Welcome to our mental health blog!

Never stop learning with our blog bites. Here, we'll share strategies and insights into counselling, psychotherapy, psychology and common concerns. From relaxation strategies and self-improvement tools to managing anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns, as well as introductions to different therapeutic approaches, we’ve got it all covered!

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Neurodiversity, ADHD, Adult Autism, Autism The Counselling Place Neurodiversity, ADHD, Adult Autism, Autism The Counselling Place

Neurodivergent vs Neurotypical: Key Differences, Real Strengths & How to Celebrate Brain Diversity

Brains do not come in one default setting. The terms neurodivergent and neurotypical help us name something that has always been true—some people’s brains process communication, learning, senses, and structure differently, often bringing exceptional strengths like creativity, hyperfocus, and detail-driven problem solving, while navigating invisible barriers in education, workplaces, and social expectations built around “typical” norms. Counsellor Lim Swee Chen helps you understand these differences without judgement, reframe challenges with compassion, and discover the joy that comes when you stop masking or comparing, and begin celebrating brain diversity in yourself, your children, and your community—especially across Singapore and Malaysia where cross-border adults are increasingly exploring their neurodiversity journey later in life.

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Parenting, Guilt The Counselling Place Parenting, Guilt The Counselling Place

Parental Guilt: Why It Shows Up & 7 Proven Ways to Soften Its Grip (Even When You Feel Like You’re Failing)

Parental guilt shows up in the smallest moments—a sharp tone you regret, a milestone you fear you missed, or the quiet sting of comparing your real life to someone else’s curated parenting highlight reel. It’s one of the most universal yet least openly discussed parts of being a parent. Guilt isn’t proof that you’re failing—it’s evidence that you care deeply and want to protect, show up, and do right by your child. But when guilt becomes automatic and constant, it can drain confidence, overload your nervous system, and turn everyday parenting into a heavier emotional load than it should be. This article unpacks why guilt appears, the thinking traps that keep it looping, and the gentle, therapist-approved ways to soften its grip so you can parent from connection, resilience, and self-compassion—without chasing an impossible standard of perfect with Counsellor, psychotherapist, & parenting coach, Shifan Hu-Couble.

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Reviving Your Connection: How a Sexologist Can Help You Reignite Intimacy

Feeling close but miles apart? A sexologist offers a safe, practical path to rebuild trust, desire, and connection—so intimacy feels natural again. Learn how with Clinical Sexologist & Relationship Counsellor, Dr Martha Tara Lee, of The Counselling Place Singapore.

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Depression, CBT, Cognitive Distortion The Counselling Place Depression, CBT, Cognitive Distortion The Counselling Place

How Unhealthy Thinking Fuels Mental Health Challenges (And How CBT Helps)

Unhealthy thinking patterns often operate beneath the surface of mental health struggles, quietly shaping our emotions, decisions, and relationships. In psychology, these habitual errors are known as cognitive distortions—biased mental shortcuts that twist how we interpret ourselves, others, and life events. While everyone experiences them occasionally, when distortions become automatic and repetitive, they can fuel depression, intensify stress, and drain hope. The good news? These patterns are learned, meaning they can also be unlearned. With the right tools, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), distorted thoughts can be challenged, reframed, and replaced with healthier perspectives that lighten emotional burdens and restore a sense of control. Learn how with Counsellor, Paula Brunning, of The Counselling Place Singapore.

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Asking Questions as a Strategy to Build Cooperation and Problem Solving in Your Child

Instead of telling your child what to do, try asking questions that spark thinking, problem solving, and confidence. Discover how curiosity-based parenting builds independence and strengthens your bond with Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning.

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Couple Counselling, Marital Counselling, Relationship The Counselling Place Couple Counselling, Marital Counselling, Relationship The Counselling Place

When One Partner Isn’t Ready: How to Understand & Ease Resistance to Couples Therapy

It’s common for one partner to feel ready for couples therapy while the other feels unsure, anxious, or defensive. This doesn’t mean they don’t care — often, it means they are afraid of being blamed, judged, or misunderstood. In this article, Counsellor Lim Swee Chen explores where that fear comes from and how couples can approach therapy together in a way that feels safer, more respectful, and collaborative.

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Debunking 8 Sexual Myths That Quietly Hurt Intimacy

We live in the information age—yet sexual myths still shape what happens in the bedroom. This guide by Sex Therapist & Relationship Counsellor, Dr Martha Tara Lee, dismantles eight big misconceptions with research-based truths you can actually use, so you can swap shame for confidence and build deeper intimacy.

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Connection as a Couple: Too Close? Too Far? What Is the Appropriate Distance for Us?

