt and counseling proved to be very beneficial in increasing my self awareness and helping me deal with the immense grief I felt.
Meanwhile, as a teacher, I continued to help students who kept approaching me. I finally decided to enrol in a Specialist Diploma counseling course; it was very hard to get a space but I managed to and this made me consider how it was part of God’s will for me to “pay it forward” with the help I had received.
After the course, I was even more convinced that counselling was the area I wanted to specialise in despite having to put in a lot of hard work.
What are some misconceptions surrounding mental health?
A big misconception is that mentally ill patients are behaving deliberately or a threat to society, and should therefore be set apart.
What are some misconceptions around seeking counselling?
Some have the misconception that counselling is only for individuals who are mentally ill. The reality is that everyone can do with counselling at some point in their life, and seeking counselling may actually help them function better later on.
Another misconception is that counselling is for the weak. In my opinion, however, those who seek counselling are actually strong. They aren’t running from their issues, which is tempting in this day and age. Instead, they are making the decision to be honest with themselves and brave enough to seek help so they can get better.
What is the toughest part about your job?
It is very difficult to work with clients who are resistant to being helped or challenge what you’re trying to do. It usually takes a longer time for any effective solution to come about when working with such clients.
What is the best part about your job?
When I see clients improve and see them better able to manage their lives.
What do you hope for the mental health scene in Singapore?
I hope for more acceptance by society and for increased recognition and attention in the area of mental health… at least as much given to physical health. In fact, so much of our physical health is linked to our mental health.
The stigma associated with mental health struggles has really led to so much unnecessary pain and suffering (even to the point of suicide). All of this could have prevented if we were more open as a society and seeking help was not such a taboo topic.
What does mental wellness look like to you?
It looks like a person who is well adjusted regardless of life’s ups and downs. It also looks like someone who is able to manage their emotions and actions in line with a fulfilling and satisfying life.
What are some tips for looking after your mental health?
Some tips include being kinder with yourself, seeking help when necessary, taking time off to reflect on how things have been, and drawing appropriate boundaries.
What is your why?
What keeps me going is remembering the individuals I have journeyed with. It is a privilege to be able to walk beside them as they work towards creating a more fulfilling life. That, in itself, gives me a sense of purpose in my own life.
Style(s) of Therapy: Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, Emotion-focused therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
