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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Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, Child Development, Parenting The Counselling Place Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, Child Development, Parenting The Counselling Place

Why Boredom is Great for Kids

"I’m bored!" It’s a phrase that can instantly trigger a parent’s guilt or a frantic rush to find entertainment. But what if empty time is actually the greatest developmental gift you can give your child? Learn why boredom is crucial for your child’s development and how you can hold the boundary and step back with confidence.

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Understanding Your Child’s Mental Health: What Every Parent Should Know

Many parents wonder why their child suddenly becomes withdrawn, emotional, anxious, or constantly attached to screens. Often, these behaviours make more sense when we understand what is happening inside the developing brain says psychologist & supervised counsellor, Ewelina Sawicka.

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New Parents, Parenting, Parent Coaching The Counselling Place New Parents, Parenting, Parent Coaching The Counselling Place

Why Parenting Feels So Hard (And Why You're Not Failing)

Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences—but for many, it also brings unexpected stress, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does this feel so hard?” or “Am I doing this right?”, you’re not alone. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, shares that parenting rarely matches the expectations we carry into it, and understanding this gap is the first step toward finding balance, confidence, and support.

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Grief in Chinese Families: Why Different Generations Mourn So Differently

Grief in Chinese families is rarely simple. When someone passes away, different generations often respond in very different ways — sometimes creating tension, confusion, or even conflict. Counsellor & Parenting Coach explains how understanding these differences can help families move through loss with more clarity and less misunderstanding.

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Doctor Recommended CBT for Your Child? Here’s What It Actually Means

When a doctor recommends CBT for your child, it can feel both reassuring and confusing. What exactly is CBT, and how will it help your child manage anxiety? Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, explains understanding how this evidence-based therapy works can give you confidence in supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing and progress.

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When a Child Loses a Pet: How to Support Grief That Adults Often Overlook

When a child loses a pet, adults often underestimate the depth of the grief. But for many children, this is their first experience of loss — and it can shape how they understand love, attachment, and death. In Singapore, where pets often become emotional anchors in busy or expatriate families, this loss can feel even more significant than adults realize. Psychologist & Supervised Counsellor, Ewelina Sawicka, explains why.

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Is Discipline or Trust More Important in Parenting? What the Marshmallow Experiment Really Shows

Research shows that children’s ability to wait is strongly influenced by trust and predictability in their environment. When children trust that promises will be kept, they are more likely to delay gratification. Research shows that children’s ability to wait is strongly influenced by trust and predictability in their environment. When children trust that promises will be kept, they are more likely to delay gratification.

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Feeling Lost After Becoming a Parent? Understanding Identity Shift

Many parents don’t feel burnt out — they feel lost. Somewhere between caring for everyone else, they stop recognising themselves. This quiet identity shift — sometimes called a parent identity crisis — is more common than people realise. Psychologist Ho Shee Wai explains why it happens and how you can find your way back.

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Expatriate, Expat, Parenting, Parent Coaching The Counselling Place Expatriate, Expat, Parenting, Parent Coaching The Counselling Place

Expatriate Parenting: Raising your Children in a New Country

Moving your family to Singapore as an expatriate can feel like a dream, until the honeymoon fades and real parenting begins. Without grandparents or familiar friends you carry the invisible work of helping kids feel safe, seen, and settled. Let’s explore how how you can best support your family during the transition.

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Breathe for Calm: Family Emotional Health

In today’s fast-paced world, many children and parents feel overwhelmed, anxious, and constantly “on edge.” The good news is that calm can begin with something as simple as a breath. Counsellor & Parenting Coach introduces easy, science-based breathing techniques families can use together to strengthen emotional regulation, reduce stress, and build lifelong resilience.

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Modeling Holiday Priorities: How Parents Can Create Calm, Connection & Meaning for Their Kids

The holiday season promises joy, connection, and festive magic—but for many parents, it also brings overstimulation, expectations, and an endless to-do list. Children don’t learn holiday values from what we tell them; they learn from what we model. When our behaviour shows connection, gratitude, empathy, and emotional regulation—even in busy seasons—we give our children a powerful roadmap for how to navigate stress and celebrate meaningfully. Counsellor & Parenting Coach, Paula Brunning, discusses what will help you prioritise what truly matters and teach your children the heart of the holidays through your everyday actions.

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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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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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