Are you and your partner feeling too distant or too entangled? Discover the secret to a healthy, thriving relationship by finding the right balance between independence and togetherness. Learn how interdependency—built on appreciation, communication, and shared growth—can strengthen your bond with Psychologist, Ho Shee Wai.

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Anger Issues, Anger Management, Emotion, Emotional Awareness The Counselling Place Anger Issues, Anger Management, Emotion, Emotional Awareness The Counselling Place

When Anger Controls You: Understanding the Roots of Uncontrollable Rage

When anger takes the wheel, it can feel faster than your logic and bigger than the moment. This guide explains why rage can hijack your body and mind—and the practical steps that help you slow it down, repair connection, and regain control. Learn how with Counsellor, Soolin Choi.

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How Do I Motivate My Child or Teen? A Practical Guide

Every child wants to do well—when they feel they can. If your child or teen seems “unmotivated,” it’s usually not laziness. It’s a signal: I’m overwhelmed, unsure, or exhausted. Psychologist, Ho Shee Wai offers calm, practical steps to rebuild motivation at a pace that actually works—without shouting matches or endless nagging.

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Love on the Spectrum: Building Neurodiverse Relationships in Singapore

Love can look and feel different on the spectrum—and that difference can be a strength. Counsellor, Lim Swee Chen offers clear, compassionate tools for autistic and neurotypical partners to communicate better, honour sensory needs, and rebuild connection. If you’re seeking neurodiverse couples therapy in Singapore or simply clearer ways to connect, this guide offers practical, judgment-free steps.

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Expat, Expatriate, Men's Issues, Communication, Emotion The Counselling Place Expat, Expatriate, Men's Issues, Communication, Emotion The Counselling Place

How Men Can Show Up Emotionally for Their Partners

Being emotionally available isn’t about saying more—it’s about showing up with presence. Counsellor Nicholas Smith gives busy, expat-life men simple, research-informed habits (evening check-ins, “turning toward” bids, and self-awareness) that strengthen connection fast.

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Divorce, Grief The Counselling Place Divorce, Grief The Counselling Place

Grief After Divorce: Heal, Reclaim, and Rebuild

Divorce isn’t just a legal event—it’s a profound emotional rupture. Counsellor Paula Brunning offers a compassionate, evidence-informed path to feel, heal, and steadily rebuild your life after loss, including when the relationship involved manipulation or control.

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Divorce, Post-Divorce, Dating, Online Dating, Relationship The Counselling Place Divorce, Post-Divorce, Dating, Online Dating, Relationship The Counselling Place

Navigating Dating After Divorce: Rebounds, Readiness, and Real Connections

Dating after divorce can feel like stepping into another world. Some jump in quickly and end up in rebounds, while others avoid dating altogether, worried about getting hurt again. The truth? There’s no single “right time” to start. What matters is understanding your readiness, learning from the past, and approaching dating as a chance for growth and authentic connection. This guide by sex therapist & relationship counsellor, Dr Martha Tara Lee will help you navigate dating after divorce with confidence—whether you’re seeking companionship, fun, or a long-term partner.

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Self-Care, Self-Compassion, Trauma The Counselling Place Self-Care, Self-Compassion, Trauma The Counselling Place

Establishing Self-Care that is trauma-informed

Trauma leaves more than memories—it leaves imprints on the body, nervous system, and sense of self. While self-care is often promoted as bubble baths and productivity hacks, true trauma-informed self-care goes deeper. It’s about creating safety, restoring regulation, and practicing compassion in ways that honor your lived experiences. Counsellor, Paula Brunning, explores practical strategies—grounding, movement, boundaries, and daily nourishment—that can help you move from survival toward healing.

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How to turn sibling rivalry into opportunities for growth

There they go again — shouting, crying, wrestling over toys or snacks. You feel like a full-time referee, worried constant fighting will damage their relationship forever. The good news? Sibling rivalry doesn’t have to be destructive. With the right tools, it can become a pathway for growth, teaching kids resilience, empathy, and communication. In this guide, counsellor & parenting coach, Shifan Hu-Couble, unpacks the causes of sibling rivalry and share strategies to transform tension into connection.

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When Silence Isn’t Peace: Navigating Emotional Withdrawal in Relationships

In the middle of an argument, one partner shuts down—arms folded, eyes downcast, words cut off. Silence fills the room, but it’s not the peaceful kind. It’s a heavy pause that leaves both partners feeling hurt, rejected, and unheard. This is emotional withdrawal, also known as stonewalling, and while it may feel protective in the moment, it can erode trust and intimacy over time. Here’s what emotional withdrawal looks like, why it happens, and how couples can break the cycle together.

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